Craft Beer Review: Lavery Brewing Company, La Bealtaine,

Well, getting back at it here!  For today's craft beer review I'm going back in time to a few weeks ago when I experienced my first taste of a very interesting craft ale known as La Bealtaine.

Brewed in Erie, PA by Lavery Brewing Company this is introduced on its label as a "Hoppy American Wheat Ale" or "White Fire Wheat Ale"

While I'm sadly not drinking it right this second, because hot damn, it was good, I have all of my notes in front of me to be able to finally type this thing up.If it matters to you, I am currently sipping on some GLBC Conway Irish Red while I type.


If you would like to pause for a second and read their side label giving a brief but excellent understanding of the story behind this creation just look to your left

This baby sits in a 22oz bomber at 5% ABV and a perfect 35 IBU's. And I hope that I soon have it sitting, waiting for you at The Stone House

It poured a gorgeous hazy orange hue with glimmering specs of gold.  The eggshell colored head puffed right up to a solid 2.5 finger depth, was very frothy and dissipated slowly.  The lacing, while gentle and fine, held to the glass for the majority of the first glass.  There was also just a touch of yeast that fell out of suspension and to the bottom of the glass.
This was not a new'ish nose for me.  Note only do we have big fresh citrus floral hops, but we have a clean grain and cut grass aroma. I also get something of a peppery note, like white pepper. We also had a strong resin-y middle-punch. This beer had an awesome nose.  

The flavor was very similar with even more cheeky attributes.  Bright, refreshing, grassy, and hoppy was the intial hit followed by a very piney resin note and light snacking cracker breadiness. The combination was very fresh and quenching.  I enjoyed this great combination.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied.  Fresh, crisp, sharp.  The carbonation was just right for the style and added an extra level of quaff-ability   The finish on the beer was lengthy and left the mouth watering and happy.  It was very solid for a beer that by American standards almost hits "session."

I know this is my first review in a while in general, and my very first from this brewery, so you wouldnt necessarily know how much I am falling in love with their offerings.  This one was particularly fun. 

I'll be sure to share some findings more often and as always, Drink Good America! And for additional fun with beer, food and service, be sure to check out the other blog with Hunt Chef and I

Slainte!
 - AGtheDir