Laughing Fox | New Glarus Brewing Company
Brewed by:
New Glarus Brewing Company
Wisconsin, United States
newglarusbrewing.com
Style: Kristalweizen
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 4.50%
Availability: Fall
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by Wisconsinality on 08-23-2011
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 118 | Ratings: 337
3.82/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle fresh from Wisconsin thanks to Matt C. Poured into a pint.
Very nice creamy white head leaves thick lacing. Body is darker than expected and slightly offputting - more like a clear amber or brown ale.
The flavor and aroma are both similar to a muted hefeweizen. Clove, light banana, breadiness are prevalent.
Body is creamy, carbonation lively on the tongue.
Overall this is a good beer that grows on me. Seems a little dark for the style. Definitely a beer I could have a few of
★ 495 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle fresh from Wisconsin thanks to Matt C. Poured into a pint.
Very nice creamy white head leaves thick lacing. Body is darker than expected and slightly offputting - more like a clear amber or brown ale.
The flavor and aroma are both similar to a muted hefeweizen. Clove, light banana, breadiness are prevalent.
Body is creamy, carbonation lively on the tongue.
Overall this is a good beer that grows on me. Seems a little dark for the style. Definitely a beer I could have a few of
★ 495 characters
4/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Tasted On: 12-12-2011
Freshness: Not indicated
Packaging: 12 oz. brown bottle
Glassware: Weizen glass
Purchased: Received in a trade
Color is a dark gold, with a massive, creamy head typical for the style and glassware. Very attractive with lots of bubbles seen in the brilliant clarity and features of great lacing and head retention.
Aromas are of wheat and malts, with a nice fruity character of bananas. Cloves and other spicy notes are also noted.
The taste is similar to the aromas, but not as powerful. Malts and fruits give it sweetness, but it is kept balanced well. Crisp, with a light body, the beer finishes semi-sweet and refreshing.
Overall a very impressive beer! My first sample from New Glarus and I'm looking forward to more.
Thanks to Crass3000 for this one!
★ 782 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Tasted On: 12-12-2011
Freshness: Not indicated
Packaging: 12 oz. brown bottle
Glassware: Weizen glass
Purchased: Received in a trade
Color is a dark gold, with a massive, creamy head typical for the style and glassware. Very attractive with lots of bubbles seen in the brilliant clarity and features of great lacing and head retention.
Aromas are of wheat and malts, with a nice fruity character of bananas. Cloves and other spicy notes are also noted.
The taste is similar to the aromas, but not as powerful. Malts and fruits give it sweetness, but it is kept balanced well. Crisp, with a light body, the beer finishes semi-sweet and refreshing.
Overall a very impressive beer! My first sample from New Glarus and I'm looking forward to more.
Thanks to Crass3000 for this one!
★ 782 characters
3.95/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Bottle into pint glass
A - A cascade of bubbles rises from the bottom of the glass, resulting in a two finger off-white head. The beer is clear and copper in color.
S - Strong banana and biscuit aromas, with clove abound.
T - Incredibly mild, but very sweet in the middle, mellowing out to a smooth bready finish. Banana bread with clove. I almost think this is a better "banana bread beer" than Young's beer of that name!
M - Light to medium body, very wet, with active bubbles that tickle the tongue. Dries out slightly in the tail end.
O - Overall a fine brew. A nice example of banana esters developed purely from yeast, paired with fulfilling bread and a bit of spicy clove. Yum!
★ 689 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Bottle into pint glass
A - A cascade of bubbles rises from the bottom of the glass, resulting in a two finger off-white head. The beer is clear and copper in color.
S - Strong banana and biscuit aromas, with clove abound.
T - Incredibly mild, but very sweet in the middle, mellowing out to a smooth bready finish. Banana bread with clove. I almost think this is a better "banana bread beer" than Young's beer of that name!
M - Light to medium body, very wet, with active bubbles that tickle the tongue. Dries out slightly in the tail end.
