Oh, You Rascal

Beer O’ The Week: White Rascal

Avery’s wit ale a devilish delight

Wamp’s Wisdom

(PHOTO: J.T. WAMPLER) White Rascal from Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder, Colo.

White Rascal from Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder, Colo., is a Belgian-style wheat or “wit” ale.
It pours bright golden color with little or no head. Aroma is spicy and fruity which is a characteristic of the yeast used to ferment Belgian wit beers. Taste is sharp and almost tart with hints on orange and lemon. The finish is clean and crisp.
Once again, my dislike for Belgian wheat beers is shaken by a nice, well made example from a great Colorado brewery. Remember to swirl the last little bit in the bottle before finishing the pour. That is what gives it the light color sought after in the style.
Pair with mild cheese, clam chowder or fresh fruit.
Rating: 5 caps

Rico’s Reaction

This is the kind of beer that Coor’s mass-produced Blue Moon wants to be and wishes it was.
I genuinely love this type of wheat beer, the Belgian-style white ale, and Avery’s brewed up an excellent one with it’s White Rascal. There’s some nice citrus action going on here backed with a potent peppery punch of coriander. Plus it doesn’t hurt that the bottle has a sweet white devil chilling on the label.
The only thing that mystifies me about White Rascal is that when I really sniffed it — really forced my schnozz inside the glass — the scent I got was of burnt rubber tires. Weird. I take it as further evidence that my nose and sense of smell may be fatally flawed. That or I have a brain tumor.
And wouldn’t you know it, I forgot to do the swirl before finishing the pour. Some expert I am. Doh!
Rating: 4 caps