Spanish Peaks Summer White

Brewed by Flying Dog Brewery
Style: Belgian White (Witbier)
Frederick, Maryland USA

One of the more unique Belgian Whites. Cloudy, with the characteristic yellow color, along with a darker orange tint. Cranberry and lemon aromas were unexpected yet pleasant, and the peach/tangerine flavors were quite distinctive and unique. Atypical also was the developing banana flavor that emerged as the level of beer in my glass dropped. Much less spiced than Hoegaarden or Allagash especially, although I’m not sure a comparison to those beers is appropriate, as this seems to be a departure from the customary style and an endeavor into a new realm of ’Belgian White’. Thoroughly complex and enjoyable! Don’t knock this just because it doesn’t stay within the confines of an ordinary witbier.

Cloudy yellow color with a loose white head. Peach and apricot aromas. Not quite as spicey as ther whites, and it was comparatively mellow. Not a s citric as Hoegaarden or others. At first I rated this beer with a four, but when I thought about it I was comparing it to other Belgian whites, however this has some unique qualities that deserve to stand on their own merits.

Very good - I wasn’t expecting too much and was pleasantly surprised. I really liked the aroma and the balance between the orange, coriander & yes - black pepper. A rather interesting beer.

To use an semi-old term. This stuff is da bomb. Pours a cloudy yellow with particles in the liquid looking suspended in air. Best part is the great, smooth taste. I was leery of this beer for no reason..turned out to be a super choice.

This is the third time I have picked up a bottle of this beer. Spanish Peaks has never interested me before, particularly because of their crappy fruit-wheat concoctions. However, a few weeks ago I just needed an extra single to fill in a mix 6 pack, so I got it. Two times back to the store and each time I got it again. I don’t know, is it possible that Flying Dog combined with Spanish peaks could actually make something good. But on with the beer...
It pours a dusty yellow, by dusty I mean its a clear beer, not hazy but it presents a lot of tiny dust-like particles suspended in the body. The beer has a small head with a slightly sticky lacing and a few bubbles that shoot through the beer. Interestingly enough, the bottom of the bottle pour really muddies the beer, which is surprising since I figure this to be highly filtered. Aroma is present with a doughy sweet yeastiness (just what I like in anything light, golden, and Belgian). Also, as the description states, just a touch of [herbal] coriander. Taste is light Belgian sweetness with more of the coriander aspect than the aroma suggests but neither flavor one-ups the other. A very nice meld of flavors to go along with a light-medium body that has a soft palate with just a few little spikes hitting the cheeks here and there. I don’t know what it is about this beer but it just resonates so well with me. Jez, I am really going against the curve with this one. Quaffable, recommended, and returnable.
12oz bottle, new 10th Anniversary Ommegang thinner elongated goblet glass (just got it in a gift pack and wanted to use it).

Cloudy yellow/orange obviously very cloudy. You could taste the orange and spices, I wouldn’t say black pepper but this was a good belgian white, and tasted very close blue moon, one of my favorites.

Zesty orange malt aroma. Fun label. Translucent, dilute OJ-colored, with a swarm of flocculent white yeast orts swimming around in there. This is one of the most balanced wits that I’ve ever had. Plenty of fruit, but not too sweet and not too tart. Peppery. Pastry finish that clings pleasantly. Very good.

12 oz bottle. Poured a cloudy yellow color. Head was white with pretty good retention. Pleasant aroma typical of a wit; yeasty/buttery bread dough, orange, a touch of malty cereal grain, and the requisite coriander. Very nice. Slightly sweet on the tongue with flavors following the aroma. There is a nice combination of orange, corinader, and subdued sweet vanilla that lingers. Seems like most breweries that make wits do a decent job, but this one is right up there with the best.