Belgian Spring Wit
Clemson Bros. Brewery at The Gilded Otter

 

I've had this beer every year for the past few. Last year I thought it was horrid, the year before that quite good, and this year a serviceable session beer; but, that's the inconsistency I've learned to live with from the G.O. It's 4.8 doesn't overwhelm and neither does the flavors.

A: This is a very very pale, white straw color. No hints of gold at all. It's like if you took a yellow crayon and pressed down faintly, but then colored on top of that with a white crayon using all your force. It's haziness and color are spot on; however, the head is disappointing. Then again I'm not the one pouring. It seemed nice and creamy-all 1/8 inch. The head retention was extremely poor, no lacing. I don't want to be too harsh as the glassware was a pint and did not compliment the style.
S: Moderately sweet with very slight lemongrass notes-good blending of the spicy aromatics with fruity floral notes. However, the aroma was very weak and did not contribute to overall experience-pedestrian and underwhelming.
M: Quite exceptional in this department. Medium-light body. Very effervescent throughout, but smooth as well. Tart finish due to orange rind addition, but not astringent. Very refreshing.
T: Sweetness is overall muted. Actually tasted quite nice if taking a bite of orange and then took a sip. Okay way to bring in sweetness. Coriander is subtle enough but gives it an earthy appeal. Most of it's sweetness relied on presence of Belgian grains. Orange pith may have given slight sourness, but it led to a very nice tart finish.

O: For a witbier, it does it's job more than adequately. Still, I would of like them to take some more risks to make the flavor standout. Definitely not as big as an Allagash White, but in terms of style, this beer fits the tee. Would like to bring home a growler and try it in proper glass.