Beer Review: Dogfish Head Tweason'ale

This is no foo-foo fruit beer
by Collin Keefe on Feb 13, 2012 in Beer
Beer Review: Dogfish Head Tweason'ale

Big beers with sky-high ABVs, exotic ingredients and reverse-engineered recipes unearthed from archaeological digs from around the globe typically are the hallmarks of Delaware’s Dogfish Head Brewery. But for its latest seasonal selection, Sam Calagione and company have come up with a fruit beer, made with strawberries and buckwheat honey, which they’re calling Tweason’ale.

We know what you’re thinking. A foo-foo fruit beer? From Dogfish Head?

Before you get bent out of shape and start dismissing Tweason’ale because it isn’t "off-centered" enough to be included in the portfolio of the brewery that defined extreme beers, bear in mind that this brew is part of an entirely different mission.

Calagione says Tweason’ale comes as a response to one of the most frequent requests he gets: A thoroughly Dogfish Head brew that’s safe for those with gluten intolerance issues, like celiac disease. He and his team produce it using a syrup made from sorghum, a grassy, grain-like plant whose starches do not contain gluten.

Tweason’ale joins the ranks of Dogfish Head’s other seasonal wonders, like Aprihop, Festina Peche, Punkin and Chickory Stout. When those beers finish their limited runs, Tweason’ale fills the voids, which means it should be available in 12-oz. four-packs throughout much of the year. It’s the first new label from the brewery to be distributed in four-packs in almost half a decade.

What’s interesting is that it doesn’t taste at all like a bowl of Fruit Loops with some added fizziness, as many other fruity fermentables tend to. This one actually tastes like beer.

The light-to-medium body brew pours a peachy amber color with intense clarity and thin foamy head that quickly dissipates. Whiffs of berry backed by what can only be described as malty sweetness dominate the nose. On the palate Tweason’ale’s fruitiness is even more subtle. It comes on like slightly sour stone fruit, almost reminiscent of cider, and gives way to a more traditional malty, beer-like character, which Calagione chalks up to the addition of buckwheat honey. A gentle effervescence and lingering tartness ensures it finishes crisp and dry, without any cloying sweetness.

Though indeed fruity, by no means does Tweason’ale come off as a fruit bomb. The sweetness from strawberries is carefully balanced by the buckwheat honey’s perceived malt character, which makes it a satisfying sipper, one worth trying whether you’re gluten intolerant or not.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close