O - Overall a fine brew. A nice example of banana esters developed purely from yeast, paired with fulfilling bread and a bit of spicy clove. Yum!
★ 689 characters
4/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had never seen this NG on the shelves. Can't remember the last Kristalweizen I had, interesting that the small brewery from over the border wanted to make one.
A -- Clear, deep gold with a massive, off-white head that lasts long into the beer.
S -- Nicely mild banana/bubblegum with vague graininess back.
T -- Citrus character up front, somewhat tart, that blends into the banana esters and then into smooth malts. Finishes with a mildly tart citrus ester and light spiciness.
M -- Mouthfeel is soft and smooth with a light body.
O -- A very well made take on a seldom seen style. Has all the characteristics you'd expect in a Bavarian Hefeweizen without the cloudy yeast.
★ 678 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had never seen this NG on the shelves. Can't remember the last Kristalweizen I had, interesting that the small brewery from over the border wanted to make one.
A -- Clear, deep gold with a massive, off-white head that lasts long into the beer.
S -- Nicely mild banana/bubblegum with vague graininess back.
T -- Citrus character up front, somewhat tart, that blends into the banana esters and then into smooth malts. Finishes with a mildly tart citrus ester and light spiciness.
M -- Mouthfeel is soft and smooth with a light body.
O -- A very well made take on a seldom seen style. Has all the characteristics you'd expect in a Bavarian Hefeweizen without the cloudy yeast.
★ 678 characters
3.88/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle into SN imperial pint. Thanks Chris!
A: Pours a dark toasted amber color with a huge, billowing, fluffy, off-white head that took forever to fade into a thick rocky film that left chunky of lacing clinging behind.
S: Clove and banana mix with clean wheat and a bit of spicy hops and yeast. Crisp smelling.
T: Sweet and clean flavors of banana, clove, and minerally chalky yeast. There’s just a touch of bubblegum and wheat as well. The finish has a touch of citrus, and the aftertaste is herbal, caramelly and full of earthy spicy hops.
M: Very smooth fluffy carbonation, slick and drying mouthfeel, medium-thin body.
O: Clean, slick and smooth flavor that goes down easy. Nothing super special about this one, but there’s nothing wrong with it either.
★ 772 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle into SN imperial pint. Thanks Chris!
A: Pours a dark toasted amber color with a huge, billowing, fluffy, off-white head that took forever to fade into a thick rocky film that left chunky of lacing clinging behind.
S: Clove and banana mix with clean wheat and a bit of spicy hops and yeast. Crisp smelling.
T: Sweet and clean flavors of banana, clove, and minerally chalky yeast. There’s just a touch of bubblegum and wheat as well. The finish has a touch of citrus, and the aftertaste is herbal, caramelly and full of earthy spicy hops.
M: Very smooth fluffy carbonation, slick and drying mouthfeel, medium-thin body.
O: Clean, slick and smooth flavor that goes down easy. Nothing super special about this one, but there’s nothing wrong with it either.
★ 772 characters
3.88/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
vigorous pale golden yellow with a huge head of fizzy white lace, took several pours before the entire bottle could be released in a very tall glass. Lots of carbonation was apparent from the start through the absolutely flawless crystal clear nature of it. No sediment and no haze at all. Head settled down to just a thin film and that lasted throughout, but leaving copious side lace. Smell was very light, almost non existent at first but then some nice grain aromas broke though with a touch of yeast to add. Light flavor as well, just a nice light wheat flavor is really all that can be said about it. Mouth feel was again very light with ample carbonation it went down like water. Huge session ale here, this had all the earmarks of a hot summer day in the backyard brew.
★ 777 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
vigorous pale golden yellow with a huge head of fizzy white lace, took several pours before the entire bottle could be released in a very tall glass. Lots of carbonation was apparent from the start through the absolutely flawless crystal clear nature of it. No sediment and no haze at all. Head settled down to just a thin film and that lasted throughout, but leaving copious side lace. Smell was very light, almost non existent at first but then some nice grain aromas broke though with a touch of yeast to add. Light flavor as well, just a nice light wheat flavor is really all that can be said about it. Mouth feel was again very light with ample carbonation it went down like water. Huge session ale here, this had all the earmarks of a hot summer day in the backyard brew.
