TOPIC:

I compared 2 "proper" Wits to a Blue Moon this weekend to get some final inspiration for what will probably be a mid-week brew. (Wit is a style I've had difficulty finding commercially.)

Blue Moon, although of course lacking any yeast-derived complexity is still quite flavorful compared to Hoegaarden (lots more Coriander and plenty of sweet orange peel).

I also tried Saint Bernardus Wit (Peter Celis Signature edition..) -BEAUTIFUL wit, SUPER flavorful and quite impressive, I see now why so many people put down Bluemoon. Although Bluemoon is more flavorful than Hoegaarden, it's only halfway between Hoegaarden and a "proper" wit.

Then I tried Witte Parel from the Netherlands; (both available from Redmonds right now). -WOW, I liked this one even better than the Saint Bernardus Wit and it was only 5% vs. Saint Bernardus's 5.5% ABV. It was even more flavor-packed, had a great mouthfeel for 5% ABV, and the slight acidity REALLY accented the citrusy flavors well. It did have a hint of a chamomile flavor... -Interestingly enough I just found out that "Witte Parel" means "White Pearl" which happens to mean "White Currant" so I now have a conspiracy theory as to what their secret flavor addition might be in this one...

I could definitely taste and appreciate the proper Wit Yeast flavor contributions, but they flavors were pretty subdued in both wits. I'm afraid that without temp control and with the warm weather that we've been having that I'm going to end up with phenolics that I REALLY don't want in this beer, but I'm going to give it a go anyway.

Doing a commercial tasting of the style before brewing has definitely changed my mind of what I want out of this one and I'm glad I did it.



Adam

The St Bernardus wit is fantastic! Blanche du Namur is the best example I have tasted especially in the 75cl format bottles.

Intrestingly Cantillon has just released their Zwanze 2010 which is a half lambic half wit. Cant wait to try some of that.

coors must be trying to push blue moon. we store for molson coors and today noticed alot of blue moon posters and beer mats.

"traPISSED":1vx77m84 wrote: The St Bernardus wit is fantastic! Blanche du Namur is the best example I have tasted especially in the 75cl format bottles.

Intrestingly Cantillon has just released their Zwanze 2010 which is a half lambic half wit. Cant wait to try some of that.[/quote:1vx77m84]

traPISSED, I have no doubt that you can turn ANY post here into a post about lambic! lol!
Really great to see your passion!



Adam

"thelynchfella":6p0m6k4y wrote: coors must be trying to push blue moon. we store for molson coors and today noticed alot of blue moon posters and beer mats.[/quote:6p0m6k4y]

Yep, they're quickly showing up in the offies and even a few restaurants. (Some of bars are being trained to add orange juice...) ;(


Adam

traPISSED,

Where did you find the Blanche du Namur?


Adam