Lewis & Clark Brewing Co.
Helena, MT
Available: MT
According to Lewis and Clark’s diaries, the explorers brought casks of Woodsford’s Whiskey on their 2,000-mile journey, but there is no record of beer.
ABV: 5.2
ABW: 4.1
Color: n/a
Bitterness: n/a
Original Gravity: n/a
The beer pours with rather little carbonation; it’s got a hazy, full gold color but barely raises a head. The nose reveals that this is not German-style hefeweizen, but American wheat beer. No bananas or cloves, instead a mild aroma of wheat and a bit of fruit. Bitterness is crisp, but the lack of fizz leaves the palate sweet; a lilt of fruit leads to a short finish. No particular flaws (aside from flatness), but no highlights either. It would be nice with some good sushi.
A pale gold beer — there’s not much hefe (yeast) about it, as the beer is clear rather than cloudy in the German style. Nevertheless, it’s a superb beer with a rich and appealing aroma of creamy malt, banana fruit, bubblegum and a hint of spice. Sappy malt, ripe fruit and light hops dominate the palate. There are increasing hop notes in the finish balanced by juicy malt and bittersweet fruit. A tad too bitter to be a true German-style hefeweizen, but delicious and complex.
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.
Roger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the