★ 777 characters
3.65/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
New Glarus Laughing Fox. "In playful pursuit of butterflies, a Red Fox danced across the brewery hill. His joy so pure it bubbled through our hearts and into this beer. Laughing Fox is a sparkling Kristal Weizen brewed in the Bavarian tradition with 50% Wisconsin wheaten our open top fermenters. …blah, blah, blah, …This is easy drinking beer perfect for a friendly Wisconsin evening. Relax, this is God's country, here we have the strength to reach for the stars and change the world."
Well, that was one of the most over-wrought labels I've ever read, here in Satan's Backyard, Minneapolis. Some of the sentences I skipped prove this even further, but I'm censoring the descriptors so I can do it myself. And so…
Big, booming off-white head, clear, with caramel-toned coloring…a bit darker than I anticipated.
Spicy, clove notes, …rye malt? Cinnamon, brown sugar. Enticing, and lively.
Brisk, sparkling mouthfeel, leads to sterling consumability. Clean, to the point where I miss the texture a non-filtered wizen would bring. Some fruit in here, some apple, cherry, maybe. This flavor grows and covers up that patch missing in the character. Becomes more likable further in…but it doesn't go far enough.
This is the final bottle in the 6-pack. The other five made no impression on me, really, and at this last one, I feel I won't be missing it. New Glarus continues to be a brewery that misses almost as much as hits with me. But the hits deserve their accolades, don't get me wrong. This one? Eh.
★ 1,518 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
New Glarus Laughing Fox. "In playful pursuit of butterflies, a Red Fox danced across the brewery hill. His joy so pure it bubbled through our hearts and into this beer. Laughing Fox is a sparkling Kristal Weizen brewed in the Bavarian tradition with 50% Wisconsin wheaten our open top fermenters. …blah, blah, blah, …This is easy drinking beer perfect for a friendly Wisconsin evening. Relax, this is God's country, here we have the strength to reach for the stars and change the world."
Well, that was one of the most over-wrought labels I've ever read, here in Satan's Backyard, Minneapolis. Some of the sentences I skipped prove this even further, but I'm censoring the descriptors so I can do it myself. And so…
Big, booming off-white head, clear, with caramel-toned coloring…a bit darker than I anticipated.
Spicy, clove notes, …rye malt? Cinnamon, brown sugar. Enticing, and lively.
Brisk, sparkling mouthfeel, leads to sterling consumability. Clean, to the point where I miss the texture a non-filtered wizen would bring. Some fruit in here, some apple, cherry, maybe. This flavor grows and covers up that patch missing in the character. Becomes more likable further in…but it doesn't go far enough.
This is the final bottle in the 6-pack. The other five made no impression on me, really, and at this last one, I feel I won't be missing it. New Glarus continues to be a brewery that misses almost as much as hits with me. But the hits deserve their accolades, don't get me wrong. This one? Eh.
★ 1,518 characters
3.03/5 rDev -22.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
poured from a bottle into a pint glass...
pours a nice golden-amber - almost like an apple cider in color - with a generous, slow-fading white head that falls to show minimal lacing.
smells heavy of apple at the start which faded quickly to banana and bubble gum.
the taste is a surprise in that it is so subtle in everything...nothing is really coming through for me here, I'm at a loss...the only thing that I'm getting is bubble gum, which I don't care for.
the mouthfeel is solid - good carbonation and a lingering bit of tingle on the tongue.
overall I'm really not sure how to rate this - at first, from the appearance and smell, I had high-hopes, but the taste was so subtle and almost bland for me that I'm not really a fan at first tasting.
