Paulina Wit Bier
Ale Syndicate

 

30% haze with a light blonde color; big puffy head of 3 fingers; lace in semi colons and other fancy symbols.

Aromas of stale barn wheat, citrus, slight banana, clove, and a BUNCH of cinnamon and coriander. Kind of nostalgic, like mom making cookies or something.

Flavor, wins me over. Huge hits of cinnamon and clove to start, followed by coriander, banana, lavender, dark wheat, and citrus. As it warms some flavors start to veer off path a bit, but still solid.

Feel is super refreshing, kind, carbonated, quenching. Just a pinch of creaminess to keep it in Wit territory.

As a beer, it's not particularly breathtaking, but as a Witbier - a mild style, this one hits it out of the park. 5 for style all the way. All of the Ale Syndicate beers I've had thus far have been absolutely phenomenal. Would do again if I get the chance.

 

Purchased 12 oz bottle from Binny's in Schaumburg. The bottle states it is a Witbeer with lavender and pink peppercorn . The lavender comes through with maybe a breeze of pepper. The lavender is tasty, desirable even, but still has an artificial quality. Not as carbonated as I would expect for the style, lighter fruity / flowery aroma. Easy to drink, refreshing, and I will probably buy this again. Would love to try it on tap.

I love this beer!
"This Chicago Witbier is our take on a Belgian style Wit - it has a distinctive taste achieved by lavender and pink peppercorn which represents the diversity and uniqueness of the Paulina Street neighborhoods."

If you like beers that are interesting in a good way, then try this ale.
For a brewery probably three or four years old, this is a sophisticated ale.
Darker than a wit, its amber color was interesting in the sun.
Its smell and its taste particularly come at me somewhat like a pale ale (I surmise because of the spiciness of the peppercorn), but then this nice orange flavor appears and says "wit."
It all comes together pleasantly in the mouth.
Overall, I give it extra points because I like Ale Syndicate and it is in a converted warehouse that also houses several other startup, green enterprises.

 

 

 

Subtle, fruity nose, with hints of ripe peach and an airy yeastiness. Well-balanced taste, with the lavender and peppercorn definitely coming through and playing well with light, fruity hops. I also get a slight mossy bitterness which I can't decide if I like or not. Rich, smooth mouthfeel, and a pleasant lingering sensation. Very happy with this beer - an extremely solid wit.