For the Fifth Beer of Christmas, we may have discovered the meaning of life. At least that was the translation (more or less).
The label states that the beer is brewed with green raisins. Given
that my French only extends to fries, I assumed the name had something
to do with raisins. Raison = raisin? Seems plausible. But via Wikipedia
(the source of all knowledge), I found out that it means “reason for existence.”
Raison D’Être frothed up a nice, fine head, but it quickly dissipated
to a thin veneer. Low to no lacing on the glass. The aroma is mild but
hints at sweet fruit. Not a hoppy fruit, but something like cherries and
candied orange slices. There’s also a light undertone of alcohol. But
given the 8.0% ABV, that’s not surprising.
The surprising part was the very mild alcohol taste and warming. With
the alcohol by volume strength, I expected a stronger bite, but was
pleasantly surprised. The sweet malt and raisin (not raison) flavors
accompany other complex essences: cloves, smokiness, molasses, mild rum,
and brown sugar. Every drink is slightly different as I try to analyze
it. I think this would go well with spicy foods or steak.
Coming to the end of my third, I finally found the alcohol warming
that I expected in the taste, but it’s in my cheeks and forehead. The
taste is so smooth that the 8% ABV sneaks up on you.
By now your turkey leftovers should be running short. Grab a six pack of Raison D’Être and fire up the grill for some steaks.
Stats
Brewer: Dogfish Head Brewery
Location: Milton, DE
Website: http://www.Dogfish.com
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Alcohol Content: 8.0% ABV
Interesting Note: Similar to last night, I got interested in Dogfish Head’s brews after watching the documentary Beer Wars.
But unlike Stone Brewery’s beers, which I’d already sampled, I’d never
had a Dogfish Head beer before seeing that movie. Founder Sam Calagione
was featured prominently and was such an engaging character that I went
out the next day to find some Dogfish beer.
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