★ 754 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
poured from a bottle into a pint glass...
pours a nice golden-amber - almost like an apple cider in color - with a generous, slow-fading white head that falls to show minimal lacing.
smells heavy of apple at the start which faded quickly to banana and bubble gum.
the taste is a surprise in that it is so subtle in everything...nothing is really coming through for me here, I'm at a loss...the only thing that I'm getting is bubble gum, which I don't care for.
the mouthfeel is solid - good carbonation and a lingering bit of tingle on the tongue.
overall I'm really not sure how to rate this - at first, from the appearance and smell, I had high-hopes, but the taste was so subtle and almost bland for me that I'm not really a fan at first tasting.
★ 754 characters
4/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 ounce bottle poured into pint glass. Huge frothy off-white head sitting on a clear medium-amber body. Good retention and moderate lacing.
Aroma is banana and clove. Light citrus and bubble gum, and mildly wheaty. Touch of cinnamon and vanilla.
Very clean, crisp flavor. Fruity and lightly spiced, with just a minimal wheaty presence.
Sharp, crisp, light-medium body with good carbonation.
I'm not a huge fan of most wheat beers, but I always come in with an open mind. This is a very clean, very drinkable beer. Solid, if not particularly memorable.
★ 557 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 ounce bottle poured into pint glass. Huge frothy off-white head sitting on a clear medium-amber body. Good retention and moderate lacing.
Aroma is banana and clove. Light citrus and bubble gum, and mildly wheaty. Touch of cinnamon and vanilla.
Very clean, crisp flavor. Fruity and lightly spiced, with just a minimal wheaty presence.
Sharp, crisp, light-medium body with good carbonation.
I'm not a huge fan of most wheat beers, but I always come in with an open mind. This is a very clean, very drinkable beer. Solid, if not particularly memorable.
★ 557 characters
3.83/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
poured from 12oz bottle into imperial pint glass
A-nice burnt orange with about a 3 finger head that last a long time leaving a lot of lacing and finally settled to about a 1/4" cap
S-some spicy banana is what I get most for a smell in this one
T-bananas at first and then as it warms to room temperature more of the clove comes out
M-pretty light but good carbonation and dry finish
O-my wife picked this up for me and when I saw it was sort of filtered hefewiezen I wasn't sure I would like it since I don't care for most hefeweizen, but I was suprised to find it was better than I was expecting
★ 602 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
poured from 12oz bottle into imperial pint glass
A-nice burnt orange with about a 3 finger head that last a long time leaving a lot of lacing and finally settled to about a 1/4" cap
S-some spicy banana is what I get most for a smell in this one
T-bananas at first and then as it warms to room temperature more of the clove comes out
M-pretty light but good carbonation and dry finish
O-my wife picked this up for me and when I saw it was sort of filtered hefewiezen I wasn't sure I would like it since I don't care for most hefeweizen, but I was suprised to find it was better than I was expecting
★ 602 characters
4.5/5 rDev +15.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a clear amber with a massive off-white head.
Huge bubblegum aroma. A little bit of banana, spice and clove, but I've never smelled a beer quite like this.
Taste follows the aroma. Loads of bubblegum flavor. Just a touch of clove which is my personal preference. Just a little bit of caramel sweetness.
Fairly light mouthfeel with good carbonation.
I love a good take on a more traditional style and New Glarus usually pulls it off better than anyone and this is no exception. Very good beer.
★ 501 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a clear amber with a massive off-white head.
Huge bubblegum aroma. A little bit of banana, spice and clove, but I've never smelled a beer quite like this.
Taste follows the aroma. Loads of bubblegum flavor. Just a touch of clove which is my personal preference. Just a little bit of caramel sweetness.
Fairly light mouthfeel with good carbonation.
I love a good take on a more traditional style and New Glarus usually pulls it off better than anyone and this is no exception. Very good beer.
★ 501 characters
4.35/5 rDev +11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I a bought a 6pk of this from Woodman's in Janesville, WI for $6.99 in Fall 2011.
