Ski Patrol
Brewery Vivant
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- From:
- Brewery Vivant
- Michigan, United States
- Style:
- Wheat Beer - Witbier
Ranked #85 - ABV:
- 6.1%
- Score:
- 86
Ranked #20,228 - Avg:
- 3.8 | pDev: 11.32%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Jan 13, 2022
- Added:
- Jan 06, 2015
- Wants:
- 3
- Gots:
- 8
SCORE
86
Very Good
86
Very Good
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.
3.82 by Mxsluis from Michigan on Jan 13, 2022
3.46/5 rDev -8.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
by TomQBigBeerGuy from Michigan
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
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
by TomQBigBeerGuy from Michigan
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
4 by rare_bird from Michigan on Dec 03, 2019
3.74 by blissfulNemo from Michigan on Dec 03, 2019
3.94/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Beginner2 from Illinois
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
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Beginner2 from Illinois
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
3.92/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
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
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
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
3.78/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by beersampler6 from Michigan
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
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by beersampler6 from Michigan
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
3.81/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Wolvmar from Michigan
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
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Wolvmar from Michigan
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
3.19 by GravityKills from Massachusetts on Apr 24, 2018
3.5 by -Andrew- from Michigan on Mar 30, 2018
3.84 by JamieDuncan from Maryland on Jan 12, 2018
4.04 by tommy5 from Michigan on Dec 09, 2017
4.25 by BenjaGrif from Iowa on Nov 30, 2017
3.93 by travelguy from Ohio on Nov 11, 2017
3.93/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by bushbeer75 from Michigan
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
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by bushbeer75 from Michigan
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
4.4 by QianBokSubai from Michigan on Sep 06, 2017
2 by adam36 from Illinois on Aug 01, 2017
3.5 by Marvicsin from California on Dec 29, 2016
3.5/5 rDev -7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by 98green from Michigan
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
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by 98green from Michigan
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
2.78/5 rDev -26.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
by deebo from Michigan
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
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
by deebo from Michigan
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
3.9 by Taphouse_Traveler from Florida on May 13, 2016
4.46/5 rDev +17.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by LaurenZ from Michigan
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
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by LaurenZ from Michigan
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
4.46/5 rDev +17.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by KatieSmith from Michigan
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
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by KatieSmith from Michigan
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
4/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 2.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by stinewils24 from Michigan
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
look: 2.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by stinewils24 from Michigan
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
3.84/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by Edith0703 from Michigan
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
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by Edith0703 from Michigan
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
4/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by mfarnick from Michigan
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
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by mfarnick from Michigan
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
4.3/5 rDev +13.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by eckk_rachel from Michigan
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
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by eckk_rachel from Michigan
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
4.18/5 rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by defilli2 from Michigan
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
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by defilli2 from Michigan
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
3.43/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by tomakara from Michigan
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
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by tomakara from Michigan
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
3.74/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by hrhopkins12 from Michigan
Light yellow color. Strong aroma of orange peel and spices. Light taste with hints of citrus and chai.
Apr 25, 2016
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by hrhopkins12 from Michigan
Light yellow color. Strong aroma of orange peel and spices. Light taste with hints of citrus and chai.
Apr 25, 2016
4.27/5 rDev +12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Kristie_Duve from Michigan
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
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Kristie_Duve from Michigan
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
3.57/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by Ozzylizard from Pennsylvania
$ 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
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by Ozzylizard from Pennsylvania
$ 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
4.09/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
by Sparty21 from Michigan
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
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
by Sparty21 from Michigan
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
2.42 by DanGeo from Michigan on Apr 12, 2016
4.01/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by taylorzeee from Michigan
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
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by taylorzeee from Michigan
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
3.73/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by joeseppy from Illinois
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
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by joeseppy from Illinois
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
3.93 by Beerdsley419 from Ohio on Feb 15, 2016
3.79 by leprechaunandfatman from Ohio on Feb 07, 2016
3.97 by MiamiWeiss from Iowa on Feb 05, 2016
3.63 by MIbeer27 from Michigan on Feb 03, 2016
Ski Patrol from Brewery Vivant
Beer rating:
86 out of
100 with
65 ratings