Allagash White
1 log on Brewskipotatoes
Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with coriander and a faint orange peel brightness, backed by the soft, doughy character of unmalted wheat. On the palate, flavors of citrus zest and mild spice sit over a hazy, lightly tart wheat base, with a gentle yeast presence throughout. The body is light to medium, with a soft carbonation that keeps things lively without being aggressive. The finish is clean and slightly dry, with the spice fading into a mild wheaty sweetness.
About the Brewery
Allagash is based in Portland, Maine, and has been brewing since 1995 with a focus almost exclusively on Belgian-inspired ales. The brewery built its reputation largely on this flagship witbier, which helped introduce the style to a broad American audience at a time when Belgian styles were still a niche interest stateside. They have since expanded into sour and barrel-aged programs that are well-regarded nationally, and they operate as an employee-owned company.
Food Pairings
Steamed mussels in white wine are a natural match, as the beer's spice and citrus echo the briny, herb-forward broth. A simple roast chicken seasoned with lemon and herbs finds a complementary softness in the wheat base. Lighter fish tacos work well because the beer's mild acidity cuts through fatty avocado without overwhelming delicate white fish. A fresh goat cheese salad pairs cleanly, the beer's gentle tartness playing off the cheese's tang without either dominating the other.
Style Guide
Witbier is a Belgian wheat ale brewed with a significant proportion of unmalted wheat alongside barley malt, and traditionally spiced with coriander and dried orange peel rather than hops as the primary flavoring agent. It originated in Belgium, most famously in the town of Hoegaarden, and was effectively revived in the 1960s by Pierre Celis after the style had nearly disappeared. Compared to German wheat beers like hefeweizen, witbier is lighter in body, less banana-forward, and relies on spice additions rather than ester-driven yeast character to define its flavor profile. ABV typically runs in the 4.5 to 5.5 percent range.