A beer named “Midas Touch Golden Elixir” makes it hard for a brew lover to resist. This isn’t a limited edition beer, but after trying it a few years ago, I haven’t been able to find it again until recently. I remembered it to be a very unique and distinctive beer that I really enjoyed. So when I saw a four pack at “Total Wine and More” for $11.99 (ouch), I didn’t want to pass it up, regardless of the hefty price tag.
The story behind the recipe can be found at the Dogfish Head site. They claim to have taken the ingredients found in the drinking vessels of King Midas’ tomb, developing a beverage that combines elements from beer, wine, and mead to make an unique drink that they purport to be “the oldest known fermented beverage in the world”.
Some more information from the Dogfish site:
“Most remarkably, the tomb held the largest Iron Age drinking set ever found–157 vessels, including a ram-headed and lion-headed situla–for preparing, serving, drinking and libating a special beverage at the funerary feast of the king. The secrets of the beverage were revealed by the new methods of Molecular Archaeology. Dr. Patrick McGovern of the Museum discovered that the residues inside the vessels belonged to a “Phrygian cocktail,” which combined grape wine, barley beer and honey mead. Starting with the ancient chemical evidence, Dogfish Head Brewery “re-created” a marvelous golden elixir, truly touched by King Midas.”
The beer poured a beautiful golden amber, with a head so small it really doesn’t even count. The aroma was sweet and full of grapes, raisins, and honey. Upon tasting it again I remembered why I pick it up every time I see it. It is totally unlike any other beer I’ve ever had. In fact, you could easily argue that it’s not really a true beer at all. Some characteristics are present, but, all in all, the beverage really is the quasi-beer barley wine mead drink (for lack of a better description) that Dogfish Head described above. The flavor falls in line with the aroma with the fruity grape quality coming on strong in the beginning. Then it switched to honey and spice (which I assumed was the saffron mentioned on the label). It finished very malty with a tartness at the very end. Overall very sweet, but you can definitely taste all the ingredients. Plus, the richness of the flavors mask the strong alcohol level (9% for those who are counting). Although it won’t be for everyone, Midas Touch has such a unique story and flavor that I highly recommend trying it at least once.
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