Allagash White

Brewed by Allagash Brewing Company
Style: Belgian White (Witbier)
Portland, Maine USA

Serve in Tumbler, Weizen

In my secretive quest to find a witbier that betters Hoegaarden, many have fallen at the knees of the juggernaut that it is. In theory it seems highly plausible as one might call witbiers, as a style, fairly mild and lucid. Yet the balance of these timid brews is the key that unlocks such delicate complexity. Allagash’s White is yet another example of a wit that came close, but as Perrault reminds us in Cinderella, simply does not fit. In appearance it is as dainty and ethereal as any other of its genre, but shrouded in a veil that just transpares its unctuous golden mango body. Under the white crown an inconspicuous aroma of pineapple, pear and yeast is loosely laced together. The flavor simply reminds of mineral water touched with lemon and the whisper of fatigued cloves and coriander. Allagash’s effort lacks just a soupçon of presence and character - so I ask, who will adorn the glass slipper?

Pours a pale yellow with a big white head, lots of lacing. Smells like yeast, citrus and light spices. Taste is very light and delicate, with a good wheat back bone and notes of lemon and spice. Aftertaste is very clean and pleasant. This is a pretty light beer, but very well crafted.

Bottle. Pours cloudy yellow with a lively large white head. Lots of lacing. Lots of soft lemon,floral notes and spice on the nose. Coriander and yeast follow as usual for the style. Very nice aroma. Flavors of wheat,spice,coriander,lemon,orange peel and some mild spice. Very refreshing. Probably the best example of the style i have had yet.

"Tasted this beer at the Three Penny Taproom in Montpelier Vermont. Served in an Allagash pilsner glass. A - Golden beer. They’re not lying about being unfiltered. It’s very full of wheat. Two finger head but could have been a lot more. The head stuck around for a while. S - Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Wheat, Flowers and a bit of sugar. T - Very classic wheat beer flavor. Explosive sweetness which was a nice surprise. This is a delicious beer. M - Light body, sticks around way after you swallow. Super great mouthfeel. Can’t wait to have it again. O - A great wheat beer. I’m not big on wheat beers. My girlfriend keeps ordering wheat beers despite being allergic to them so I get to watch her drink a wheat beer and then stop up and get all puffy faced. It’s weird but she loves wheat beer. I’m sure she’ll order it again."

pours a cloudy light golden color with a bubbly head. Delicate and crisp with a little banana and spice.

Pours a light cloudy yellow with a short lived soapy white head.The aroma is of a strong banana sent.The flavor was a nasty banana flavor.The body was medium with a funky aftertaste.Overall not a good beer at all.

Poured in to a Bruery tulip glass. Pours a cloudy lemony color with a moderate head that dissipates and leaves some lacing. Aroma is of citrus, coriander and slight hint of pepper and cracker. Taste is orange, coriander, and yeast. Clean mouthfeel makes for a refreshing beer.

Cloudy yellow with small white head. Citrus/lemon aroma with floral background. Medium-light body. Wheat and spice and pleasantly sour flavors. Crisp and easy to drink yet flavorful.

12oz bottle from Armanetti’s. Pours a cloudy yellow colored body with a finger-width, dense and frothy, white head that dissipates slowly and leaves a nice lacing. Aroma is slightly sweet wheat with lots of soft lemon. Coriander, doughy yeast, florals, orange peel, and a light pepper spice. Flavor is similar. Crisp wheats up front with lots of florals, doughy yeast, lemon and orange peel, and coriander. A light spice and herbal hopping comes out towards the end and helps this finish pretty dry and crisp with a light bitterness. Medium length aftertaste following a light, somewhat watery body and a moderate, soft, fizzy, carbonation. Overall, a pretty solid witbier. This is definitely not my favorite style, but this beer is flavorful, crisp, and refreshing with a solid balance. Not bad.