Whaleback White
Leelanau Brewing Company

Whaleback WhiteWhaleback White
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From:
Leelanau Brewing Company
 
Michigan, United States
Style:
Witbier
ABV:
5.2%
Score:
90
Avg:
4.05 | pDev: 13.83%
Reviews:
53
Ratings:
100
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Nov 17, 2019
Added:
Aug 11, 2005
Wants:
  32
Gots:
  6
No description / notes.
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Ratings by Gaisgeil:
Photo of Gaisgeil
Reviewed by Gaisgeil from Michigan

3.83/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
As wits go, this one is pretty darn tasty and I usually just don't care for the style, but this one really helps me to appreciate them quite a bit.

Pours a very nice hazy gold in color with a tightly formed fluffy white head with great retention. Nose is quite grainy, a bit fruity but not overly so. Taste is a bit sour and spicy, just enough to make the flavors come through but not in an overpowering way. Some citrus tartness combine with the spice well, end note is quite dry with a medium nicely carbonated mouthfeel. Quite balanced and highly drinkable, Jolly Pumpkin makes some very nice beer.

Slàinte!
Sep 06, 2005
More User Ratings:
Photo of Beginner2
Reviewed by Beginner2 from Illinois

4.16/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Well-crafted. Clearly a passion for perfecting the tart.

Looks like a clear cider (no foam) and initially Smells like one, too. But then, the wood comes in along with some yeast-driven fruit adding a nice complexity. In the Tastes, I finally get the spices associated with the style, And then as promised, the finish is tart, but not too tart... apple/pear tart with just enough sweetness for balance.

Whaleback White was a good accompaniment to my lunch of soup and one of my favorite multi-seed baguettes. The tart cut through my generous use of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables and the tart dried out the sweetness of my broth. On a Sunday afternoon watching the ATP Finals, my week was complete.

Leelanau is a different brewer beating a different drum. Almost two decades old, they seem to have only a Facebook page as I found no website. So clearly, they have their beer do their talking. Interesting that Leelanau uses Jolly Pumpkin facilities.
Nov 17, 2019
 
Rated: 4.1 by Gkruszewski from New York

Jul 11, 2016
 
Rated: 3.75 by Kevinpitts from Illinois

Jul 04, 2016
 
Rated: 3.81 by breakingbland from Michigan

Apr 24, 2016
 
Rated: 4.25 by delgotit99 from Indiana

Dec 28, 2015
 
Rated: 4.23 by AlexFields from Tennessee

Aug 25, 2015
 
Rated: 4.13 by DanGeo from Michigan

Aug 03, 2015
 
Rated: 3.83 by JoeMans from New York

Jul 20, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by Hairrrrrrrr from Illinois

Jun 24, 2015
 
Rated: 4.38 by Kerrie from Michigan

May 19, 2015
 
Rated: 3.94 by tom10101 from Canada (QC)

Feb 06, 2015
 
Rated: 4.25 by SaisonRichBiere from Michigan

Dec 06, 2014
 
Rated: 2.25 by olradetbalder from Sweden

Nov 27, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by alexsergio from New York

Oct 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Googs from New York

Jul 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Jspriest from Pennsylvania

Jul 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by PaulyB83 from Michigan

Jun 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Domeshot14 from California

Jun 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Dreadnaught33 from District of Columbia

Mar 11, 2014
Whaleback White from Leelanau Brewing Company
Beer rating: 90 out of 100 with 100 ratings