Blood Orange Bandit
Ethereal Brewing

The Belgian styled wheat ale is one of the most refreshing styles known to beer, and that's largely because of its delicate coriander spice additions which lends an orange-centric, floral presence. Well, Ethereal Breweing blows all that up with copious additions of blood oranges to turn the beer decidedly to citrus.

Its radiant perfume entices the nose with a tangy, succulent and citronella character of blood orange. Hints of pastry, lemon and a light lactic twang lead into a taste of sweetheart candies to go along with that pastry and whole wheat notion.

As Blood Orange Bandit rolls across the tongue, the flavors of orange relax along with the bready malts and allows the beer's fermentation to expand. Lemon, apple, gooseberry, papaya and cranberry tease the middle palate more. Although hazy mauve in color, the beer has a lighter and more lemony taste in juxtaposition. A light spice creeps onto the late palate with suggestions of white wine, coriander and white pepper.

Medium light on the palate, the beer flirts with sour lines while trying to remain true to the lighter farmhouse style. its finish is lightly grainy and leaves a slight tact on the finish, wishing for a smoother, malty dry palate. A short aftertaste of citrus, grain and spice dies off and leaves the palate largely refreshed.