Beer releases are a rare occurrence in the first month of this year. This week we are blessed with three. Two by Phillips and one by Spinnakers.
The wit (white) beer style is a top fermented wheat brew which originated in Belgium. The single handed efforts of one man, Pierre Celis, to revive this style are a fascinating read. The classic example of style is Hoegaarden, named after the Belgian town where Mr. Celis started brewing this beer. Spices and fruits are commonly used additions to witbiers. Coriander and orange peel are the most common, but I have seen cumin, chamomile and grain of paradise used. So how did the Phillips version fare?

Blood Orange Wit  = 6/10


This brew was pretty darn tasty. The nose was an equal mix of coriander, sweet blood orange and spicy wheat. Each sip didn't reveal anything new, but its light and creamy mouthfeel was very refreshing. It flavours faded quickly, as all good witbiers should. Well done. Odd that it wasn't released in summer.


Taste +4
Aftertaste 0
Alcohol Content 0 5%
Value +1 (Worth the price $6)
Appearance +1 (Good description of flavour and money goes to charity)

Glassware: The heavy hexagonal glass is historically the Hoegaarden/witbier glass. Thick glass helps to keep the beer cold longer. It was possibly shaped to reflect the tradition of drinking out of jam jars, which are often hexagonal.

Food Pairings: Light foods are best. Perfect to start with salads, light fish or seafood and great with cheese sandwiches.

Cellar: Nope, drink this one fresh. This is why I think its release is odd since summer is months away.