Dogfish Head–Tweason’ale, Noble Rot, Namaste & Aging Beer

Most of this news has already been reported on mybeerbuzz.com, but I thought you’d want to see the latest from Dogfish Head about their Gluten-Free Tweason’ale, their Occasional releases that are out now (Noble Rot & Namaste) and Sam’s recommendations for aging his beer.  From Dogfish Head…

You ask, we deliver: Gluten-free with gusto!

The No. 1 thing Dogfish Head lovers ask for at our pub, in our brewery and on our website is gluten-free beer. But not just any gluten-free beer – they want gluten-free with gusto.

"It seems as if lots of folks who have gluten-tolerance issues are pining for an interesting beer," says Dogfish founder and president Sam Calagione. "While there are a few well-made examples that mirror traditional beer styles, there aren’t any off-centered offerings."

Enter Dogfish’s fruit-forward Tweason’ale.

For our first new 12-ounce 4-packs in nearly half a decade, we replaced the classic barley foundation of beer with a mild sorghum base. The hints of molasses and pit-fruit are balanced by vibrant strawberry notes and a unique complexity that comes with the addition of a malty buckwheat honey.

Tweason’ale is a seasonal for between the seasons. The very first batch should be hitting shelves and taps right about now.

Occasional releases out now

Noble Rot: This saison science project could be our most off-centered ale in a long, long time. Fermented with fungus-infected grapes, Noble Rot is sweet, complex and delicious. Don’t be shy. 9% ABV

Namaste: This wittier bursting with good karma is back. Originally, Namaste was a collaboration brew to help out an ailing Belgian brewery. With dried organic orange slices, fresh-cut lemongrass and a bit of coriander, it quickly became a fan favorite. 5% ABV

Ask Dogfish: Aging beer

What are your general guidelines on aging beers?

Certain beers will always age better than others, but in the end, it’s a matter of opinion. Just as one person might relish in a 1978 Montrachet where another prefers a box of white zin, beer lovers often advocate (and often very passionately) in different directions, as well. At Dogfish Head, we aim to create off-centered and interesting beers that satiate both desires.

While our World Wide Stout, 120 Minute IPA and Olde School Barleywine develop intricate complexities over time (though it is important to control your cellaring environment), we also believe that other beers such as our 60 Minute IPA, Aprihop, Midas Touch and Shelter Pale Ale are at their peak when fresh.

Much of a beer’s ability to age well begins with the conception of what it may be that that particular beer should bring to the table. Aging a crisp, seltzery, low-alcohol, mild American pilsner might not be appropriate; cellaring our bold and robust, high ABV, complex World Wide Stout makes for a truly unique experience.

That being said, expect the beer to always change over extended time – whether you like that change or not is up to you!