Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier


20110902:
I wrote: "Blackberry Witbier smells great. Nice berry taste. Like a grape soda. But of course blackberry." 10:39 pm

[20110914]

Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier

Relevant Links:
Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier (BeerAdvocate.com)
Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier (Samuel Adams Website)



Website Information:
About:
Our take on a classic witbier brewed with Oregon Marion blackberries to give the beer a subtle sweetness.

To create our version of the traditional witbier style, we wanted to complement the style’s natural wheat and traditional citrus flavors with the sweetness and tartness of blackberries. We looked for the perfect variety of blackberries that could offer the balance in flavor without becoming overpowering. The Oregon Marion blackberries were the perfect fit; selected from family farms located at the foot of the Oregon Trail and Cascade Mountains in Western Oregon, where they have been growing some of the best blackberries in the world for generations. The blackberries are brought together with a hint of traditional orange and coriander to complement the malt character and give a smooth finish that’s both sweet and tart.

History:
Witbier is a classic Belgian style meaning “white beer”. The name comes from the pale color and cloudiness of the beer due to the unfiltered wheat and suspended yeast. Witbier originated from medieval beers that used spices to flavor and preserve the beer rather than hops. Although hops are now used the taste is subtle and the characteristic spices remain. Typical spices include coriander and orange peel giving the beer a citrusy flavor that complements the wheat.

Brewing:
First brewed as a contender in the 2008 Beer Lover’s Choice® program, Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier was elected by beer enthusiasts across the country over Coffee Stout by 60 percent of the vote.

Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier is brewed with two-row Harrington and Metcalfe malts and generous portions of malted wheat. The malted barley and wheat give the beer its light body and cereal character that’s complemented by a hint of orange and coriander for a citrusy aroma and taste. To create our own twist on the classic witbier flavor we added blackberries for a subtle sweetness and tartness. We searched for blackberries that would add the right level of flavor to complement the taste of the beer without making it too sweet. The Oregon Marion blackberries created a perfect balance for a flavorful and refreshing beer.

Profile:
Flavor: Brewed with Oregon Marion blackberries, orange peel, and coriander to complement the malted wheat.
Color: Hazy gold, 7 SRM
Original Gravity: 13.2° Plato
Alcohol by Vol/Wt: 5.5%ABV – 4.3%ABW
Calories/12 oz.: 176
IBUs: 10
Malt Varieties: Two-row Harrington, Metcalfe and Copeland pale malts, and malted wheat
Hop Variety: Hallertau Mittelfrueh Noble hops
Special Ingredient: Marion blackberries, orange peel, coriander
Yeast Strain: Samuel Adams ale yeast
Availability: Year round
First Brewed: 2008

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