Terrapin/New Belgium – Black is the new Wit

May the fourth be Wit you.

And yes, the fourth of May is Star Wars day. We honor it by nominating Black is the new Wit as a Dark Force (8.2 % ABV) that packs plenty of interesting flavor.

A collaboration by Spike Buckowski of Terrapin and Peter Bouckaert of New Belgium, this wood-aged witbier is made with Midnight Wheat and sassafras in addition to coriander and curaçao. There’s a touch of rye on the malt bill and Sorachi Ace among the hops.

Distributed by Terrapin, this beer might be a little on the sweet side for some (such as Darth Vader) due to the sassafras. But there’s also some raisins, plum, smoke and other dark flavors to recommend this experimental dark ale with a gorgeous tan head.

-- Jonathan Ingram