DRAFT Magazine

Normally we’d make some witty remark about how our nation’s most frigid state is thawing out with two summer brews, but since it’s still freakin’ cold everywhere, we’ll skip right to the beer. Here, our tasting notes on Alaskan Brewing’s latest releases:

Alaskan White
This witbier is Alaskan’s first new year-round brew since Alaskan IPA launched in 2007, and it’ll hit most shelves in early May. The orange-peel and spice aroma is simply lovely; we detect a pleasant grapefruity scent, too. Equally divine is the taste, with a citrus bite chasing malt and coriander tastes. Refreshing and effervescent, the mouthfeel has some heft; the whole drink goes down ultrasmooth, and bubbles linger, coating the tongue. With a 5.3% ABV, this goldenrod brew drinks like a filtered, refined Blue Moon — an excellent introduction to the world of wits. More, please!

Alaskan Summer Kölsch-style ale
After taking gold at the 2008 World Beer Cup and silver at the 2008 GABF, Alaskan’s summer seasonal is back. A morning-dew-touched-grass aroma leaks from the glass; it smells instantly of summer. This is definitely a lighter brew, as a kölsch should be, but there’s a bit of weight to it; the mouthfeel is more substantial than expected. Moderate malt sweetness distinguishes the taste, but hops add a nice, fresh zing. A flavorful finish leaves a bitter bite on the back of the tongue. We’ll be carrying this around our summer barbecues, picnics and fests… if they’re BYOB, of course.