Great Lakes Holy Moses White Ale

Brewed by Great Lakes Brewing Company
Style: Belgian White (Witbier)
Cleveland, Ohio USA

Date: 06/18/2005
Mode: Bottle
Source: Tasting, Noog I

Appearance: hazy pale yellow, whispy white head,
Aroma: light clove aroma,
Flavor: raspy wheat flavor with a strange sour twang that turns sweet for a moment before a mild fruity finish,
Overall: interesting twist on a white

Aroma: 5/10; Appearance: 5/10; Flavor: 5/10; Palate: 5/10; Overall: 10/20
Rating: 2.6/5.0
Score: *4
-------- /> The score was calculated based upon the notes and an old scoring system.

Ahem, where's the nuages? If I don't see some clouds in my wit, it's a problem. Slight citrus - lemon, lime. Vague spice flavours. Palate shot when I had this? It's unlike Great Lakes to produce such useless beer.

(12oz bottle, best by 9/27/04 -- darn, i need to do a better job of looking at dates when i visit stores out of town and see dozens of beers i have not tried before) Pillowy big white head atop hazy straw body. Aroma and taste are the same -- medium sweet, herbal, coriander, lemon. Smooth medium body, some crispness, light acidity. As hoppy as any Belgian Wheat I have tried -- interesting that the side of the bottle says it is a Belgian Wheat, but the front description leaves out the word wheat. No complaints though -- this is an enjoyable and rather drinkable beer.

Objectively speaking: 12oz of solid, spicy, hoppy witbier, bought at Bello Vino in Ann Arbor.
I like: Quite aromatic witbier. Scintillating golden hue. More hops than most which gives an impression of freshness. Herbal, floral finish accompanies the soft coriander and tea-like nuances. Fruity palate never ventures overly in acidity, staying cerealic and wheaty, but more of in the texture than actual flavours. Medium-bodied, leafy, grainy, milky coriander fits here better than in most because it’s not lemon juice and actually shows hop guts.
I dislike: Quickly fading white head.

Bottle acqured in trade with BBB63 (thanks!). Pured a medium and cloudy yellow color with an averaged sized white head. Aromas and tastes of citrus (lemons), spices and light bananas. Has a sweet balance to the spicy finish. Thinner body (typical for this style, but thin for my tastes). Refreshing on a hot summer day.

Bottle... Very cloudy yellow ale with a small, wispy, white head. Decent retention. The grainy, breadsy aroma reveals esters of banana, lemon and lime interwoven with mild coriander and smoke phenols. Light-bodied and a touch creamy with fizzy carbonation. Actually leans on the bitter side of balance, despite a good bit of sweetness from the unmalted wheat and pale malt(s). Crisp, grainy, moderately sweet finish. Thanks a ton to StFun for the brew!

(Bottle) Pours a lightly cloudy yellow with an average white head and good lacing. Aroma of lemon, cheese, and mustiness. Mild flavor of wheat and light citrus.

Pours a real clear pale golend with a frothy well-lacing white head. Aroma is a subtle soft blend of bready Belgian malt, citrus and coriander. Body starts with a faint hint of sweetness, turning much more dry and spiced toward a peppery finish. This could really use a touch more sweetness and body to make it a more enjoyable wit.