Judge’s Review: 93 Rating – Biere Du Château by Lucy & Howe Brewing Co.

Witbier | Seasonal | USA

By Sean Coughlin

Judges Rating: 93.00
Aroma: 24.00
Appearance: 5.00
Flavor: 37.00
Mouthfeel: 9.00
Overall Impression: 18.00

Lucy and Howe Brewing Company’s Biere Du Château is being evaluated as a Belgian-style Witbier (2021 BJCP Guidelines Category 24A). This beer was formerly known as “Biere Maison” – but according to the label on the can, it is a long story…
The aroma is arguably the highlight of this beer featuring light grainy water cracker-like presence up front with a subtle pop of bright citrus. Freshly squeezed lemon is an accent note with a touch of freshly ground black pepper. Complex, inviting, and very representative of the style. The appearance is a slightly hazy blonde with a thin white head that dissipates quickly.  
The flavor is driven by yeast and hallmark ingredients of the style. Freshly ground coriander dominates; a bit less in the balance would be welcome. Citrus is buried but comes through on the finish if you are actively looking for it. There is a light grassy hop flavor that harmonizes well with the other flavors present and the low bitterness is perfectly balanced within the beer. The bready malt profile does an excellent job of staying out of the way and creating a blank canvas for all the other complexities to showcase themselves.  
This beer has a moderately light body but the mouthfeel has a harshness, possibly due to a heavy hand with the coriander. The best examples of this style have more smoothness/creaminess and this beer lacks that. This beer is exceedingly dry — a bit more sweetness would likely improve both flavor and mouthfeel. 
Overall, an excellent interpretation of this style which is notoriously difficult to balance all the elements in. This beer holds true to style without being a boring clone. It has its own identity, almost coming across as a Witbier/Saison hybrid. There are new things to discover with each whiff and sip which is exactly what you hope for when you enjoy Belgian-style ales.