Pours an amber orange color with a fluffy white head. Scent is full of wheats with a slight bitter scent mixed with bananas. The taste has a similar taste that reminds me of biting into an apple. I know there is a lot of wheat to this beer but I'm getting more apple tasting hints. This is a smooth, tasty brew that is a great drink for the fall harvest weather.
★ 445 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I a bought a 6pk of this from Woodman's in Janesville, WI for $6.99 in Fall 2011.
Pours an amber orange color with a fluffy white head. Scent is full of wheats with a slight bitter scent mixed with bananas. The taste has a similar taste that reminds me of biting into an apple. I know there is a lot of wheat to this beer but I'm getting more apple tasting hints. This is a smooth, tasty brew that is a great drink for the fall harvest weather.
★ 445 characters
3.97/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle poured into a pint glass. Thanks to storminspank for this. First review of a Kristalweizen.
A: Medium amber in color with great clarity. One finger white head with disappointing retention and lacing.
S: Lots of bubblegum. Slight banana and clove coming through. Some slight wheat.
T: Slight caramel upfront. Bubblegum, banana, clove, a touch of coriander. Finishing wheaty.
M: Light to medium bodied. Good mouth coating. Medium carbonation. Slightly oily.
O: A good beer. Nothing special. Light, tasty, sessionable.
★ 532 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle poured into a pint glass. Thanks to storminspank for this. First review of a Kristalweizen.
A: Medium amber in color with great clarity. One finger white head with disappointing retention and lacing.
S: Lots of bubblegum. Slight banana and clove coming through. Some slight wheat.
T: Slight caramel upfront. Bubblegum, banana, clove, a touch of coriander. Finishing wheaty.
M: Light to medium bodied. Good mouth coating. Medium carbonation. Slightly oily.
O: A good beer. Nothing special. Light, tasty, sessionable.
★ 532 characters
4.17/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a beautiful golden amber color with a thick brown head into my glass. A hell of a head too! Takes forever to recede.
Aromatic with citrus, clove and wheat in the nose. Wow, certainly smells very tasty.
Spicy with clove, light citrus and possibly coriander (?) in the taste.
Body fades out a bit in the middle but otherwise, flavors hold steady for a sweet, dry finish.
I can't say that I've had many examples of this style but I certainly can say that I enjoy this example!
★ 484 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a beautiful golden amber color with a thick brown head into my glass. A hell of a head too! Takes forever to recede.
Aromatic with citrus, clove and wheat in the nose. Wow, certainly smells very tasty.
Spicy with clove, light citrus and possibly coriander (?) in the taste.
Body fades out a bit in the middle but otherwise, flavors hold steady for a sweet, dry finish.
I can't say that I've had many examples of this style but I certainly can say that I enjoy this example!
★ 484 characters
3.81/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
12 oz. bottle, dated Oct. 6, 2011, into a tulip glass.
A: Clear amber, w/ light effervescence; fluffy tan head that falls slowly and leaves thinly dispersed lacing.
S: Pink bubblegum, banana, clove, cinnamon; some caramel & wheat.
T: Bubblegum and banana, lemon, a bit sour
M: Light body and light carbonation; watery; neutral finish
O: A refreshing, very light brew. A good quaffer, with some complexity.
★ 412 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
12 oz. bottle, dated Oct. 6, 2011, into a tulip glass.
A: Clear amber, w/ light effervescence; fluffy tan head that falls slowly and leaves thinly dispersed lacing.
S: Pink bubblegum, banana, clove, cinnamon; some caramel & wheat.
T: Bubblegum and banana, lemon, a bit sour
M: Light body and light carbonation; watery; neutral finish
O: A refreshing, very light brew. A good quaffer, with some complexity.
★ 412 characters
4.03/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - pours a light caramel brow color with a huge billowing head that settles down nicely to for about a 1/4" head that remains throughout
S - the nose is cinnamon, loads of bubblegum, and some spicy nutmeg
T - the taste is very similar to the nose. Sweet bubblegum flavors all over the place with a touch of toasted and caramel malts through the middle. On the back end the cinnamon and some spicy clove come into the mix. Spicy bubblegum is on the finish with ever so soft hops.
