(Don't talk to me about how late this post is. I don't want to hear it!)
I was wandering through the Woodman's looking for legal intoxicants, and I happened across a couple interesting brews from Dogfish Head skraight outta Milton, Delaware. One was called Immort-Ale, which rattled off a mouthful (literally and figuratively) of ingredients. The other, which really appealed to the history nerd side of me, was called Midas Touch Golden Elixir.
Midas Touch claims to owe a culinary debt to the
barrel residues found in the tomb of the actual King "Midas." It's brewed with honey, saffron, barley, and muscat grapes. Sadly, it was also around $12 for a four-pack, and I was on a strict amber budget. I took a picture with my phone to remind me to look into it later (and stare wistfully, yes), and went on my way to find the Capital Wisconsin Amber.
It was to my great delight, then, that I found Midas Touch at a little liquor store on the east side of Madison (Mahen's Liquor, for those looking for the shout-out). I expected this brew to be short-lived, given its price and relative complexity--and this was months after the original sighting. Fearing that the bottles would disappear from the shelves before my eyes, I grabbed a pack and scampered (yes, scampered) to the check-out.
The friendly clerk told me not to drink more than one a night. Strong?, I asked. Yes, he replied, but also deceptive. It has almost no alcohol taste, and will sneak right the hell up on you after two bottles. Duly noted, I said, and drove back home through an increasing snow.
This beer is truly fascinating. Dogfish Head states that it should appeal to fans of beer, wine and mead. While I'm normally skeptical of claims this broad, I have to believe that a wine fan (at least a dessert wine fan) would love this beer. Even more, the faithful application of ancient brewing secrets would make a serious mead drinker lift a mug or two. The initial mouthfeel is very creamy with a wine-y nose, but neither lingers obtrusively. Honey is the last note, which eliminates any heaviness in the brew.
I don't know how closely related this beer is to the scrapings from Midas' private afterlife stash, but I'm sure it's close. It feels ancient. For being (frankly) a rather high-minded beer, Midas Touch is very easy to drink. Which would explain the store clerk's warning. Best to limit yourself to one after dinner.
I was wandering through the Woodman's looking for legal intoxicants, and I happened across a couple interesting brews from Dogfish Head skraight outta Milton, Delaware. One was called Immort-Ale, which rattled off a mouthful (literally and figuratively) of ingredients. The other, which really appealed to the history nerd side of me, was called Midas Touch Golden Elixir.
Midas Touch claims to owe a culinary debt to the
barrel residues found in the tomb of the actual King "Midas." It's brewed with honey, saffron, barley, and muscat grapes. Sadly, it was also around $12 for a four-pack, and I was on a strict amber budget. I took a picture with my phone to remind me to look into it later (and stare wistfully, yes), and went on my way to find the Capital Wisconsin Amber.It was to my great delight, then, that I found Midas Touch at a little liquor store on the east side of Madison (Mahen's Liquor, for those looking for the shout-out). I expected this brew to be short-lived, given its price and relative complexity--and this was months after the original sighting. Fearing that the bottles would disappear from the shelves before my eyes, I grabbed a pack and scampered (yes, scampered) to the check-out.
The friendly clerk told me not to drink more than one a night. Strong?, I asked. Yes, he replied, but also deceptive. It has almost no alcohol taste, and will sneak right the hell up on you after two bottles. Duly noted, I said, and drove back home through an increasing snow.
This beer is truly fascinating. Dogfish Head states that it should appeal to fans of beer, wine and mead. While I'm normally skeptical of claims this broad, I have to believe that a wine fan (at least a dessert wine fan) would love this beer. Even more, the faithful application of ancient brewing secrets would make a serious mead drinker lift a mug or two. The initial mouthfeel is very creamy with a wine-y nose, but neither lingers obtrusively. Honey is the last note, which eliminates any heaviness in the brew.
I don't know how closely related this beer is to the scrapings from Midas' private afterlife stash, but I'm sure it's close. It feels ancient. For being (frankly) a rather high-minded beer, Midas Touch is very easy to drink. Which would explain the store clerk's warning. Best to limit yourself to one after dinner.
