Community Witbier

Community Witbier by Community Beer Co. is being evaluated as BJCP 2015 style 24A – Witbier. Pours a whitish cloudy deep straw with a large white head of tiny and small bubbles that fades to a quarter inch layer that is persistent. Medium bread dough and bread crusts greets the nose, with moderate orange zest character, and medium-light limey black pepper notes that might be coriander (typical for the style). No hops in the aroma, and light fruity notes of apricot from the yeast.

The flavor starts with bread crust and orange zest notes, with slight offputting soapy notes. Moderate floral hop flavor and low hop bittering. The body is medium with some viscosity from the wheat, and with moderate carbonation. This beer hits all the points of the style but has minor flavors that are distracting – possibly also too much coriander or other spices for balance. The spicy and citrusy notes might contrast well with a sweeter spicy food like Chinese Orange chicken with honey.