Wit Cloudkicker
Baere Brewing Company

Bought a 32 ounce crowler from Beer Drop. I don't like to have to drink that much ale from a recipe I haven't tried. But 32 ounce seems to be Beer Drop's sweet spot and they are the only way to try Baere's offerings here in Chicagoland. This is my second (the first was a saison with similar yeast issues, but basically Baere seems to be overcoming weak Belgian yeast performance while brewing at a Mile High.) As an eight year old that brews mostly for the hop-driven American palate, Baere is learning Belgian fast.

Wit Cloudkicker, I assume, is derived from Baere's Wit Hopkicker (now retired.) They reduced the hops and now brew a pleasant table ale; but there is still some bite to satiate the American palate. Cloudkicker could have foam that lasts longer than the pour and it is clearer than the masters make. Smells are a fruit bowl, but also more muted than the masters who cultivate a better yeast. Tastes improve, particularly if you like a semi-dry, hoppy-esque finish in a wit (I don't.) Refreshing and medium-mouthed, but not as soft as the masters. Consider more wheat. Decent pairing with two Carolina BBQ sauces and Boca Burgers (although one sauce was too hot for this wit to calm.)

I went on Baere's website again, a year after drinking their Saison ... and they have not upgraded the site to their age, even for a neighborhood brewery. But, they are accomplished with some 440 brews listed on UnTappd.