On Saturday, I tried a new beer, Mother Earth Weeping Willow Wit. A few weeks ago, Kevin went to the beer shop without me. (He should know better.) To make it up to me, he brought home this little surprise.
I don’t loooooove wit beers, but seeing how Saturday was hot, sunny, and all-around perfect wit weather, I gave it a go. FYI: Mother Earth Brewing is from North Carolina, and this particular beer has 5% ABV.
My Thoughts:
Appearance: not just golden; downright yellow – no head, but significant carbonation
Smell: not much aroma; light
Taste: upfront lemon; a little yeast on the way down; lingering dough and spice (pepper or coriander)
Mouthfeel: very light and spritzy – the carbonation tingles a little on the tongue
Overall: very refreshing; I like it, though I’m in no hurry to buy it again.
Wit Beers:
Wit beers often taste of spice, citrus, and yeast. They are commonly referred to as “white beers,” and are also commonly served with lemon. (I find that fruit takes away from the beer, so I always request mine without… or give my Dos X lime to Kevin.) They often have a cloudy appearance due to lack of filtration, but Weeping Willow Wit looked pretty clear.
The term “wheat beer” refers to weiss and wit styles. Weissbiers are German, and witbiers are Belgian. There are some subtle differences; for example, brewers generally filter weissbiers (many of which are hefeweizens). Brewers originally crafted witbiers without hops, and according to Mother Earth Brewing, brewmasters have been brewing this style of beer for over 400 years. I think they might be onto something here…
- Are you a wit fan? If so, got a favorite?
- Do you prefer to drink locally, or is that not much of a concern?
April 24, 2012 at 6:51 am
I like drinking locally. We’re lucky enough to have some good breweries in Chicago and the surrounding bigger cities, so it’s never too much of an issue.
Although, I’ve been known to down bud lights like there’s no tomorrow. Does that count since it’s brewed in St. Louis?
April 24, 2012 at 9:31 am
I’m a big wit fan (my second favorite type of beer), so this sounds really good to me! I agree with Amy — I love buying local beers and try to do it whenever I am traveling. If you ever make it to Milwaukee, let me know, there are plenty of breweries to recommend!
April 24, 2012 at 10:23 am
I’m generally NOT a wit fan. I’m really picky. If the coriander is really overpowering, it just turns me off.
But, I really do like Sam Adams blackberry wit. I had that as one of the beers at my wedding last summer and it was a huge hit (mostly because it is a perfect summer beer!)
April 24, 2012 at 10:34 am
I don’t think I have ever actually had a Wit beer. Might have to try it out. But I am an IPA fan
April 24, 2012 at 11:16 am
I love drinking locally, at home AND on vacation! I really like trying new brews and often some of the smaller microbreweries don’t export out of their state so it’s a great way to find new favorites. Of course, then I get home and wish I could find them and can’t, but oh well.
I’m just glad that Chicago has a great local craft beer scene!
April 24, 2012 at 2:01 pm
I’m glad I’m not the only one who respects local beverages along with local cuisine. It’s a great way to try new things!
April 24, 2012 at 11:30 am
Luckily, I have great local breweries where I am, so I love drinking local beers!
I am not usually a fan of wit or weiss beers. I’m too in love with hops lately so they just seem way too light. I imagine they are pretty refreshing on a hot day! I think they are great beers for new beer drinkers.
April 24, 2012 at 12:08 pm
I’ve never heard of Wit beer. I don’t drink much local beer, but I really should! I tend to stick to old favorites, which means I know I’ll get something I like, but that’s not particularly fun or adventurous though, is it?
April 24, 2012 at 1:13 pm
I drink locally to support local breweries, but not so much because of ingredient quality
April 24, 2012 at 3:52 pm
And both are pronounced with a “v” instead of a “w”!
I love both, although we haven’t brewed either yet!!