Dogfish Head Looks Ancient to the Future

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Jan 5, 2010 8:40PM

Fans of craft beers know that Dogfish head's Sam Calagione is one of the more progressive brewers around. The man seems to live for coming up with a brew that's never been done. Calagione's research into the history of brewing nearly rivals that of the late Michael "the Beer Hunter" Jackson. Beginning with their "Midas Touch" ale in 1999, Dogfish Head has worked closely with Dr. Patrick McGovern of the University of Pennsylvania to recreate ancient ales using molecular evidence from archeological digs. Dogfish's "Ancient Ales" line has since grown to include Sah'tea (based on a 9th century Finnish recipe); Theobroma and Chateau Jihau, unearthed from a 9,000 year-old Chinese tomb.

Dogfish Head has been hosting Ancient Ales dinners throughout the country in recent months. two are scheduled for Chicago. The first dinner will be held Sunday, January 17, at the Publican. The dinner is part of their Sunday family-style beer dinner series. The dinner itself is $45, with beer pairings an extra $20-25. the following night Dogfish Head will host an Ancient Ales dinner at the Gage, starting with a reception at 6 p.m. The cost of the five-course dinner at the Gage is $80, all inclusive.