Allagash White - Allagash Brewing Company, Portland

Allagash is another brewery that is spoken of in very high regard but isn't distributed in my area. I've always wanted to try one of their beers and recently found a four pack of bottles while on a road trip. While I was excited about finding Allagash bottles, I was a little less excited about the selection... Basically, it was Allagash White or no Allagash at all. I grabbed a four pack and went on my way. With cautious optimism I poured the first bottle of Allagash White into my tulip and prepared to experience the best that Maine has to offer (as far as Wit beers go that is).

This beer looked every bit as white as I was expecting. The body has that eerie translucent yellow color to it that makes it look like it is somehow bioluminescent. The body is nice and hazy, almost opaque actually... The head is a respectably foamy white layer atop the beer. It leaves a little lacing along the sides of the glass but otherwise unremarkable.

The aroma of this beer is quite light. The most noticeable thing about it is the yeast. It reminds me of an old world Saison, funky but not terribly fruity. There is a hint of lemon but just as much pale malt to sort of balance everything out.

The Allagash White tastes like a number of other Belgian Wits I've had before and it doesn't really bring anything new to your taste buds. Not that that's a bad thing necessarily. If you're looking for a superbly balanced Wit you'll be happy with this beer. The flavors are a bit text book but steal a little more from the Saison than the aroma. The main flavor of this beer is the yeast. It's been described as grassy but I found it more wheaty. I associate the grass flavors more with hops and that wasn't what I was getting in this beer. There is a little lemon, some spice and more wheat mid-palate, finishing with a dash of pepper and the slightest hint of coriander. The aftertaste is quite interesting. This beer left me with the flavor of nut bread on my tongue, a little malty, salty and sweet.

In the end, I'd recommend the Allagash White to anyone who enjoys a good Wit beer (of course), anyone who wants to get into Wit beer and anyone looking to get more enjoyment out of drinking a Wheat in the summertime. This beer won't challenge your notions of what a Wit beer is, but it will reaffirm your love for them.