Buffalo Rising Online

Jun 6th 2007, 8:40am By Adam Fix

Over 50 years ago, archaeologists from the University of Pennsylvania discovered the tomb of the legendary King Midas. The burial chamber included the king’s remains along with the place settings for a banquet. Dated at around 700 BCE, these vessels represent “the most comprehensive Iron Age drinking set” ever found.

One of the most exciting discoveries made during this excavation was a set of three large vats used to hold the drink served at the feast. Each of these contained traces of the ancient brew, which were sent to UPenn for examination. At the time of discovery, the scientific methods were not yet advanced enough to determine much about the contents. Half a century later, however, Dr. Patrick McGovern was able to determine, with great certainty, the ingredients of the “Phrygian cocktail”.

Apparently, the drink of kings in Iron Age Turkey was a mixture of grape wine, barley beer, and honey mead. King Midas didn’t starve to death from his golden touch after all- he enjoyed fanciful foods and rich drinks until his death at the age of 60.

The “cool factor” of this discovery is off the charts, because (thanks to Dogfish Head Brewery) you and I can now enjoy the same beverage as ancient Phrygian royalty. The basic recipe is the oldest-known fermented beverage in the world. Today, Dogfish Head Brewer Sam Calagione mixes barley, white Muscat grapes, honey and saffron to re-create the concoction, which is rich and sweet with a dry finish similar to a white wine.

The drink, now known as “Midas Touch Golden Elixir”, has a light body with a clear, copper color and minimal head. There is 9% ABV, but the alcohol taste is not at all overpowering- it is well balanced by the sweetness of the honey and grapes. The richness of the drink provides an almost syrup-y feel. Since saffron is used in place of most of the hops (Dogfish Head added a small amount of Willamette hops to the recipe), there is very little to no bitterness. I tried it in a snifter- the Dogfish Head website recommends using a white wine glass.

The next time you treat yourself to a feast fit for a king, complement it with the drink of legends! It is a great conversation piece and you can impress your friends with your knowledge of modern archaeological dating techniques (“oh yeah, the infrared spectroscopy work they did was just top-notch- I would’ve used the mass spectrometry a little more extensively though- but you know, that’s just me”).

For a real authentic feel, try pairing it with a lamb-and-lentil stew entrée (the main dish at King Midas’ funerary banquet).

Dogfish Head Midas Touch Golden Elixir is available at Premier Gourmet for a little over $4 a bottle (it is also sold in 4-packs).
Premier Gourmet, 3465 Delaware, 14217