Way back in early May, our good friend The Alemonger set out to create a new home brew as a going away present for his friends and neighbors Dennis and Renee (they were moving to yet another Craft Beer centric metropolis: Denver, Colorado, home of the Great American Beer Festival). Since Dennis and Renee are fans of Belgian Wit Ales, The Alemonger created his own version which would include whole vanilla beans in addition to the traditional Belgian Wit spices, i.e. coriander, clove, orange peel, etc..
Here is what The Alemonger has to say about this very special beer:
“Like a close friendship, good beer starts with a great formula. What started with a simple gathering grew into the perfect blend of wit and flavor. Far from vanilla (except for the beans, of course). From H.O.P.P.E.R.S. Wit Love is our homage to great memories and the future!”
Once again, a Craft Beer aficionado proves that Craft Beer people are damn good people! While I didn’t get a chance to help out with the actual brewing or even say goodbye to Dennis and Renee (also damn good people!), The Alemonger was kind enough to save me a bottle. Let’s find out if his latest brewing concoction is any good…
- Appearance: Slightly cloudy pale orange color. Fluffy, off white foam that settles down to about a quarter of an inch.
- Aroma: All of the classic Belgian Wit aromas are their, i.e. coriander, orange zest, and a hint of clove, but with a subtle vanilla bean scent lingering in the background.
- Taste: Medium carbonation with a velvety smooth mouthfeel. All of the aromas in the nose carry through to the palate and are there from start to finish. Very crisp and clean finish with a lingering orange zest and vanilla aftertaste.
- ABV: 6.5%
While I personally have no desire to home brew, I have much respect for those that are willing to go through what I suspect is a pain in the ass process. I mean let’s face it, if it weren’t for home brewers (and Jimmy Carter), there wouldn’t have been a Craft Beer Revolution in the USA, and we’d all be stuck drinking swill like Miller 64 (on the plus side, at least Miller 64 is very very wet. To be exact, it’s about 97.2% water. That’s pretty darn wet in my book!).
With regards to From H.O.P.P.E.R.S. Wit Love, I am pleased to report that The Alemonger’s home brewing adventure was a smashing success. While The Alemonger has numerous moments of supreme lunacy, when it comes to Craft Beer, he is deadly serious, and all of that seriousness is evident in the finished product. And here is the ultimate kicker: you would never know that this beer is 6.5%. Bravo Señor!
