Ski Patrol
Brewery Vivant

Beginner2 from Illinois

3.94/5  rDev +2.1%
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

GuyFawkes from Illinois

3.92/5  rDev +1.6%
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

beersampler6 from Michigan

3.78/5  rDev -2.1%
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

Wolvmar from Michigan

3.81/5  rDev -1.3%
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

bushbeer75 from Michigan

3.93/5  rDev +1.8%
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

98green from Michigan

3.5/5  rDev -9.3%
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

deebo from Minnesota

2.78/5  rDev -28%
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

LaurenZ from Michigan

4.46/5  rDev +15.5%
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

KatieSmith from Michigan

4.46/5  rDev +15.5%
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

stinewils24 from Michigan

4/5  rDev +3.6%
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

Edith0703 from Michigan

3.84/5  rDev -0.5%
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

mfarnick from Michigan

4/5  rDev +3.6%
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

eckk_rachel from Michigan

4.3/5  rDev +11.4%
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

defilli2 from Michigan

4.18/5  rDev +8.3%
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

Kristie_Duve from Michigan

4.27/5  rDev +10.6%
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

Ozzylizard from Pennsylvania

3.57/5  rDev -7.5%
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

Sparty21 from Michigan

4.09/5  rDev +6%
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

taylorzeee from Michigan

4.01/5  rDev +3.9%
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

joeseppy from Illinois

3.73/5  rDev -3.4%
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

TreyIsWilson from Michigan

3.79/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

A - Pours a clear golden orange with a two-finger foamy white head. The head dissapates slowly leaving some soapy lacing.

S - Aromas of Belgian yeast, orange peel, lemon, & cardamom.

T - The flavor follows the aroma. Belgian yeast, orange peel, cardamom mixed with lots of bready malts. Finish has some lingering pepper spiciness.

M - Medium bodied with medium carbonation. The mouthfeel is crisp with a dry finish.

O - A nice easy drinking Witbier. The flavors add a nice complexity and something different for the winter months.

Mar 14, 2015

Phinner from Michigan

2.92/5  rDev -24.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

The cardamom is very strong and unique. It may take a bit getting used to, but it has a lingering bitterness that is not all that pleasant. A good try, but it would be better served if it had less spiciness.

Feb 22, 2015

superspak from Michigan

4.1/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

16 ounce can into pint glass, canned on 1/6/2015. Pours fairly hazy bright golden color with a 1-2 finger fairly dense white head with good retention, that reduces to a thin cap that lingers. Light spotty lacing clings on the glass, with a fair amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of big lemon, pear, apple, orange peel, light banana, cardamom, clove, pepper, wheat, bread, herbal, grass, light bubblegum, and yeast/herbal spice earthiness. Damn nice aromas with good balance and complexity of fruity/earthy yeast, spices, and bready malt notes; with good strength. Taste of big lemon, pear, apple, orange peel, light banana, cardamom, clove, pepper, wheat, bread, herbal, grass, light bubblegum, and yeast/herbal spice earthiness. Fair amount of herbal/yeast spiciness on the finish; with lingering notes of lemon, pear, apple, orange peel, light banana, cardamom, clove, pepper, wheat, bread, light bubblegum, and yeast/herbal spice earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Damn nice complexity, balance, and robustness of fruity/earthy yeast, spices, and bready malt flavors; with a great malt/yeast/spice balance and zero cloying flavors after the finish. Medium carbonation and body; with a very smooth, crisp, and lightly sticky/bready mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with minimal warming present after the finish. Overall this is an excellent witbier style. All around great robustness, complexity, and balance of fruity/earthy yeast, spices, and bready malt flavors; and very smooth and crisp to drink for the ABV. A very enjoyable offering.

Feb 07, 2015

StoutHunter from Michigan

4.08/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

I picked up a can of Brewery Vivant's Ski Patrol Ale a couple weeks ago for $3.29 at The Lager Mill. I don't think I've ever had a Witbier from Brewery Vivant and I'm interested to see how this one stacks up, so lets see how it goes. 2015 Vintage. Poured from a tall 16oz can into a Wheat beer glass.

