Dogfish Head Brings Back Ancient Ale Midas Touch

MILTON, Del., Oct. 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Dogfish Head, the Delaware-based craft brewery known for its innovative and unique brews, is bringing back its most-requested rare beer, Midas Touch, to taps and shelves across select states. This highly anticipated return marks a significant moment for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike, as Midas Touch is a recreation of a millennia-old beverage enjoyed by the historic King Midas, the chemical evidence for which was found during the excavation of the Turkish ruler’s tomb.

Midas Touch, which first made its debut in 1999, is a unique blend of barley, honey, white Muscat grapes, and saffron, making it a liquid time capsule that clocks in at 9.0% ABV. The beer is described as a sweet yet dry brew that appeals to both beer- and white wine-drinkers. With a medium-bodied texture and a lightly warming sensation, Midas Touch boasts sweet notes of honey and orchard fruits, complemented by a subtle, earthy spice and a crisp, vinous finish.

Sam Calagione, the brewer and founder of Dogfish Head, expressed excitement about the return of this beloved beer.

The story behind Midas Touch dates back more than 2,700 years, to the modern excavation of King Midas’ tomb in what is now Türkiye. During the excavation, the late biomolecular archeologist, Dr. Patrick McGovern of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology & Anthropology, uncovered a preserved drinking vessel, complete with remnants of the original liquid that once filled it. After careful chemical analysis of the vessel’s remnants, he was able to determine the probable makeup of the ancient liquid, including the ingredients used to build the original recipe.

Dogfish Head, known for its commitment to exploring unique culinary ingredients, jumped at the challenge to work with Dr. McGovern and bring this once-beloved beverage "back from the dead." The brewery’s efforts resulted in the creation of Midas Touch, which has since become a staple in the company’s "Ancient Ales" beer series. This series includes other recreations of ancient beverages, such as Chateau Jiahu, a 9,000-year-old Chinese beverage, Ta Henket, an ancient Egyptian beverage, and Kvasir, a 3,500-year-old Danish beverage.

Since its founding more than 31 years ago, Dogfish Head has been dedicated to brewing unique beers with high-caliber culinary ingredients outside the Reinheitsgebot. The brewery’s commitment to innovation and creativity has made it a leader in the craft beer industry, and the return of Midas Touch is a testament to its ongoing dedication to exploring the past through the present.

For those eager to try this ancient ale, Dogfish Head’s Delaware locations will have it this week, both on draft and in 6pk/12oz cans. The beer is currently making its way to taps and shelves across select states from coast-to-coast, ensuring that beer enthusiasts can enjoy this unique and historically significant brew.