Ski Patrol
Brewery Vivant

Ski PatrolSki Patrol
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From:
Brewery Vivant
 
Michigan, United States
Style:
Witbier
Ranked #77
ABV:
6.1%
Score:
86
Ranked #20,142
Avg:
3.81 | pDev: 11.02%
Reviews:
25
Ratings:
67
Status:
Active
Rated:
Jan 21, 2023
Added:
Jan 06, 2015
Wants:
  3
Gots:
  8
SCORE
86
Very Good
Ski PatrolSki Patrol
Notes: Belgian inspired Wit brewed with cardamom and orange peel. Hazy golden pour and a warming spice on the nose.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 3.96 by Whyteboar from Michigan

Jan 21, 2023
 
Rated: 3.78 by RalphStanley34 from French Polynesia

Dec 18, 2022
 
Rated: 3.82 by Mxsluis from Michigan

Jan 13, 2022
Photo of TomQBigBeerGuy
Reviewed by TomQBigBeerGuy from Michigan

3.46/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Color was pale Gold Pour. The Aroma was spicry and orange. The Taste followed the nose and I got coriander and orange peel quite clearly. Not bad for a day after hitting the slopes, very on brand.
Feb 23, 2021
 
Rated: 4 by rare_bird from Michigan

Dec 03, 2019
 
Rated: 3.74 by blissfulNemo from Michigan

Dec 03, 2019
Photo of Beginner2
Reviewed by Beginner2 from Illinois

3.94/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
The winter wit is still a curious interpretation to me. Wits are for summer. But, I've just had two wits from Michigan that affect winter very convincingly.

Vivant's is the second winter wit. Its doesn't look like much (I really want the foam to last more than a minute.) Smells onward are quite good: a medley of fruit and traditional wit spices followed by a modestly integrated yeast-driven Taste followed by a very soft mouth. I could see drinking this on a winter day (although I'd rather be drinking a quad.)

I like Vivant. (Had 14 ales from them, probably putting them in my Top 10 North American Belgian-Inspired Brewers (NABIBs). A good, but not great wit from a good, but not great NABIB.
Nov 16, 2019
Photo of GuyFawkes
Reviewed by GuyFawkes from Illinois

3.92/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Canned 11/16/16; drank 12/22/16 @ the Yarchives.

Cloudy orange appearance.

A violent pour yielded a big, noisy white head; decent lace.

Orange & lemon citrus, apple cider & mild mint notes in the nose.

Medium mouthfeel.

Mild mint & faint lemon bite flavors up front; apple cider & soft yeast notes on the finish.

A pleasant Belgian/wit mash-up; mild & enjoyable.
Sep 25, 2019
Photo of beersampler6
Reviewed by beersampler6 from Michigan

3.78/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A nice, lighter Belgian wheat beer that was actually quite enjoyable (not my typical style of beer). Tried this one on tap at a local restaurant. Pours a much lighter golden color with mild head and lingering lacing. Smells faintly of light Belgian yeast, maybe a little banana and clove but really the aromas were quite muted. Tastes similarly, along with some mild cracker notes. Not too sweet and no cloying sensation. I didn't detect much orange and certainly no cardamom flavors. Very well-balanced. Smooth, mild mouthfeel, good carbonation. Not bad at all!
Feb 23, 2019
Photo of Wolvmar
Reviewed by Wolvmar from Michigan

3.81/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
On draft at Taste Kitchen in Ann Arbor.

Pour: clear golden color. No head, ring or lacing to speak of.

Nose: floral, coriander with a some malt.

Taste: sweet malt, some mild citrus, slight pepper on backend.

Mouthfeel: mild carbonation but surprisingly substantial. Crisp but slight oiliness.

Overall: enjoyable but not special. Wouldn’t go out of my way but wouldn’t turn it down.
Feb 03, 2019
 
Rated: 3.19 by GravityKills from Massachusetts

Apr 24, 2018
 
Rated: 3.5 by -Andrew- from Michigan

Mar 30, 2018
 
Rated: 3.84 by JamieDuncan from Maryland

Jan 12, 2018
 
Rated: 4.04 by tommy5 from Michigan

Dec 09, 2017
 
Rated: 4.25 by BenjaGrif from Iowa

Nov 30, 2017
 
Rated: 3.93 by travelguy from Ohio

Nov 11, 2017
Photo of bushbeer75
Reviewed by bushbeer75 from Michigan

3.93/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
16 oz can - not dated

Brewery Vivant Ski Patrol exhibited a body with a slightly hazy gold hue. A disappointing minimal head was produced that had no staying power or lacing to speak of. The nose and taste were very similar to a classic witbier. Both nose and taste were dominated by orange peel and light spice. There also is a light sugary sweetness present. I did not notice any cardamom - although I am not too familiar with the flavor. Mouth feel was light-medium with a somewhat fizzy carbonation.

Ski Patrol is a very drinkable Belgian Witbier. The appearance however was a little disappointing for the style.
Sep 08, 2017
 
Rated: 4.4 by QianBokSubai from Michigan

Sep 06, 2017
 
Rated: 2 by adam36 from Illinois

Aug 01, 2017
 
Rated: 3.5 by Marvicsin from California

Dec 29, 2016
Photo of 98green
Reviewed by 98green from Michigan

3.5/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
On tap. This filtered take in a wig is much more restrained than an unfiltered version. I love my yeast esters, so this filtered version is a downgrade for me. The spice elements do emerge more in this version, so grab this if you like the spice side of a wit. Overall ok but not craving another
Dec 29, 2016
Photo of deebo
Reviewed by deebo from Michigan

