It's still 100 degrees in AZ = I am still ok drinking summer beers!

I know it is starting to snow across the country but here in sunny Arizona we broke a record when temperatures climbed to 102 yesterday. So, instead of diving into one of the fall beers in my fridge I decided to try out Dogfish Head's summer seasonal Festina Peche (pronounced peshy, in case you were wondering).

I always get a little excited and a little scared when I pick up a Dogfish Head beer. Excited for what is sure to be a trip to a new place in beerland and scared for what is almost without fail an incredibly strong beer. Festina Peche proved to appeal to the excitement but delivered it in a rarely seen low ABV of 4.5%.

This is a Berliner Weisse style of beer - what is that you ask? I had to look it up to be sure. It is a beer whose grain is half wheat, half barley and is characterized by a distinct tartness. A style that is not widely used in the US and is given a unique twist in this beer by adding peach juice during fermentation. What you get is a beer that would appeal to a cider lover, Belgian sour lover or anyone that enjoys mowing through a king size bag of sweet tarts. While tart, it does have a pleasant fruit quality from the peaches that makes it refreshing instead of pulling your mouth into a permanent pucker.

Finally a note on Dogfish Head - these guys are pioneers in the craft beer world. Spend 30 seconds on their website and you will know what I mean. Often a little more expensive than the other crafts beers out there but most definitely worth the price of admission!