A- The can looks really nice, it goes well with the name and it makes me wish I was out on the slopes right now and I found it to be pretty eye catching. It poured a very hazy yellow color that took on more a golden orange color when held to the light with a little over two fingers worth of fairly creamy off white head that died down to a thin ring that stayed till the end and it left some patchy lacing behind. This is a good looking Witbier, I have no complaints.

S- The aroma starts off with a higher amount of medium sweetness with some of that signature vivant yeast being the first to show up and it imparts a very light funky yeast aroma that goes right into some typical Belgian yeast aromas. Up next comes the orange peel which shows up nicely and it's quickly followed by the spices with cardamon sticking out the most giving it a unique spice aroma. Towards the end comes the malts with some sweet malt, bready and wheat aromas coming through. This beer had a good aroma it was unique while still being pretty true to style.

T- The taste seems to be seems to be pretty similar to the aroma and it starts of with a higher amount of medium sweetness with the yeast still being the first to show up, but this time it's pretty much all Belgian yeast with hardly any of the funky yeast coming through. Up next comes the orange rinds and cardamon which impart the same aspects that they did in the aroma and the cardamon still makes the spice aspect a little unique. Up next comes the malts which impart the same sweet malt, bready and wheat aspects with no single aspect sticking out the most. On the finish there's no bitterness with a orange rind, cardamon and light wheat like aftertaste. This is a good tasting Witbier, just like the aroma it's unique and pretty true to style.

M- Very Smooth, a little refreshing, pretty crisp, medium bodied with a higher amount of medium carbonation. The mouthfeel was really nice and it worked really well with this beer.

Overall I thought this was a good beer and I thought it was a good example of the style, it had everything that I look for in a good Witbier and I liked how it was still a little unique. This beer had pretty good drinkability, it was very smooth, a little refreshing, pretty crisp, not filling at all and the taste did a good job at holding my attention, I could drink a few of these especially at the warming hut at nice ski resort. What I like the most about this beer was the mouthfeel, drinkability and that it was unique for the style, those three aspects made this beer stand out. What I liked the least about this beer was nothing, there's isn't anything that I disliked or would change. I would buy this beer again, especially if I'm in the mood for the style and I will for sure be getting a four pack to bring on my yearly ski trip. I would recommend this beer, especially if your a big fan of the style. All in all I was pretty happy with this beer, even though it's usually pretty cold when I go skiing, i've come to like the more drinkable beers while out on the slopes and this one pretty much nail that. It's not a favorite from Vivant, but it is one of the better Witbiers I've had. Good job guys, this was one tasty Witbier, keep up the hard work.

Jan 30, 2015

GRPunk from Michigan

4.11/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Pint can ($3.19 at Copper Vine) into my newly retired Brewery Vivant Monk Club chalice. Non-dated can, but my local shop just got it in this weekend. A really cool looking can (actually a sticker applied to what looks like a Big Red Coq can). The Vivant rooster profile in the background and the Ski Patrol badge in front. An homage to Zane Lampry's ski patrol?

A- 1/2 finger, off-white head quickly drops to a light web in the middle of the surface. The body is a hazy, golden-orange. Lacking in head retention and lacing (though it may be somewhat due to the glass getting a fresh rinse immediately before decanting).

S- Aromas are pleasant and that of a classic Wit beer. I get a lot of orange and spice. There's a sugary sweetness and some gummy funk at play as well. Maybe a little green apple.

T- Much as the aroma would suggest. I get a lot of wheaty flavor mixed with candied orange peel, a hit of beubblegum, a little lemon, and spice (both spice additions and hoppy qualities). The label says cardamom, but I could easily mistake it for a light dose of black pepper and grains of paradise. The spicy bite really kicks in at the finish.

M- Medium-full body. There's a definite tingle from the spice additions (maybe hopping as well). Medium- heavy carbonation. Somewhat creamy.

O- This is a really solid Belgian Wit. The flavor profile fits nicely for the winter season and offers a nice alternative to the traditional winter-warmer. 6.1% abv packs a nice little punch for the style. The price tag is a little hefty. While I put it slightly above Bell's Winter White, the pricing point would suggest it should be twice as good.

Jan 19, 2015