I’ve always been a big fan of Dogfish Head and their creative brewing techniques and “styles.” Many years ago (maybe 2007-ish) while enjoying a Midas Touch, the bartender offered up a DFH beer I had never heard of. The beer was called Festina Pêche and it was a style I wasn’t familiar with (Berliner Weisse). Of course if you know me, you know I love all things (and beers) peach, so I was immediately in. I remember the beer not only being delicious, but also really different from most every one of the beers I was drinking at the time.
Jump forward 13-years, and I’m excited to report that Festina Pêche will be making it’s return not only as part of the new Dogfish Head Variety Pack, but also in 12oz cans in that pack. For 2020, the beer is exclusive to the variety pack and this “Neo-Berliner Weisse” is once again brewed with lactic acid and “boatloads” of peaches. If you’re not familiar, a Berliner Weisse is pushing the boundaries of “tart” and flirting with the edges of “sour.” DFH’s version is fermented with an ale yeast and lactic cultures and historically these beers were served with syrups, like raspberry or woodruff. Festina Pêche goes beyond the need for syrups with the generous natural peach sugars and it is of course an interesting twist on the style.
It’s been almost 13-years since I first tasted a Festina Pêche, and naturally I’m excited to get a chance to taste it again….so off we go.
Dogfish Head Festina Pêche
ABV: 4.5%
IBU: 8
Style: Berliner Weisse-Style
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Light straw
Aroma: Juicy peaches
Mouthfeel: Light carbonation, light bodied & acidic
Taste: Tart and slightly acidic with loads of fresh sweet peach flavor.
Overall: Festina Pêche has a really nice balance of acidic tartness and sweet ripe peach flavors. From the aromas to the flavors, this beer screams peach and the clean finish makes for a really drinkable summer beer. It’s been way too long since I had a Festina Pêche and I can’t wait to have another.
A big thank you also to Dogfish Head for sending along the other members of the Variety Pack to enjoy. 60-Minute IPA is a classic IPA and one of the first and only IPA’s I drank for many years, and of course Slightly Mighty has been one of my partners on the beach for several vacations. This is a really good variety pack for summer and for the beach and I think DFH really created a summer go-to pack..
Dogfish Head Festina Pêche is available now in 12oz cans as part of the Dogfish Head Variety Pack so get out there and try it for yourself. And when you do try it, be sure to let us know what YOU think.
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