2.78/5  rDev -27%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
Doesn't look like a traditional witbier as it is filtered, a darker golden and no head retention. Aroma is more on point with plenty of orange peel aroma and some peppery spice. The taste is a bit different with it having a very strong cardamom flavor. It's surprisingly strong and overwhelms the more delicate wheat flavor and orange notes. Fairly nice, slightly creamy body that finishes long, orangey and moderately bitter. An interesting, different take on a Belgian witbier but I prefer the more traditional versions.
May 28, 2016
 
Rated: 3.9 by Taphouse_Traveler from Florida

May 13, 2016
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Reviewed by LaurenZ from Michigan

4.46/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This is a great beer overall. Has a golden color but is pale and cloudy. The aromas are of oranges with some spicy hints. The flavor is full in the mouth with orange and coriander, there are not much hop, malts or yeast flavors present. It has a lively flavor with a dry and slightly bitter aftertaste.
May 05, 2016
Photo of KatieSmith
Reviewed by KatieSmith from Michigan

4.46/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This is a great beer! Definitely something to drink around the holidays due to the spiced flavor this beer contains. Strong flavors of cardamom and orange are very apparent. This beer is golden in color. This would be a great beer to enjoy at a ski lodge or on top of a mountain somewhere.
May 04, 2016
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Reviewed by stinewils24 from Michigan

4/5  rDev +5%
look: 2.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
The color is a cloudy, pale gold. The smell reminds me of a sour orange peel. The taste is dry, yet sweet and refreshing. The texture is creamy and carbonated. I really enjoyed this beer! Had a great aftertaste.
May 04, 2016
Photo of Edith0703
Reviewed by Edith0703 from Michigan

3.84/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Worst beer I have ever tasted. Really bitter, and I don't like the yeast smell after opening the tap. Orange golden appearance with fresh crispy texture.
Apr 27, 2016
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Reviewed by mfarnick from Michigan

4/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
I only some what enjoyed this beer. It was very refreshing, but not my favorite. Slightly bubbly.
Taste has hints of orange and cardamon. I believe it is the cardamon taste that I am not a huge fan of.
Orange aroma with spices, and is not to intense
Apr 27, 2016
Photo of eckk_rachel
Reviewed by eckk_rachel from Michigan

4.3/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: Light Caramel, Off White Head,

Smell: Orange with Spicy Undertones

Taste: Pumpkin and orange notes, a little bit of spice, would be great for the holidays to be paired with dessert!
Apr 27, 2016
Photo of defilli2
Reviewed by defilli2 from Michigan

4.18/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This has a light caramel color to it, slightly cloudy as well. I smelled a lot of spices and fruits when poured, it was a very refreshing aroma the way they mixed. The taste was bitter and spicy but full of flavor. A very heavy and filling beer, would be good with an orange. I would drink this again.
Apr 27, 2016
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Rated by tomakara from Michigan

3.43/5  rDev -10%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
This beer had hints of cardamom and resembled a Belgian inspired wheat. It was light in color and tasted refreshing and light.
Apr 25, 2016
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Rated by hrhopkins12 from Michigan

3.74/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Light yellow color. Strong aroma of orange peel and spices. Light taste with hints of citrus and chai.
Apr 25, 2016
Photo of Kristie_Duve
Reviewed by Kristie_Duve from Michigan

4.27/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Very typical in color- light and bubbly. The taste was surprising- hints of cardamom and orange peel. Tasted like a fall or holiday beer with pumpkin notes. I would pair it with cinnamon or pie!
Apr 25, 2016
Photo of Ozzylizard
Reviewed by Ozzylizard from Pennsylvania

3.57/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
$ 3.29/16 oz ($ 0.205/oz) can at The Lager Mill, Frankenmuth, MI
Undated can at 42 degrees into hand washed and dried JK snifter
Aroma initially fruity, quickly dies
Head average (Three cm, aggressive pour), off white, frothy, rapidly diminishing to irregular one to three mm ring and broken layer
Lacing - none
Body light orange, hazy, effervescent
Flavor light fruity/spicy, not as aggressive as coriander, hint of orange; no hops, no malt, no alcohol, no diacetyl
Palate light to medium, watery, soft carbonation

Appearance 3.5, Aroma 3.25, Flavor 3.75, Palate 3.75, Overall 3.5
Apr 20, 2016
Photo of Sparty21
Reviewed by Sparty21 from Michigan

4.09/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Appearance: Golden colored, good head, non filtered
Aroma: Orange with some spicy undertones, but nothing too intense.
Taste: Very spicy, easily drinking beer, did not taste how it smelled at all.
Overall: Good beer, tasted great and was very refreshing.
Apr 13, 2016
 
Rated: 2.42 by DanGeo from Michigan

Apr 12, 2016
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Reviewed by taylorzeee from Michigan

4.01/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
A golden colored beer with a very spicy and orange like smell. It tastes much different that expected after smelling the beer. It is a very smooth taste with not a lot of carbonation or much going on after you taste it. I did not like it as much as I thought I would, as I thought it was very plain with not as much of a cinnamon or spicy taste than I was looking forward to.
Mar 30, 2016
Photo of joeseppy
Reviewed by joeseppy from Illinois

3.73/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Scant head and cloudy pale gold pour. Nose is spicy. Definite coriander and orange peel. Taste is slightly bitter orange peel and coriander. Slight sour tang. Mouthfeel is creamy with lively carbonation. Dry bitter finish. Overall pleasant enough. Taste better as it comes up in temperature.
Mar 06, 2016
 
Rated: 3.93 by Beerdsley419 from Ohio

Feb 15, 2016
 
Rated: 3.79 by leprechaunandfatman from Ohio

Feb 07, 2016
Ski Patrol from Brewery Vivant
Beer rating: 86 out of 100 with 67 ratings