Midas Touch Golden Elixir

Midas Touch Golden Elixir Is a beer from Dogfish Head Brewery first marketed in June 2001.

The recipe for this beverage is based on the chemical analysis of residues found in clay vessels believed to date back to the 8th century BC. Originally discovered in Gordium, Turkey during a 1957 dig by archaeologist Rodney Young, the content of these vessels was left unknown for 40 years. In 1997, molecular archeologist Dr. Patrick McGovern received a phone call from a former student of his informing him of a residue on clay jars from the tomb of King Midas. Dr. McGovern quickly did chemical analysis finding all aspects of the drink except for the spicing agent but made an assumption of saffron due to regional availability. [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3469/is_29_53/ai_90317333]

In march of 2000 the owner of Dogfish Head Brewery, Sam Caligione, attended a special dinner for beer writer Michael Jackson. At this time Dr. McGovern and Mr. Caligione met and discussed recreating the brew. In early 2001 the new beverage was served at a dinner recreating the funeral feast of King Midas. At 150$ a plate the meal was a benefit to support the Chemical Archaeology program at University of Pennsylvania. [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3469/is_29_53/ai_90317333]

Currently Dogfish Head brewery only dispenses approximately 1,700-1,800 cases per month to distributors. At the time of discovery Midas Touch Golden Elixir was the oldest fermented beverage recipe discovered. Dogfish Head brewery still today holds the record with a 9,000 yr old recipe used for Chateau Jiahu, which was released in July 2007. (Clause Hagelman, National Sales Manager Dogfish Head Craft Brewery)

Recipe

Original from 2001 [http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/research/Exp_Rese_Disc/Mediterranean/Midas/recipes.shtml]
*Ingredients: yellow muscat grapes, lightly toasted 2-row barley malt, thyme honey, and saffron.
*Alcoholic Content: 7.5%

Current Recipe [http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Year_Round_Beers/Midas_Touch_Golden_Elixir/1/index.htm]
*Ingredients:barley, "white" Muscat grapes, honey and saffron.
*Alcoholic Content: 9%

External links

* [http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Year_Round_Beers/Midas_Touch_Golden_Elixir/1/index.htm Midas Touch Golden Elixir]
* [http://www.meadfest.com/ International Mead Festival award winners]
* [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3469/is_29_53/ai_90317333 Recreating King Midas' Golden Elixir]
* [http://masca.museum.upenn.edu/archaeochem.html Museum Applied Science Center for Archaeology]