Honey Orange Wheat
West Brothers Brewery

I have no personal inclinations towards this style of beer. Orange juice in a honey wheat beer? A screweizen? Call me a pseudo-purist, but when was the last time you saw an orange grove in Bavaria?

But I’ve go to admit; I enjoyed this strange brew. It has an unusual, densely clouded gray-orange color and comes served with a wedge of sliced orange that enhances (steals?) most of the aroma. It is brewed with local honey and orange juice – clearly the kind of beer that is not just for breakfast anymore.

HOW, as it is known, came to me with a minimal, though well-sustained head and virtually no lace. It’s actually quite sensibly balanced and tasty, even refreshing. The orange taste integrates into the wheat beer profile without being overpowering or detracting, making for a modestly sweet beer that goes down easy on a summer’s day.

This is definitely an easy-drinking summer beer. The honey is clear in the flavor, nicely complementing what is really just a hint of orange. There's just enough sweetness to be refreshing instead of cloying and the wheat in the mash makes for a nice palate on which the honey and orange to work.