Pret Wit
Old Nation Brewing Co.

A fine witbier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carried a 4-pack from Beer Temple. And glad I did. Pret means "value" in English and I got it. So will you.

Prêt Looks like a traditional Wit, but only above average (I think its yeast doesn't encourage lasting foam and active protein swirls as the masters do.) But Pret improves as its Smells are subtle wheat/orange/coriander. This follows into the Taste which seems close to the masters from Belgium: balanced spicing, refreshing and a gentle pair to summer fare. In my mouth, it is equally sophisticated... particularly soft.

6/28/21: I had this second can with my world famous ratatouille. I made this batch with a bit much fennel which, I'm yet to understand, created a peppery after-taste. But, Pret handled this quite well; indicating to me that it is versatile in at least two season fare. I'm looking forward to the rest of my 4-pack. I'm keeping count over at UnTappd.

I've only had two Belgians from Old Nation. Both were good. This is not easy for a young brewer (only six years old) in the middle of the U.S. I certainly will try any of their Belgian-inspireds.

Served from the can in a Lagunitas mason jar.

So, does this mean I can find one at the many Pret a Manger locations on the way from the train station to the office? Including the one in said train station? Regardless, this stuff pours a hazy sunset amber-orange topped by a finger of cream foam. The nose comprises coriander, light cracked wheat, light orange zest, a touch of lemon zest, and a hint of biscuit. The taste brings in more of the same, the coriander, wheat, and orange in full control here (as one may expect). The body is a hefty light, with a moderate carbonation and a drying finish. Overall, a nice little wit, something that's pretty refreshing in this increasing summer heat we've got going on right now.

Poured a light copper golden color in a Brooklyn Hefeweizen glass.
Strong lemon aroma, coriander, and citrus.
Dry, crisp MF and finish.
Taste: the flavors broaden with lemon, citrus and coriander.
Excellent Belgian wit beer.

Showing that they are much more than forty three's and bosses of tweeds, Old Nation can have a softer, more traditional and brighter side by looking to Belgium for influence. The classic Witbier gets a slight "American-ized" makeover for a Pret-y good summer session.

Medium straw and held in a firm wheaten haze, Pret Wit gets the party going with a floral, fruity and sprite scent radiating from a frothy white crown. A blend of crisp and creamy malts splash the tongue with sweet suggestions of cookie dough, honey and an overall fresh breadiness.

As the flavors unfold, the floral turns fruity with the focus on citrus. Lemon, orange and a hint of apple fuel a fruity front half with the spices of vanilla, coriander, white pepper and cardamom. While a nearly rosy flavor makes the transition from fruit to spice, a whimsical crispness from hops carry a spicy, woodsy and light grassy bitterness frames the later portions in taste in true American ale fashion.

Medium bodied and trending crisp and on the drier side of malty-dry, the beer's vinous spice shares a gentle tartness that finishes slightly winey with a brief aftertaste of hop bitterness and bright spices.

16oz can into a tall glass. Canned 4/23/21, so 5-6 weeks old.

Looks very good in the glass. Slightly hazy dark yellow body. Good bright white head persists as a thick ring and covering.

Musty wheat yeasty aroma.

On tasting, it's a strong flavored wit. Wheat and yeast are very prominent, and there is a nice coriander spice mix holding it's own. The only expected flavor not to appear is the citrus element.

Mouth above medium, finish grain and spice mix, and a little dry.

Overall, good beer. Big flavor. Liked it.