It has been oppressively hot recently, and while I like to enjoy some beverages, the heat sometimes makes it less enjoyable.
When that happens, I tend to look for something on the lighter side, like a white beer or light wheat ale. On a recent trip to the distributor, I asked the employees what they would recommend for porch drinking. They sent me the way of IPAs, which I’m not usually a fan of (but I did find one I did enjoy), and also recommended Dogfish Head Brewery’s Namaste White.
I have tried a variety of Dogfish Head’s beers and have never been disappointed. The brewery was founded in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, in June 1995 and prides itself on not only crafting quality craft beers but also giving back to the community that has supported it over the years. Now located in Lewes, Delaware, it is a ferry ride away from Cape May, New Jersey, and also runs a distillery and seafood restaurant plus a campground near the brewery. It offers its space to nonprofits and often donates money to support causes.
Initially the smallest commercial brewery in the United States, Dogfish Head brewed 12-gallon batches three times a day, five times a week, to keep up with the demand at its brewpub and restaurant. This has enabled it to try various recipes and develop multiple types of delicious brews. In May 2019, Dogfish Head merged with the Boston Beer Co. to expand its portfolio of craft and beyond-craft beers.
Namaste White is classified as a white ale and is a witbier crafted with dried orange slices, freshly cut lemongrass, peppercorns and a bit of coriander. This produces a unique, complex and fruity yet spicy experience.
The initial pour into a pint glass displayed a hazy, pale yellow, swirling liquid topped with a frothy, fluffy 1.75-inch head. I noticed a multitude of layered aromas: clove, orange, lemon and spice. The first taste delivered a light, refreshing mouthfeel with layers of fruity flavors followed by sweet ones and ended with a slightly spicy aftertaste. It wasn’t too bitter, either, as it clocks in with 20 International Bitterness Units. The legs hung on throughout the session and followed all the way down to the bottom of the glass.
You can enjoy this refreshing experience on a hot day or just whenever you feel in the mood for a well-crafted witbier. Produced since 2009, Namaste White has 4.8% ABV and should be enjoyed responsibly.
The brewery recommends you pair Namaste White with a roasted turkey or pasta with cream sauce, and I will definitely try that in the near future. I have added Dogfish Head to the list of breweries I plan to visit on a future road trip. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience it yet, perhaps you can add it to your vacation plans — with the bonus that you get to enjoy some fantastic craft beers, too.
Brian Hazlak lives in Kingston and reviews beers for the Liquid column. He holds a master’s degree in history from University of Scranton and works as a licensing supervisor for the Office of Children, Youth & Families in Scranton and as an adjunct professor of history at Luzerne County Community College. Contact him at hazlakb42@gmail.com.
