Review: Mandrin Bière Blanche

Mandrin Bière Blanche from Brasserie Artisanale Du Dauphiné
Rating: A-

Appearance: much less effervescent than the other mandrin beer I've had - aux noix. Pours a hazy golden wheat color, thin white head that fades relatively quickly. No lacing.

Smell: Lovely witbier aroma. Soft, wheaty grain, just a hint of citrus. lightly floral.

Taste: Quite herbal, complex with a bit of acidic citrus as well. wheat gives it a light, easy drinkability. After pouring in the lees, more fruitiness comes through - including a touch of banana aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Website says oats are included, as well as wheat. comes through in the mouthfeel - much more body than I would expect from a beer with 3.3% abv. Carbonation seem suitable.

Drinkability: Light and easy, refreshing. surprisingly flavorful for a 3.3% abv beer. Would not want to ruin this one with a wedge of orange.

Serving type: bottle

Reviewed on: 03-23-2008 16:55:05

Review: Mandrin Bière Aux Noix

Mandrin Bière Aux Noix from Brasserie Artisanale Du Dauphiné
Rating: B+

Girlfriend brought a bottle of this back from Grenoble. Pours a tawny leather kind of colour, with a HUGE off-white head. Slightly red-tinted, actually, when held to the light. Attractive. Retention is not what I was expecting, based on the other review, but decent. Good lace.

Smell: Malty, mostly in the toast/biscuit way. A good bit of earthy, citric hops as well. Nuttiness... not sure, not much anyway. A bit of a straw note that brings pilseners to mind, but malt-dominant.

Taste: Caramel maltiness resembles cola a bit too much. Citric hoppiness. Pleasant, earthy aftertaste. A bit of dry cocoa powder in the aftertaste as well. Actually improves as it warms. Toast and nuttiness come out a bit more. Balance improves. Take this into account when serving.

Mouthfeel: Acidic, carbonation a little too spritzy. Creamy body, though.

Drinkability: good

Serving type: bottle

Reviewed on: 03-19-2008 21:25:51