Bell's Oarsman Tasting Notes


Bell's OarsmanNeed a sessionable summer beer? Try a cold Berliner Weissbier. This is a refreshing top-fermented wheat ale with the addition of lactobacillus culture to give it a distinctive sourness. When I was a novice beer drinker and unaware of this unique style, I had a Berliner Kindl Weisse, and poured it out to my dismay thinking it had gone bad. I later found out the sharp tang was just the right thing. 


In Berlin, bar goers order their Berliner Weisse “mit Schuss: Himbeere or Waldmeister,” meaning with a shot of raspberry of woodruff. Like Lambics, people cut the sourness with sweet syrups to make it more palatable. Berliner Weissbiers are low in alcohol--as little as 2%--making it great on a hot day. I have
Bell's Oarsman


Appearance


Serving cold in my Widmer Brothers glass. It pours a nearly headless raw honey color with not much motion post-pour.


Smell


Apple cider vinegar, wheat, granny smith apple pulp, lemon rind.


Taste


Initially, wheat, then a good lasting tartness with lemon juice notes. Very crisp with no off-putting hoppiness. It is very clean and easy drinking. 


I had Cigar City Stiftung meaning “foundation” on draft. That had quite a bigger sour punch and was equally as tasty. I think I would prefer the consistent sourness over a sweet flavored shot. I believe Kindl Weisse is still available at some ABCs. The Siftung is exclusively available via draft. So if you want some real “hard lemonade” pick up a sixer of Oarsman from your local ABC and enjoy!


Adam Shugan, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Beer Consultant - Gainesville


Follow him on Twitter @abcbeeradams


 



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