Avery White Rascal

Tasting Notes

The aroma opens with orange peel, coriander, and a faint wheaty sweetness that's true to the Belgian wit tradition. On the palate, flavors of lemon zest, white pepper, and soft bread dough come together with a light, hazy body. The finish is gently dry with a subtle spice linger — the coriander hangs around just long enough to remind you it's there. It's a well-balanced example of the style without any single element dominating.

About the Brewery

Avery Brewing is based in Boulder, Colorado, and has been operating since 1993. They built their reputation on bold, high-ABV beers — big IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, and Belgian-influenced ales — and have long been a fixture in the American craft scene. White Rascal sits on the more approachable end of their lineup, showing the brewery can dial things back without losing character. Their taproom and production facility in Boulder draws a steady crowd year-round.

Food Pairings

Steamed mussels in white wine broth work well here because the beer's citrus and spice echo the aromatics already in the pot. A light Thai green curry pairs naturally since the wheat body softens the heat while coriander bridges the spice notes. Roast chicken with lemon and herbs finds a sympathetic companion in the beer's orange peel brightness. Fresh goat cheese on a baguette contrasts nicely — the cheese's tang plays off the wheat softness without overwhelming either. A simple shrimp ceviche lets the beer's acidity and citrus notes do some of the heavy lifting alongside the lime.

Style Guide

Witbier is a Belgian wheat beer brewed with a significant proportion of unmalted wheat alongside barley malt, and typically spiced with coriander and dried orange or lemon peel — a combination that sets it apart from German wheat styles, which rely on yeast character rather than added spices. The style originated in Belgium, most notably revived by Pierre Celis in Hoegaarden in the 1960s after nearly dying out entirely. It pours hazy from the suspended wheat proteins and unfiltered yeast, and sits in a moderate ABV range generally between 4.5 and 5.5 percent. The body is light to medium, and the flavor profile leans citrusy and gently spiced rather than malty or hoppy.