Dogfish Head Red & White Ale

Anyone who’s familiar at all with Dogfish Head knows that brewer Sam Calagione brews pretty much anything and everything.  He’s traveled the world to find very unique ingredients for use in very unique brews.  His beers defy styles, descriptions, and often logic.  His motto is “Off-centered stuff for off-centered people.”  Check out their website to see just how true this is.

The Red & White is basically a Belgian-style White beer (the White) with added Pinot Noir juice (the Red), with 11% brewed in Pinot Noir barrels, the rest brewed with oak staves. The pinot juice gives it a hazy pale gold/amber tint, while the nose has the usual White Ale notes of banana, orange peel, and spice.  There is a touch of oak as well, but it stays in the background.

Flavors are typical for the style (banana, clove), with a twinge of sweetness from the Pinot Noir.  The grapiness of the Pinot becomes a bit more evident as it warms in the glass. This was released back in February, and based on initial reviews I’ve seen, the pinot influence has faded as it has aged.

Overall, this is a great Belgian-style White with a twist any wine snob will appreciate.