effervescent refractions

The final brew in the ‘t IJ tryptich I had with my friend, IJwit, was not my favorite. The body like most witbiers was hazy but golden as wheat fields and topped of a creamy foam that bubbled at the center. The nose is more complex than one would expect for the style with the familiar wet straw, wheat, grain and coriander aromas initially dominating. A surprising fishy odor of salmon in lemon cream sauce emerges and is supported by the fruity sweet background of pineapple, peach and brown sugar. In flavor, the IJwit disappoints leaving a bland straw flavor on the tongue. With some effort, pepper, orange peel and chalk become noticeable, however the watery palate left me longing for something a bit more robust. I can imagine that it would be a tasty summer beer after an athletic effort but it doesn’t top my witbier list.