Dogfish Head is set to bring holiday cheer with the return of three beloved beers – World Wide Stout, Crimson Cru, and Pennsylvania Tuxedo – and the introduction of a new Winter Variety Pack featuring an exclusive brew called The Perfect Pairing. These winter-inspired libations are hitting shelves and taps just in time for the festive season, making it easy for beer enthusiasts to impress their guests with an array of cool-weather beverages that pair perfectly with holiday meals.
Crimson Cru (7.1% ABV), created in collaboration with Brouwerij Rodenbach, is a trans-Atlantic delight that starts with Rodenbach’s Grand Cru, a Flemish red-brown ale aged in oak casks. After its journey from Belgium to Delaware, the Grand Cru is blended with a Dogfish Head red ale infused with sumac and sweet orange peel, then dry-hopped with Hallertau Blanc hops. This beer pairs wonderfully with a classic charcuterie board, its layers of flavors complementing various meats and cheeses. Plus, the captivating can design serves as a great conversation starter. The 2023 Art Series version of Crimson Cru features artwork by Natalya Bolnova, a New York-based illustrator, designer, and printmaker known for her whimsical and playful creations.
Pennsylvania Tuxedo (8.5% ABV) pays homage to the hunters and gatherers of north-central Pennsylvania. It’s a pale ale brewed with spruce tips, offering a grassy, citrusy kick enhanced by resinous conifer notes and a dry, malty foundation. This surprisingly sessionable seasonal ale is an excellent accompaniment to a rack of lamb, as its dry, balanced bitterness cuts through the fatty flavors of the meat, cleansing the palate for each delectable bite.
World Wide Stout (15-20% ABV), originally introduced in 1999, is an ageable ale crafted with an abundant amount of barley to create a dark, rich, and roasty imperial stout. This robust brew brims with warming notes of roasted malt and coffee, reminiscent of a fine port wine. It’s a superb pairing with a slice of decadent chocolate cake, as the beer’s full body and coating mouthfeel stand up to the dessert’s richness, and its roasty flavor offers a delightful contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
The Winter Variety Pack from Dogfish Head features a selection of unique brews, making it an ideal choice for parties with diverse taste preferences. It includes three cans of each of the following four beers:
- 60 Minute IPA (6.0% ABV): An iconic, continually hopped IPA known for its pungent hoppy character without excessive bitterness.
- 90 Minute IPA (9.0% ABV): One of the first Imperial IPAs, known for bold and unapologetic flavor combined with a sturdy malt backbone.
- Blue Hen Pilsner (4.8% ABV): A crisp and refreshing pilsner brewed with just four ingredients, providing a straightforward and delightful option.
- The Perfect Pairing (5.5% ABV): Created in collaboration with Cabot Creamery in Vermont, this hazy pale ale is brewed with upcycled whey, a byproduct of cheese-making, making it an ideal partner for sharp cheddar cheese.
These delightful beer options ensure that holiday gatherings are filled with both flavor and cheer. Dogfish Head Founder & Brewer Sam Calagione suggests that offering variety packs allows guests to choose their own flavor adventure, making for a memorable and enjoyable celebration.
