Midas Touch

I’ve long held Dogfish Head brewery in high esteem, and that opinion was reconfirmed when I sampled their Midas Touch this past weekend. Midas touch is based on the oldest known recipe for a fermented drink dating back to circa 700 b.c. Turkey. This in itself lends the drink an aura of mystique. The beer is cloyingly sweet with a strong malt backbone of grain honey and white grapes. It’s rounded out with a light dose of hops (20 IBU) and saffron. For such a malty beer at 9% ABV it is surprisingly light and delicate, the saffron adds a nice subtle finish to each sip.

However, I disagree with acclaimed beer critic, Michal Jackson’s assessment of Midas touch. I did not find it to be a very complex taste experience. The taste is all up front and sweet, analogous to typical white wine; and lacks the layered complexity one might find in other beers (i.e. Trappist ales). Plus, at $14+ for a four-pack it’s not exactly a steal.

Overall the beer is welcomed departure from the norm, and the use of saffron really sets the Midas Touch apart. That in addition to the beer's exotic pedigree wins this brew a 8.75/10.