Christmas and holiday brews are a dime a dozen these days. I don't mean that to imply that they aren't good-quite the contrary, most of them are delicious. It's just that almost every brewery has one, and each holiday season a veritable plethora of them jam the already crowded shelves of your favorite liquor store. This year, though, I picked up one that's a bit different from the rest: Bell's Winter White Ale from Kalamazoo Brewing of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

How is this one different? Mostly because it's a Belgian styled Witbier, or white ale, more commonly associated with summer than winter. Such beers are crisp, flavorful, and quenching, which makes them perfect in hot weather. But hey, as one who drinks just about any style any time of year, far be it from me to complain. After all, a white beer for the wonderful white world of winter? It seems poetic.

Of course, Bell's has made a few tweaks, too. They've used a German-styled hefeweizen and funk-emitting Belgian yeast strains both for the ferment and bottle conditioning, which adds a unique flavor and character. Here's what they say about the beer:

A Wheat Ale brewed with American Wheat and a proprietary blend of Hefe and classic Belgian-style yeasts. A refreshing winter alternative created from the subtle fusion of two classic flavors.

Original Gravity:

1.052

Alc. by Vol.:

5.0%

Avail. Pkgs.:

4/6/12 oz. bottles (case), 15.5 gal. keg

Dates Available:

Winter Seasonal

November 1st through March

Bell's Winter White Ale pours to a hazy orange color with perhaps a tinge of yellow. A thick spritzy head of loosely packed bubbles forms upon a slightly vigorous pour, and fades as quickly as it appeared. A sip reveals a very refreshing brew, quite citric with orange and lemon notes and spicy with coriander. The wheat adds refreshing tartness, and the Bavarian and Belgian yeasts add clove, a hint of banana and funky Belgian flavor. The beer finishes crisp and tart.  

I like this. The more I drink the more I like the way the two yeast strains work together. Then too, the powerful citrus makes the beer bright and cheery and definitely a departure from most of the holiday beers out there. At 5% ABV you can drink a few, too, without too much ill effect. An interesting experiment, and a welcome glass of sunshine on a cold winter's day. It's a bit overpriced at $9.99 a six-pack, I think (most Bell's beers are too expensive, to be blunt), but after all, it's Christmas. Splurge a little and try this one. You'll be glad you did.



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