I don’t know
about you, but I’m tired of prices going up. Gasoline may be the most
noticeable example, but anybody who has bought beer lately has probably
noticed that it (including macro brands like Budweiser) has gone up in
price, too. That said, I was pleasantly surprised not long ago to pick up a
six-pack of Mendocino Summer Seasonal White Ale for a measly $6.49.
Mendocino beers have always been a bargain, and it’s nice to see that they
still are even in times like these.
Mendocino Brewing began life as the Hopland Brewery, a brewpub/microbrewery
in California in 1983. Since then, the company has greatly expanded its
operations and in 1997 was acquired by India’s United Breweries. In addition
to a large brewery in Ukiah, California, Mendocino also operates a facility
in Saratoga Springs, New York, which is where the beer I’m drinking tonight
originated.
Mendocino’s beers have been a favorite of mine for almost two decades now,
and beers like this summer’s White Ale are a good example why. A
Belgian-inspired white ale was the perfect choice for a summer seasonal, as
the crisp spicy flavor is perfectly suited for a hot summer afternoon or
evening’s imbibing.
Here’s how Mendocino describes it:
This Limited Edition Summer Seasonal White Ale is a crisp and refreshing
classic Belgian White Ale that is brewed with spices. This delightful ale is
brewed with only the finest American two-row malted barley and unmalted
wheat.
Our Summer Seasonal is an unfiltered and naturally cloudy ale. It features a
thirst quenching blend of sweet orange peel and the subtle spiciness of
coriander, topped off with a delicate twist of lemon. Summer is a time when
we soak up the sun, and enjoy the goodness of life and friends. A time for
parties and pools, barbecues and beer ~ A time for our crisp, refreshing
White Ale.
Date of Introduction: May 15, 2008
Style: Handcrafted Belgian White Ale
Alc/Vol: 4.8%
Mendocino Summer Seasonal White Ale pours to a soft milky white and
yellow color with a thick, tightly packed head formation and a very
appetizing tart and spicy nose. But you don’t even have to smell the beer to
want to sip it; this one looks extremely refreshing. And it is, as
you’ll soon see when you take a sip. The body is nicely done here, very tart
and quenching with crackery wheat but still there’s enough barley malt to
add depth.
The spice and citrus hit you very quickly, citric orange and zesty lemon
really liven things up while the coriander is drying and aromatic. A light
hint of grassy hops poke through in the finish, but only a hint, and the
beer ends tart and very more-ish. Indeed, Mendocino’s White Ale is
dangerously drinkable, and you’ll likely find your glass empty in no time.
Maybe just a little more citrusy and hoppy than the Belgian versions, but a
very, very nice beer all the same. I just adore its tart and refreshing
flavor. And at the price, it’s a real bargain at a time we could all use one.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft