Brasseur de Montréal Chi Witbier at 4.5% ABV | 20 IBU (C$3.83 at NLC Stavanger, 473 ml, packaged on 13-Jun-2018, acquired 29-Jul-2018, reviewed 2-Aug-2018)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of rocky white head diminishing gradually to a thin persistent cap, spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: ginger, citrus, grass, faint wheat. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter, light peppery spice. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, lively carbonation, sweetish mildly spicy finish. (4/5)
I was initially of two minds about this: yes, ginger dominates, nearly to the exclusion of all else, but not unpleasantly so, and I actually like ginger, so… The appearance improves with a proper swirl, becoming appropriately opaque, though the head never attains the correct creamy persistent character. Despite the aroma, the sweetness on the tongue is restrained, the lively carbonation prevents the slightly sweet finish from becoming sticky or cloying, and the ginger provides a mild peppery heat. All in all, it ends up being not bad, and I’m inclined to believe the can’s food pairing suggestions including asian dishes and sushi. As far as I can tell, I haven’t had anything by this brewer before, but I’m certainly inclined to give them another go on the strength of this one – perhaps something a little cleaner and less adjunct-heavy. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