M - nice and creamy with a full body taboot
D - solid wheat beer. Packed with lots of flavor in all of the right places with a nice look and aroma as well. Too bad I only have one bottle of this as I would love to drink some more of this.
★ 722 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - pours a light caramel brow color with a huge billowing head that settles down nicely to for about a 1/4" head that remains throughout
S - the nose is cinnamon, loads of bubblegum, and some spicy nutmeg
T - the taste is very similar to the nose. Sweet bubblegum flavors all over the place with a touch of toasted and caramel malts through the middle. On the back end the cinnamon and some spicy clove come into the mix. Spicy bubblegum is on the finish with ever so soft hops.
M - nice and creamy with a full body taboot
D - solid wheat beer. Packed with lots of flavor in all of the right places with a nice look and aroma as well. Too bad I only have one bottle of this as I would love to drink some more of this.
★ 722 characters
3.35/5 rDev -14.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
The little lady picked this up in Bumfuct Wisconsin. I haven’t heard of this little guy so I’m excited to try it! New Glarus is by far my favorite brewery. Drank from my Surlyfest pint glass.
Appearance- Pours a fairly dark reddish orange with a decently small bright white head. The beer maintains a nice head the entire time along with zero lacing.
Smell- Definitely sort of a hybrid Hef like nose with a decent amount of banana and clove right from the get go. The beer smells quite a bit sweeter than a normal Hef as the crystal adds a very different sort of smell with that yeast. Maybe a touch of toast but for the most part it’s just doughy and wheaty.
Taste- Nothing like the smell. The beer is actually sort of dry and not all that flavorful. Some bread crust toastiness to start followed by a light (I stress light) dose of spice. Just a hint of clove and a hint of banana. There’s a twang of something lighty sour and a touch of bubblegum in the finish.
Mouthfeel- Sort of thin but nothing terrible with a light zesty carbonation.
Drinkability- Not bad but the smell is much better than the taste. I feel like it’s sort of boring. Almost like it’s washed out – one flavor needs to shine a bit more than the other but neither does. Glad I tried but not my favorite.
★ 1,290 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
The little lady picked this up in Bumfuct Wisconsin. I haven’t heard of this little guy so I’m excited to try it! New Glarus is by far my favorite brewery. Drank from my Surlyfest pint glass.
Appearance- Pours a fairly dark reddish orange with a decently small bright white head. The beer maintains a nice head the entire time along with zero lacing.
Smell- Definitely sort of a hybrid Hef like nose with a decent amount of banana and clove right from the get go. The beer smells quite a bit sweeter than a normal Hef as the crystal adds a very different sort of smell with that yeast. Maybe a touch of toast but for the most part it’s just doughy and wheaty.
Taste- Nothing like the smell. The beer is actually sort of dry and not all that flavorful. Some bread crust toastiness to start followed by a light (I stress light) dose of spice. Just a hint of clove and a hint of banana. There’s a twang of something lighty sour and a touch of bubblegum in the finish.
Mouthfeel- Sort of thin but nothing terrible with a light zesty carbonation.
Drinkability- Not bad but the smell is much better than the taste. I feel like it’s sort of boring. Almost like it’s washed out – one flavor needs to shine a bit more than the other but neither does. Glad I tried but not my favorite.
★ 1,290 characters
4.2/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a clear, dark copper in color with a thick light khaki-colored head, that eventually settles down. The aroma consists of bananas, with light chocolate or cocoa, clove, and spicy yeast. The mouthfeel is full-bodied. It has a softness to it with a tingling carbonation. Although, if you push the beer around your mouth, it still maintains a light airiness to it.
Flavors of wheat malt, banana & some slight chocolate, followed by a dusting of cinnamon. The satisfying flavor of the wheat malt really emerges in the middle. Cloves linger in the finish.
