Dogfish Head - Raison D'Etre

Here's another favorite of mine.  It is available year round in the Philly area.  I have been on a Barley Wine and Belgian ale kick for the last five years or so.  I just love the aroma and complex taste of these styles.  Dogfish list it as a Belgian-Style Brown Ale, I personal call it a Belgian Strong Dark Ale and pretty close to a Barley Wine.  It is made with beet sugar (I think), raisins, and Belgian-style yeast. I can't wait until I can have older vintages of this brew.  (I have case in the cellar).

The original release date was March of 1998.

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is 25. 

Style - Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use - Snifter, Tulip or Goblet
Delivery 12 oz bottle.

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - No head a very clear top. Brown or dark amber in color, a rich ruby color if you look trough the glass into a light source.
Aroma - Malty some alcohol, spice, brown sugar.
Taste - Better closer to room temperature.  Sweat and some fruits.  Very complex.  A slight hop aftertaste.
Mouth Feel - Light carbonation to none. Smooth
Drinkable -Very drinkable but watch out for the alcohol. 

This beer pairs well with cheese and deserts.  I have tried it with Maytag and Stinson blue cheese along with a verity of sharp cheeses.  It could be paired up with beef (a good steak on the grill).

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.

BeerAdvocate Rating = B

Ratebeer Rating = 96

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