A Rarity, for Rarity's Sake

Last night, while celebrating American Craft Beer Week at a beer tasting event at a local watering hole, I had the unique pleasure of being introduced to a new Dogfish Head brew. I say unique because, at this point in my beer drinking career, I have had just about every beer that Dogfish offers, so if I encounter a new one, that means it’s a rarity, which means its special. The crafty masterpiece in question is called Urkontinent.

Is it Urkontinent or is it mine?

Here’s what the gang in Milton has to say about their creation: Urkontinent is a social collaboration of worldwide proportions.

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The seed was planted when Dogfish Head asked beer-loving tech types around the globe to suggest ingredients for a new off-centered ale.

A small team from the brewery (and a few of our beer-loving tech friends) then narrowed the list to five: wattleseed from Australia, toasted amaranth from South America, rooibos tea from Africa, myrica gale from Europe and honey from the United States.

The name Urkontinent, a German word for the theory that all of the continents were once connected, is a shout-out to the worldly recipe and ideas that make up this beer. The careful combination of ingredients gives this Belgian dubbel complex coffee and chocolate­covered cherry notes.

“Urkontinent is a valentine to boot-strapping creative entrepreneurs in all kinds of industries all over the world,” says Dogfish Head Founder and President Sam Calagione.

Looks almost as wonderful as she tastes

Original Release Date: 09/2011

Food Pairing Recommendations: Butternut ravioli, pumpkin soup mussels, pommes frittes, hard pecorino, or pear and fig tart with creamy cheese sauce

Wine Comparable: Oak-aged Sangiovese

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As for this blogger, all I have to say is… delicious, and a perfect addition to the Dogfish cavalcade of craftiness. Although I've never heard of any of those ingredients, other than honey, but together, they are sublime. Nicely done Dogfish.

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!