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Beer Reviews

Alabaster

Oaken Barrel Brewing Co.
Greenwood, IN
USA
http://www.oakenbarrel.com/

Style: Belgian White (Witbier)
ABV: 4.5%

Jill’s Rating:
   (Outstanding within its style.)


Comments:
Oaken Barrel describes their Belgian Wit as a “sunglow yellow” color, and beers that are that sunny yellow when they pour out always make me happy, and the Alabaster has made me so happy that I’ve managed to devour most of my six-pack before I remembered to write this review.

It’s true that this beer pours nicely. You get the nice Belgian wit head and that gorgeous yellow color I just mentioned. This is one of those beers that you have to remember not to pour all at once—put about three quarters of it in your glass, then swirl the bottle before pouring the rest. This allows you to get the yeast that’s settled in the bottom of the bottle out.

On the nose you get that nice, crisp feeling, with some orange peel and coriander notes. The taste is about the same. The beer is pretty light and smooth, but it has enough flavor not to turn you off. Right at the end of the mouthfeel, the orange and coriander sort of waft through your mouth, leaving a really nice, soft finish.

Man, it’s a good solid beer. Not a totally knock-your-socks-off wit, but a mighty fine wit nonetheless. Just thinking about it makes me want to go to the refrigerator and see if I’ve got any left. I betcha I do. Otherwise, I think a trip to Indiana is in store for me.

Reviewed by Jill Jaracz on November 13, 2008.

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