When I think of Fall, wheat beers like kristalweizens don’t tend to come to mind, but the combination of 50% Wisconsin red wheat seems to work here and gives this beer a little heartier feel in both taste, and certainly appearance to match the cooler weather. Impressive Autumn release!
★ 846 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a clear, dark copper in color with a thick light khaki-colored head, that eventually settles down. The aroma consists of bananas, with light chocolate or cocoa, clove, and spicy yeast. The mouthfeel is full-bodied. It has a softness to it with a tingling carbonation. Although, if you push the beer around your mouth, it still maintains a light airiness to it.
Flavors of wheat malt, banana & some slight chocolate, followed by a dusting of cinnamon. The satisfying flavor of the wheat malt really emerges in the middle. Cloves linger in the finish.
When I think of Fall, wheat beers like kristalweizens don’t tend to come to mind, but the combination of 50% Wisconsin red wheat seems to work here and gives this beer a little heartier feel in both taste, and certainly appearance to match the cooler weather. Impressive Autumn release!
★ 846 characters
3.58/5 rDev -8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
A- Clear light amber with a full finger thick head of foam.
S- Spicy cloves with hints of cinnamon and banana.
T- Bready malt abounds with the spicyness in tow as well. Caramel malt pops up towrads the end for some added complexity.
M- Light and fizzy, strong carbonation.
O- A good beer, but I think it falls short for New Glarus. If you're a big wheat beer fan certainly pick it up. Otherwise it's still good, just not a "must try".
★ 438 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
A- Clear light amber with a full finger thick head of foam.
S- Spicy cloves with hints of cinnamon and banana.
T- Bready malt abounds with the spicyness in tow as well. Caramel malt pops up towrads the end for some added complexity.
M- Light and fizzy, strong carbonation.
O- A good beer, but I think it falls short for New Glarus. If you're a big wheat beer fan certainly pick it up. Otherwise it's still good, just not a "must try".
★ 438 characters
3.92/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Bottle from Reilly's in Madison. Pours a gigantic white head on light orange body. Retained one-half inch of head. Spicy, slightly yeasty aroma. Mouthfeel is a tad above average. Taste is spicy and catchy, a little yeasty. Nothing like I expected, it was most drinkable. Got good cinammon.
★ 289 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Bottle from Reilly's in Madison. Pours a gigantic white head on light orange body. Retained one-half inch of head. Spicy, slightly yeasty aroma. Mouthfeel is a tad above average. Taste is spicy and catchy, a little yeasty. Nothing like I expected, it was most drinkable. Got good cinammon.
★ 289 characters
3.8/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz. bottle poured into a nonic.
(A)- Pours a clear caramel colored amber. Produced a nice cap of off-white creamy froth. Good retention and lace.
(S)- Smooth/subtle bits of banana, wheat, lemon, and clove. Lots of biscuit.
(T)- Similar to the smell, though far more caramel-like malt with the wheat, banana, and clove.
(M)- Good carbonation level. A good balance, though a lot more malty for the style in a caramel-like sweetness.
(D)- Overall, yet another tasty beer from New Glarus with their typical subtle twists on a traditional style.
★ 547 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz. bottle poured into a nonic.
(A)- Pours a clear caramel colored amber. Produced a nice cap of off-white creamy froth. Good retention and lace.
(S)- Smooth/subtle bits of banana, wheat, lemon, and clove. Lots of biscuit.
(T)- Similar to the smell, though far more caramel-like malt with the wheat, banana, and clove.
(M)- Good carbonation level. A good balance, though a lot more malty for the style in a caramel-like sweetness.
(D)- Overall, yet another tasty beer from New Glarus with their typical subtle twists on a traditional style.
