Beer Review – Long Trail Winter White
January 22, 2010
I’ve really come to enjoy this particular style of beer – Belgian White, and so I’m excited about this beer review and to find out what Vermont’s Long Trail Brewing was able to come up with! The Long Trail Brewing Winter White is part of their Brewmaster Series which means its a beer that’s only available in these plainly-labeled 22 oz. bottles, and perhaps at the brewery itself.
As I mentioned, the Winter White is a Belgian White, and it checks in at 7.2% ABV. The label indicates that it’s brewed with sweet orange, bitter orange, and coriander. So far, so good. That’s what we expect in a Belgian White beer, right?
During the summer, Liz reviewed their ‘regular’ Long Trail Belgian White, and gave it a 4-star rating! Looking back on my notes, and from what I remember about that beer, I liked it too!
So, how’s this Brewmaster Series going to be in comparison? Let’s see!
First, the beer looks great! I have these huge wheat beer glasses that are perfect for these 22 oz bottles of beer! It poured a beautiful golden color, and created an aromatic and foamy head. You can pick up on the citrus and spices, some breadyness, and a bit of alcohol in the smell without even sticking your nose into the beer. (I hate when I do that!)
Sometimes when I pick up too much alcohol in the aroma, its an indication to me that its going to have a stronger alcohol flavor than I like, but I didn’t find that to be the case. The alcohol is nicely hidden in the Long Trail Winter Whiteby the sweet and sour orange, and a good blend of spicy flavors!
Drinking this beer I thought that the aftertaste was just great. There is a lingering citrusy flavor, and true to the ‘Winter Style’, that bit of extra alcohol in the mix warms just a bit as its going down the pipe.
I would definitely pick up the Brewmaster Series Winter White again, especially because (if I remember correctly) it was less than four bucks for the 22oz. bottle! A great beer and a good beer value in my book! I think its really one of the better Belgian Style Witbiers I’ve had actually. Its a smooth, crisp, flavorful beer that seems to have a great blend of flavors consisting of the orange and coriander.
Odd for a Winter ale? Perhaps – to me its more of a Summer beer style, but wheat the heck, if you see a bottle of this, pick it up to try! If you’re a fan of Blue Moon, I really think you’ll love this special beer from Vermont! I’m going to make it a point to try the other beers in their Brewmaster Series!
Another four-star beer review for 2010! Rating: 
Related Posts:
Posted in 4 Star Reviews, Ales, American Beers, Wheat Beers
Subscribe Here!
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:53 am
This sounds like a really good brew Scott. My beer guy is looking into setting up a warehouse distribution point, and perhaps a little storefront in Michigan. That way he can get all the great East coast brews, and he can have them shipped to Idaho too! That would be great to have someone who is mindful of the supply and is working within the system to get those brews out here too! Long Trail has seemed to have a lot of good brews that I have read about. Funny you mentioned about putting your nose in the beer. I accidentally did that last night! LOL
.-= Don´s last blog ..An Otherworldly Experience =-.
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I hope that works out for you Don, this way you don’t have to worry about Jim sending you his unwanted Saranac beer! I really liked this beer, and I’m looking forward to trying their Imperial Porter soon as well. Generally, I like Long Trail’s stuff.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Flying Dog K9 Cruizer – Winter Beer Review =-.
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Haven’t tried this one, yet, but all the other Long Trail Brewmaster Series have been great! The Imperial Porter and the Double IPA definitely stand out, although the Coffee Stout was very good as well.
January 22nd, 2010 at 2:38 pm
@Jeff, thanks for stopping in! I think I missed the coffee porter – I can’t find that one anyplace, but I’d love to try it! Based on this beer, I think the folks up @ Long Trail are doing a lot of good things!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Flying Fish Grand Cru Winter Reserve =-.
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:38 pm
that looks and sounds like an excellent beer Scott, and at a respectable strength!
.-= Bob the Brit´s last blog ..Pork Scratchings =-.
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:04 pm
I’m going to have to agree with everyone else… This beer definitely sounds like it’s worth trying… Can’t wait to try it myself! Good Review for a Loser!
.-= SBR – Liz´s last blog ..New York Jets mania has taken over The Sports Bra Reports Site! =-.
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
I think the Long Trail Brewmaster Series offers really nice beers at very affordable prices. They are a bargain compared to some other 22oz beers and taste just as good. Also, I’m not a wheat fan, but there’s something about your description that makes me want to go out and get one of these puppies. Maybe you have a way with words. Or maybe it’s the ABV.
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:23 pm
@Jim – thanks! Gotta say even though this brew has a higher ABV, the alcohol was not disproportionate in the flavor. I think they amped up the orange a coriander a bit, but overall this one is a winner in my book. You’re right about a great value. Unbeatable I think. I think you got your Imperial Porter for a steal as well from what I remember.
@Liz – Thanks. All I can say is you better hope the Jets win or there will be no mercy for you come Monday!
@Bob – Respectable indeed! You feel it going down, but as I mentioned the alcohol isn’t overpowering up front which I appreciate in a beer. I think I’m going to try finding some more while there still available!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Ramstein Winter Wheat Beer =-.