$10.98 per six-pack bottles
Dogfish Head is a national treasure among craft brewers, founded in 1995 in Delaware by the legendary Sam Calagione. Shortly thereafter, Raison D’Etre (pronounced RAY-zone DET) was introduced as a companion for the steaks served in the brewpub. The label calls it a “deep mahogany ale,” but it’s also classed as a Belgian strong dark ale. It pours a clear medium brown, with a loose beige head that vanishes quickly, leaving no lacing. The nose is sweet with caramel malt, toffee and brown sugar, owing to the Belgian beet sugars in the recipe. In the mouth, it’s sweeter than the usual brown ale, the beet sugar and green raisins lifting that profile, and hop bitterness is only faint on the finish. It’s easy to see how the pleasant sweetness of this ale complements the salty and umami flavors of a steak, the contrast bringing out the subtle flavors of each. Smooth and drinkable, but be aware of the barely noticeable alcohol of 8 percent by volume. Raison D’Etre is said to be a good beer for aging, but that won’t be happening in my house. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, Del.;
Marcus Chamberland; mchamberland@denverpost.com
