A great catch (Dogfish Head)
Gary Monterosso visits Dogfish Head in Delaware, a brewery synonymous with the Extreme Beer movement
currently taking the USA by storm
The key to the success of any business is establishing a niche in the marketplace. This can be achieved in a couple of ways. One type of entrepreneur sees a need and fills it; another creates the excitement for the product, then releases it to meet the demand of the public.
Profiling the American beer drinker is hazardous.
Looking at the best selling beers seems to indicate a loyalty to low alcohol, golden lagers, a trend that started a few decades ago. Yet, the fastest growing sector in the industry is that of the complex, the flavours created for those who appreciate the taste of the beverage.
In some instances, these are sipping beers, much as one might savour a port or sherry. The cohesion among them is that they are being created by adventurous artisans, individuals who are looking at what exists and expanding it to a higher level. Such is the case with Sam Calagione founder and president of Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, Delaware, arguably the leader in the “Extreme Beer” movement.
In layman’s terms, this refers to those beers with a significantly higher than usual alcohol content, often candidates for aging (much like fine wines) and the incorporation of non-traditional items in the recipe.
Extreme beer makers have an interest in food pairings and use events such as gourmet dinners to showcase the flexibility of their art.
Since its inception in 1995, Dogfish Head has steadily increased its annual sales. In recent years, that growth has averaged 40- 50 per cent .....
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By Gary Monterosso
Section : Brewery Focus
Page number : 54
