Harpoon UFO White

Tasting Notes

The aroma leads with wheat, coriander, and a mild citrus note — orange peel is the most prominent impression. On the palate it's light-bodied with a gentle tartness, soft wheat grain, and modest spice. The carbonation is lively without being aggressive, and the finish is short and dry with a faint herbal edge. It's a well-behaved example of the style without much in the way of surprise.

About the Brewery

Harpoon is a Boston-based brewery founded in 1986, making it one of the earlier craft operations on the East Coast. They're closely associated with their IPA, which has been a regional staple for decades, and the UFO line represents their wheat-focused sub-brand. The brewery operates a second significant facility in Windsor, Vermont, and maintains a strong presence in the New England market through wide distribution and a loyal local following.

Food Pairings

A plate of steamed mussels works well here because the beer's citrus and spice notes echo classic mussel broth aromatics. Grilled shrimp tacos pair naturally, with the wheat body softening the char and the coriander in the beer bridging to cumin-forward seasoning. A light goat cheese salad with citrus vinaigrette finds common ground with the beer's tartness. Roast chicken with herbs is an easy match — the spice profile in the beer amplifies the thyme and rosemary without competing.

Style Guide

Witbier is a Belgian wheat beer style 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 aromatic driver. It originated in Belgium, with the Hoegaarden brewery credited for reviving the style in the 1960s after it had nearly disappeared. ABV typically runs between 4.5% and 5.5%, placing it on the lighter end of the spectrum. What separates witbier from German hefeweizen is the spice addition and a drier, more tart finish, as opposed to hefeweizen's banana and clove character derived from yeast alone.