Westbrook Brewing Company White Thai
What the brewers say
This beer, inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine, is a twist on the classic Belgian witbier style. Instead of the traditional coriander and orange peel, we add fresh lemongrass, ginger root, and a dash of Sorachi Ace hops.
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Big fruity aroma, very Belgian. Slight bubblegum. Peppery and herbal, jasmine with notes of coriander and orange. Hints of pine needles and earthiness. Hops are mildly citrusy and floral.”
Flavor: “Very spicy and peppery. There’s a tannic character at the end and a considerable woody flavor. High hop bitterness with moderate honey wheat sweetness. The citrus works well. The dried banana, candy, and interesting peppery and spice notes are more typical of a Belgian yeast. Finishes slightly bitter with nice acidity.”
Overall: “The brewer took some chances on it compared to a classic wit, and it paid off. Nice complexity of pepper and spice with light sweetness that is complemented by the wood. Great creamy mouthfeel and a very refreshing beer.”