94 Samuel Adams Imperial White Ale, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 10.3% ABV (7/10)
Lightly hazy deep amber color. Bold fruity aromas of date and fig bread, caramelized apricots and spiced candied tangerine peels follow through on a round, chewy entry to a fruity-yet-dry full body with great depth, weight and intensity. Finishes with a long, mélange of dried fruits, spices and cocoa-dusted pasty notes. A delicious, big and balanced imperial wit that is great on its own or with hearty foods.
92 La Trappe Witte Trappist, Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeren B.V. (Holland). 5.5% ABV (7/10)
Clear golden silver color. Appealing aromas of Eggs Florentine, paprika and very subtle spices follow through on a soft, supple entry to a dryish medium body with great balance and integration of flavors. Finishes with a long, refreshing, citrus, wheat cracker, grass and mineral kissed finish. A superbly crafted and delicious wit beer.
92 Blanche de Chambly, Unibroue (Canada). 5% ABV (7/10)
Minutely hazy golden color. Artfully meshed aromas of candied citrus zest, custard, baguette, coriander and nutmeg follow through on a crisp entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with shredded wheat and lemon peel notes. Finishes with a dusty crabapple, wafer, linen and wet stone-like fade. A delicious and delightful white beer.
91 Double White Belgian Style Ale, River Horse Brewery (NJ). 7.5% ABV (6/08)
Cloudy pale amber color. Orange soufflé, caramel drizzled dried apricot and zesty coriander aromas follow though on a round, supple entry to a fruity medium-to-full body with a great interplay of sweet spice and deep dried fruit flavors. Finishes with a long, tangy orange-peach marmalade, wet grain and praline fade. Delicious and dangerously drinkable.
90 Witty Ale, Chameleon Brewing Co. (WI). 5.4% ABV (7/10)
Hazy pale golden color. Bright spicy aromas of ginger, coriander, lemongrass, pink peppercorn and tangerine gum follow through on a round, soft entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with good depth and refreshing, smooth, zesty apple and spicy rye toast-accented finish. Very flavorful and refreshing.
90 Witface, Bastone Brewery (MI). 5% ABV (7/10) %{Brewpub}
Cloudy light golden yellow color. Delicate banana custard and clove aromas follow through on a supple, frothy entry to a dryish medium body with good texture and an apple skin, melon and lemon rind, husky grain and mineral-accented finish. More of a mild hefeweizen than a wit, but very nice.
89 Summer Frog Witbier, Issaquah Brewhouse (WA). 5.7% ABV (6/08)
Slightly hazy amber color. Sweet potato, peach piecrust and baking spice aromas follow through on a buoyant, frothy entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium with zesty accents of coriander and cinnamon bark. Finishes spicy toffee, shredded wheat and honeyed orange fade.
89 MOA Blanc, MOA Brewing Company (New Zealand). 5.5% ABV (7/10)
Minutely hazy golden color with a pillowy white head. Aromas of fresh bread, bell pepper frittata and mild citrus custard follow through on a soft, round entry to a dryish medium body with very good balance and elegant depth. Finishes with grass, citrus rind and mineral-like astringency and bitterness and a husky wheatberry note. A nice vibrant choice for the table.
88 Point Belgian White, Stevens Point Brewery (WI). 4.76% ABV (7/10)
Hazy old gold color. Aromas of citrus and banana custard and polenta follow through on a smooth, soft entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with subtle depth and balance. Finishes with mellowly spiced, dried citrus and apple and grain-accented finish. A very drinkable and refreshing wit.
88 Blanche De Namur Witbier, Brasserie Du Bocq (Belgium). 4.5% ABV (7/10)
Lightly hazy translucent golden silver color. Interesting aromas of molasses rum cake, coriander and orange meringue follow through on a supple, frothy entry to a dryish medium body with good depth and balance. Finishes with a tangy apple skin, mineral, green peppercorn and wafer cracker-accented fade. A delicate, food friendly offering.
87 Infinite Wit, Nebraska Brewing Company (NE). 4.6% ABV (7/10) %{Brewpub}
Cloudy pale golden yellow color. Aromas of corn chowder, frittata and dried citrus and banana follow through on a supple, round entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with a crisp cracker, melon and apple skin-accented finish. A nice refreshing, lighter styled wit.
85 Ommegang Witte, Brewery Ommegang (NY). 5.1% ABV (6/08)
Lightly hazy yellow gold color. Lemon-orange bread, honeyed oat and delicate spice aromas. A round entry leads to a dryish medium-to-full body of tangy honeyed lemon and orange peels, oatmeal, wet clay and faint coriander flavors. Finishes with a citrus and bitter herb, mossy earth fade. An earthy, zesty quaffer.
84 Wheat Ale, Upland Brewing (IN). 4.6% ABV (6/09)
Yellow color with a light mousse. Vibrant aromas of warm bread pudding, lemon curd and pine follow through on a round entry to a dryish medium body with lots of wintergreen and juniper notes and a hint of Mr. Clean. Finishes with a lemon custard Danish-like fade. Different.
84 Pike Dry Wit, Pike Brewing Co. (WA). 5% ABV (7/10)
Minutely hazy pale old gold color. Bright layered aromas of frittata, coriander, citrus and dried flowers follow through on a round entry to a dryish medium body with good depth and a tart and slightly bitter, apple skin, grainy cracker and lemon rind finish.
84 Brunehaut Bio Blanche, Brasserie de Brunehaut (Belgium). 5% ABV (6/09)
Hazy straw yellow color. Aromas of Ivory soapbox, crabapple and waxy lemon follow through on a mild entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with green pear skin and old spice notes. Finishes with a quick dusty fade.
83 White Frog Ale, Issaquah Brewhouse (WA). 5.7% ABV (7/10)
Deep old gold color. Slightly sour apple and lemon aromas have a hefty old Easter egg note and follow through on a crisp entry to a dry medium body with melon rind and muted spice notes. Finishes with a wispy, grain husk, fruit peel and floral talc-accented fade. A bit confused.