New Belgium lands the Mothership
I gather there has been some excitement about the New Belgium beers coming to Minnesota. This enthusiasm is not without merit. New Belgium makes some great beers. In my opinion, though, their best beers aren’t coming to MN . . .yet. According to the Twin Cities Imbiber, only the 1554, Fat Tire and as I found, the Mothership Wit are in town and in 22 oz. bottles.
Since I know Fat Tire pretty well, I picked up the other two and tried the Wit last night. The color was light yellow with greenish under-tones, almost like a young sauvignon blanc. Compared with other Wits, it was also remarkably clear.
The spicy character was light in the aroma. There was a surprisingly strong bready note to the nose.
The spice character was relatively strong in the beginning of flavor. There was the expected coriander note, as well as some other spiciness I couldn’t quite identify. The spicy notes early gave way to a subtle and pleasant sourness in the middle. The sourness was generally citrusy/acidity. Although balanced by a strong carbonation, sweetness finished the beer; I thought lingering into the aftertaste a bit.
I perceive wheat to give beers a distinct mouthfeel. I’m not sure others would agree, but I always think of it as a bit “chewy,” in a paradoxically creamy kind of a way. The Wit style generally has a fair amount of wheat in the grist, and I found that kind of mouthfeel in this beer.
Would I recommend the Wit? You bet. It’s especially attractive as a “gateway beer,” for the drinker who’s ready the next step into real beer from the world of Blue Moon or even wine. It would be great with Sushi, light pasta, shrimp on the grill, or anything with herbs and citrus. Perfect for summer!
(Note: I’m still waiting for “Skinny Dip,” NB’s summer seasonal to make it to MN, along with the stellar Tripel).
