I was looking for a light, refreshing brew to compete against the rising late-June heat and decided to open a bottle of Festina Pêche. Dogfish Head took the core qualities of a traditional Berliner Weisse and added their own spin to concoct this brewery coined "neo-Berliner". Festina Pêche is a nice summer beer but seems to be lacking something that could push it to the next level. For being one of the most experimental breweries out there, Dogfish Head stayed too close to the middle of the road on this one. After each sip, I was hoping for the initial taste of tart peach and citrus zest to be to more pronounced and amplified. I would've also preferred a crisp, lingering sourness as opposed to the mild, abrupt finish. While I didn't find this beer to be amazing, it was still relatively very good and an absolute steal at $9.99 per 4-pack. I really can't think of any other brew representing this style that you'd be able to find for $2.50 a bottle. Festina Pêche ranks much higher for me as a satisfying summertime option than a top Berliner-styled beer. Not my favorite offering from Dogfish Head, but definitely a solid brew that I'd gladly drink again.
From the Dogfish Head website: "In addition to fermentation with an ale yeast, Berliner Weisse is traditionally fermented with lactic cultures to produce its acidic (or green apple-like) character. Served as an apertif or summertime quencher, Festina is delicately hopped and has a pale straw color. To soften the intense sourness, Berliner Weisse is traditionally served with a dash of essence of woodruff or raspberry syrup.
In Festina Peche, since the natural peach sugars are eaten by the yeast, the fruit complexity is woven into both the aroma and the taste of the beer so there is no need to doctor it with woodruff or raspberry syrup. Just open and enjoy!"
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