As of late, we’ve been on a health kick that includes a bit of running, yoga, and circuit training. It comes as no surprise that we decided to give the Namaste by Dogfish Head Brewery a try. The name sold us and Dogfish Head has long been one of our favorite breweries. Their IPAs are aggressive and they continually push the boundaries of new styles and ingredients.

The Namaste beer was created in collaboration with Dogfish Head and Birra del Borgo to give aid to their close friends at 3 Fonteinen in 2009. Earlier that year, 3 Fonteinen suffered an equipment disaster, in which 100,000 bottles of beer were ruined that represented a third of their annual revenue. A portion of the proceeds of the Namaste beer was given to 3 Fonteinen. This beer was not only to help their friends, but a celebration of the Belgian brewing culture 3 Fonteinen embodies.

The style of the beer is a Belgian White made with dried orange slices, fresh-cut lemongrass and coriander. With most Belgian styles, the beer has an unmistakable robust taste and flavorful character, and the fact that this is a session style makes it even better. This beer is best had when fresh. Our sample was bottled in July and we tried it in August.

• Appearance – Clear straw yellow, thin white head, healthy carbonation
• Aroma – Coriander, lemongrass on the nose with a hint of orange citrus and banana backed by a wheaty Belgian character.
• Taste – Taste is dominated by the Belgian wheat style that comes off a bit musky followed by lemongrass, orange, and a hint of coriander. The sweet flavors come through in the finish rather than up front.
• Overall – 7/10 We’re liking the subtle flavors that make this session beer easy to drink more than one. If you’ve never enjoyed Belgian ales, this is not for you. This beer falls in the wheat category and will appeal to those looking for light simple beers that have subtle flavors, not too sweet or bitter. 

Source: Dogfish Head Brewery