One thing I can always expect from Dogfish Head Ales, its inimitable beer creations. A new Dogfish beer is on its way to Atlanta — Dogfish Sah’tea.
Sah’tea is actually known as Sahti hailing from Finland. Sahti while a beer is a little different from general notion the term conjures up. Sahti uses a variety of common beer grains ( rye, oat, barley — malted and unmalted, and wheat.) In traditional brewings, Sahti is flavored with juniper berries. Unlike many American ales, Sahti has fewer hops, in some instances none — focusing on the berry flavor.
Back to Dogfish Sah’tea. Dogfish of course had to add unique personal touch, by caramelizing the wort with hot river rocks. (Wort is a part of the beer brewing process that has the sugars that will be fermented by yeast to make alcohol.) In this case, the yeast is German Weizen yeast. Juniper berries straight from Finland also made their way into this brew. Dogfish finishes this creation with a form of black tea made from cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and black pepper. It adds a spicy tone to the beer that is subtle, but tasty.
UPDATE! – I have tasted this new creation, and first and foremost – it is very floral. Definite notes of Chai Tea, honey and a little malty. Finishes sweet. Want to throw your taste buds for a loop- give Sah’tea a taste.
Dogfish posted some youtube videos on the process. If you want to see this actual process — take a look here http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/occassional-rarities/sahtea-0.htm
UPDATE! – I have tasted this new creation, and first and foremost – it is very floral. Definite notes of Chai Tea, honey and a little malty. Finishes sweet. Want to throw your taste buds for a loop- give Sah’tea a taste.
UPDATE! Total Wine currently carries Sah’tea – 11.99 per bottle. (Big bottles.) Taco Mac Metropolis will have it on draught the week of July 27th
