Wit switch

The summer seasonal from WhiteField is a wheat beer called Midnight Sun. The Tipperary brewery is steadfast in its dislike of novelty, and anything on the "craft" side of the industry, so I would be reasonably confident I've drank a beer made to this recipe before, back in the days of White Gypsy, or Messrs Maguire before that. Still, it's how it is today that counts.

The back label specifies that it's a witbier and includes coriander and orange peel (although neither is listed on the ingredients). While it's hazy, and has a lovely thick and lasting head, it's quite a bit darker than any Belgian version I know, and it's a smidge lighter in alcohol as well, at 4.5% ABV. The aroma is very banana, and that's right up front in the flavour, so first impressions are those of a German weissbier more than a wit. A toffee sweetness adds complexity to the basic banana, and the texture is full and almost oily. Again, these make me think of Bavaria ahead of Belgium. I made a concerted effort at trying to discern any of the herb or citrus but neither was forthcoming. 

Good witbier is zesty and refreshing; the best ones add a bonus spicy complexity. This had none of that. It's not a bad beer, but if this were a homebrew competition I would be adding a note that it's been entered in the wrong category.