Extreme tasting
When it comes to trying new things, you have to go into it with an open mind. If you’re predisposed toward a conservative approach to beer or wine, you’re probably someone who should proceed with extreme caution when tasting Dogfish Head beer.
I had a few co-workers over last weekend, and we tried a couple of the newest Dogfish Head releases available in Missoula.
Pangaea, is a ginger-flavored beer that is light on taste and ginger. It’s actually a lot less extreme than I thought, and though I don’t think it’s the most exciting beer in Sam’s lineup, I definitely see it pairing well with some Asian specialties like Korean kimchee or dim sum specialties like ginger chicken and salted squid.
Chateau Jiahu is loosely based on a chemical analysis of pottery shards found in the ancient village of Jiahu in China. You want extreme beer, this is it, at least in idea.
In reality, Chateau Jiahu is a well-balanced beer that is much lighter than one might expect from a Dogfish Head brew. The flavors of wildflower honey, muscat grapes, barley malt and hawthorn fruit are not apparent at all in this beer, but again, it doesn’t make the beer bad, just different and easily adaptable to your favorite cuisine. Give this one a try with sushi, lightly sauced stir fry or rice balls with a peanut sauce.
I think my co-workers had the same feelings about these beers. I’ve heard a lot of negative feedback about some Dogfish Head beers lately, but don’t let those comments keep you from trying these beers and making your own judgment. You may like them, and you may not like them. That choice should be yours.
Prost,
GG
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