Here’s the thing about the Laughing Skull beers from Atlanta’s Red Brick brewery: they’re not for everyone. I think of them more of a beginners guide to craft beer, with the famous Laughing Skull Amber Ale being a smooth, drinkable ale that won’t scare away the newbie, but might get them wanting more flavor than their microbrew can offer. For me, it’s tasty and a must when I have a burger at The Vortex. Their Craft Lager is a reboot of their old Bohemian Pilsner, and newest of all in the lineup is Laughing Skull White Ale. Hey, if Blue Moon can do one, why not Red Brick?

I first tried this beer at Taco Mac in Canton. Red Brick began life as Atlanta Brewing Company in 1993, and they are as a result Georgia’s oldest craft brewer. I like to drink their beers partly because of that history, but mostly because they’re darned tasty. So, when I saw Laughing Skull White Ale on the draft menu I was all over it.

From the brewery website:

A light, delicious take on the traditional Belgian-style, White Ale features a pleasant fruit and spice character thanks to additions of California orange peel, coriander, and Belgian yeast. The combination of malted barley, unmalted wheat, and flaked oats give this beer crispness and a hazy pale golden color.

Red Brick Laughing Skull White Ale has an alcohol content of 4.5% by volume and I paid $5.75 for a 23-ounce mug at Taco Mac. It is bargain priced in cans at $7.99 a six-pack.

My mug of Red Brick Laughing Skull White Ale arrived a pale yellow color with a subtle coriander and citrus nose. Taking a sip, there’s a crisp wheaty palate with a hint of oaty smoothness, coriander, citrus, and a tart dry finish.

All the flavors are mild here but they all work well together to deliver a beginners witbier-but a refreshing one. I would certainly drink this again, and at the bargain price, I’m betting you would, too. So the next time a friend asks for a Bud Light? Give ‘em a Skull White. They’ll be glad you did.



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