Allagash White is a well-loved and highly regarded beer among enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Known for its delightful blend of spices, fruity notes, and a subtle hint of sweetness, this Belgian-style witbier has won over many a palate. But what if you’re in the mood for a change, or simply want to explore other beers similar to Allagash White? Well, you’re in luck, because today I’ll be suggesting five fantastic alternatives to this classic brew:
1. Wittekerke Wit
2. St. Bernardus Wit
3. Blue Moon Belgian White
4. Hoegaarden Original White Ale
5. Avery White Rascal
Join me as I take you on a flavorful journey through these five beers, discussing their origins, brewing methods, and what makes them great substitutes for Allagash White.
1. Wittekerke Wit
Origin and Brew Method
Hailing from Belgium, the land that brought us the witbier style, Wittekerke Wit is produced by the De Brabandere brewery. Established in 1894, this family-owned brewery prides itself on its dedication to tradition and quality. Their Wittekerke Wit is brewed using a classic witbier recipe, which includes barley malt, unmalted wheat, and oats. The beer is then spiced with coriander and orange peel, giving it its distinctive aroma and flavor profile.
Tasting Notes
If you enjoy the citrusy and spicy notes of Allagash White, you’ll likely appreciate the flavors present in Wittekerke Wit. This beer offers a delightful combination of fruity esters, zesty citrus, and a subtle hint of coriander. The mouthfeel is creamy and smooth, with a refreshing finish that makes it a perfect choice for a warm day or a pleasant evening.
2. St. Bernardus Wit
Origin and Brew Method
Another fantastic Belgian offering, St. Bernardus Wit is produced by the renowned St. Bernardus brewery in Watou. This brewery has a long history, dating back to 1946 when it first started brewing Trappist-style ales. St. Bernardus Wit is brewed with a mix of barley malt and unmalted wheat, and is spiced with coriander and Curacao orange peel.
Tasting Notes
St. Bernardus Wit is a full-bodied and complex beer that offers a rich array of flavors. You’ll find notes of ripe fruit, citrus, and a hint of spice, all wrapped up in a creamy, velvety mouthfeel. The beer has a slightly sweet finish, making it a satisfying and well-rounded choice for those seeking a beer similar to Allagash White.
3. Blue Moon Belgian White
Origin and Brew Method
Blue Moon Belgian White is an American take on the classic Belgian witbier style, produced by the Blue Moon Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado.
First introduced in 1995, this beer quickly gained popularity and has since become a staple in bars and homes across the United States. Blue Moon Belgian White is brewed with malted barley, white wheat, and oats, and is spiced with Valencia orange peel and coriander.
Tasting Notes
While Blue Moon Belgian White may not possess the same level of complexity as some of its Belgian counterparts, it still offers a pleasant and refreshing drinking experience. The beer presents a mix of sweet orange, zesty citrus, and just a touch of spice, balanced by a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. If you’re a fan of Allagash White, Blue Moon Belgian White is a familiar and accessible alternative to try.
4. Hoegaarden Original White Ale
Origin and Brew Method
Hoegaarden Original White Ale is a true classic in the world of witbiers. Brewed in the small Belgian village of Hoegaarden, this beer is the result of centuries of brewing tradition. The recipe includes a mix of barley malt, unmalted wheat, and oats, along with the quintessential witbier spices of coriander and orange peel.
Tasting Notes
Hoegaarden Original White Ale offers a delicate balance of sweet and sour flavors, with notes of citrus, fruit, and spice. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, with a refreshing finish that makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a beer similar to Allagash White. As one of the most iconic witbiers in the world, Hoegaarden Original White Ale is a must-try for fans of the style.
5. Avery White Rascal
Origin and Brew Method
Another American take on the Belgian witbier style, Avery White Rascal is produced by the Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, Colorado. Established in 1993, this brewery has gained a reputation for producing high-quality and innovative beers. Avery White Rascal is brewed with a mix of malted barley and unmalted wheat, and is spiced with Curacao orange peel and coriander.
Tasting Notes
Avery White Rascal offers a bright and zesty flavor profile, with prominent notes of citrus and coriander. The beer has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, with a crisp and refreshing finish. If you’re a fan of Allagash White, Avery White Rascal is a flavorful and enjoyable alternative to consider.
Conclusion
Allagash White is undoubtedly a fantastic beer, but there is a world of delicious and intriguing witbiers out there to explore. Wittekerke Wit, St. Bernardus Wit, Blue Moon Belgian White, Hoegaarden Original White Ale, and Avery White Rascal each offer their unique take on the witbier style, and are all worth a try if you’re a fan of Allagash White.
Personally, I would highly recommend St. Bernardus Wit for its complexity and rich flavor profile. However, whichever beer you choose, you’re sure to find a satisfying and enjoyable alternative to Allagash White. Cheers to exploring new flavors and expanding your beer horizons!
FAQs
Is Allagash White similar to Blue Moon?
Allagash White and Blue Moon are both Belgian-style wheat beers, but they have distinct differences in terms of flavor profile and brewing techniques. Allagash White tends to have a more complex and nuanced flavor, with notes of citrus, spice, and a slightly tart finish. It is brewed with traditional Belgian yeast strains and utilizes a blend of wheat and barley malts. On the other hand, Blue Moon is known for its lighter and more approachable taste, often featuring orange peel and coriander flavors. It is brewed with a different yeast strain and typically includes oats in the malt bill. While they share some similarities, Allagash White and Blue Moon have their own unique characteristics that set them apart.
What style of beer is Allagash?
Allagash is a brewery that produces a variety of beer styles, but they are particularly well-known for their Belgian-style beers. They specialize in crafting traditional Belgian ales such as Belgian Tripel, Belgian Dubbel, Saison, and Belgian Strong Ale. Allagash beers often feature complex flavors, fruity esters, spicy notes, and a characteristic yeast profile commonly found in Belgian brewing traditions.
What does Allagash White ale taste like?
Allagash White ale is a Belgian-style wheat beer that is known for its refreshing and complex flavor profile. It has notes of citrus, coriander, and subtle spiciness, with a slightly sweet and bready malt character. The beer is often described as having a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, with a dry and crisp finish.
What does Blue Moon taste similar to?
Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbier with a unique flavor profile. It is often described as having a smooth and refreshing taste with notes of orange peel, coriander, and wheat. Some people compare its flavor to a combination of citrusy flavors like orange and lemon, along with subtle spice undertones.
What type of beer is Allagash?
Allagash is a brewery located in Portland, Maine, known for producing Belgian-style beers. They specialize in crafting traditional Belgian ales, including their flagship beer, Allagash White, which is a Belgian-style wheat beer.
What style of beer is Allagash White?
Allagash White is a Belgian-style wheat beer, also known as a witbier. It is characterized by its hazy appearance, light body, and refreshing flavors of citrus, spices, and wheat.