★ 547 characters
4.05/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A: pours a amber/brownish red color with good clarity, dense pillowy white head, a thin layer sticks around decent lacing
S: nose is full of fruity notes of banana and orange, lots of spicy notes of cloves, cinnamon, and coriander, hints of wheat malt mixed in as well, very fragrant, some creamy notes of vanilla as well
T: taste starts with creamy banana, very fruity, before becoming sweet..malts and spice come through, finish is malty with touches of clove and a dash of tartness on the finish
MF: creamy, smooth. mellow carbonation
O: this is a well balanced and flavorful weizen beer. This is my first Kristalweizen so I don't really have a point of reference. I imagine its not much different from a hefe or dunkelweizen, just somewhere in between with the color
★ 774 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A: pours a amber/brownish red color with good clarity, dense pillowy white head, a thin layer sticks around decent lacing
S: nose is full of fruity notes of banana and orange, lots of spicy notes of cloves, cinnamon, and coriander, hints of wheat malt mixed in as well, very fragrant, some creamy notes of vanilla as well
T: taste starts with creamy banana, very fruity, before becoming sweet..malts and spice come through, finish is malty with touches of clove and a dash of tartness on the finish
MF: creamy, smooth. mellow carbonation
O: this is a well balanced and flavorful weizen beer. This is my first Kristalweizen so I don't really have a point of reference. I imagine its not much different from a hefe or dunkelweizen, just somewhere in between with the color
★ 774 characters
3.97/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Laughing Fox pours a deeper golden color, with a big lacing white head. The smell is full of spices, and has a nice sweet note. The taste has a very full spice and belgin candy flavor. Very crisp and very full. Nice carbonation, very clean crisp flavor. Overall I had no clue what to expect from this beer. It is like a strong belgin whit beir, but much crisper, and stronger sugar notes. Overall a pretty good beer.
★ 416 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Laughing Fox pours a deeper golden color, with a big lacing white head. The smell is full of spices, and has a nice sweet note. The taste has a very full spice and belgin candy flavor. Very crisp and very full. Nice carbonation, very clean crisp flavor. Overall I had no clue what to expect from this beer. It is like a strong belgin whit beir, but much crisper, and stronger sugar notes. Overall a pretty good beer.
★ 416 characters
4.21/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle into pint glass.
Pours a crystal clear light amber color, with a one finger almost white head with big bubbles that dissipates quickly.
Nose gives of banana and clove phenols, leaning towards dense, almost meaty banana bread with bready malt sweetness very present. Exceptional smells that I couldn't get enough of.
First taste is quite sour, with a well-rounded banana bread body. Little to no hop presence, with bitterness playing a small role in the overall makeup of this beer.
Moderate to high carbonation with small, biting bubbles that take a bit to develop in thy mouth.
A very interesting, well-rounded beer. Have not had many examples of this style but by acting as a unique and well-balanced beer, this beer seems to paint a picture of the style should be.
★ 784 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle into pint glass.
Pours a crystal clear light amber color, with a one finger almost white head with big bubbles that dissipates quickly.
Nose gives of banana and clove phenols, leaning towards dense, almost meaty banana bread with bready malt sweetness very present. Exceptional smells that I couldn't get enough of.
First taste is quite sour, with a well-rounded banana bread body. Little to no hop presence, with bitterness playing a small role in the overall makeup of this beer.
Moderate to high carbonation with small, biting bubbles that take a bit to develop in thy mouth.
A very interesting, well-rounded beer. Have not had many examples of this style but by acting as a unique and well-balanced beer, this beer seems to paint a picture of the style should be.
★ 784 characters
Laughing Fox from New Glarus Brewing Company
3.91
out of 5
based on 337 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This one pours a deep copper with some amber hues. Really bright and clear. The head on this one is cloudy white and about two fingers tall.
Nose has lots of honey with notes of bubble gum and clove. I get a lovely sweet and spicy combination of both green and red apples. Almost cider like qualities in the nose. Very lively carbonation tickles the nostril hairs and gets the mouth salivating for the first sip.
Very fruity and spicy. Again lots of notes of apples, cinnamon and cloves with a little bubble gumminess. Fairly sweet but not overboard. Nice bready finish. Some booziness in the finish.
I don't get to try this breweries offering as often as I'd like to because they are all fantastic.
Small on alcohol, big on flavor.
Super session ale right here.
★ 769 characters