Double White Ale - Southampton Publick House

roan22

New Jersey

3.33/5  rDev -17%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Update 5/1/08** I tried this beer again on draft and it was much better. Clearly the bottle I reviewed below had gone sour. Definitely do not keep thisbeer around in your fridge, drink it as soon as possible! I definitely think its probably obtained fresher on draft though. I still prefer Southampton's Saison to the Double Wit.
---
Opened the 22 oz. bottle I had bought my sister for Christmas, who accidently left it in my parents' fridge when she went back to Richmond! Realizing that nobody was going to drink it, I dutifully opened it tonight before it went bad.

Well it probably already went bad. It is a clear light golden straw color, very fizzy, with no head. Looks like fizzy Corona.

It smells funky and tart, sour even. I smell nothing pleasant in this beer except a hint of coriander. There's definitely no orange peel present in the nose or taste!

This beer tastes like a cheap italian white wine, very sour and unpalatable. Nothing witlike about it. No bitterness at all and all booze.

I definitely won't be buying this hyped up beer again but Southampton's Saison is excellent so I recommend that instead.

Serving type: on-tap

03-06-2008 00:36:03 | More by roan22

mltobin

Connecticut

4.15/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Served on tap in a pint glass in Southwestern Connecticut.

Appearance is dark smokey honey with a medium sized white head.

Smell is of caramel and pine flavors, very pleasant.

Mouthfeel is extremely nice, one of the best beers out of New York, period.

Drinkability is high, excellent beer, a little spice, but still very eeasy to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

02-17-2008 02:15:48 | More by mltobin

crwills

Ontario (Canada)

3.1/5  rDev -22.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Had a pint of this on tap at the Lighthorse Tavern in Jersey City, NJ. I know it gets high reviews here but, to be honest, I hated it, and had trouble finishing the glass. Appearance was fine for the style, and the aroma was relatively restrained, although a lot of strong, dry spices were a bit of a turn off. but I just found the spicing and detergent-like lemon in the flavour to be waaay overpowering. The coriander practically blew my head off, and was only emphasized by the overcarbonation. I like a standard witbier now and again, but perhaps 'doubling' it is overkill?

Serving type: on-tap

10-20-2007 20:56:05 | More by crwills

cichief

Virginia

4.1/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on draft at the Frisco Grille and Cantina, Columbia, MD.

A- Pours a hazy orange-gold with a white head of foam.

S- Smells of coriander and citrus, no noted hops.

T- Tastes very fruity and spicy, the coriander and orange peel are prevalent.

M- Medium in body, very carbonated, but not overly done.

D- A very refreshing beer, too alcoholic to have very many though.

Serving type: on-tap

08-25-2007 23:21:12 | More by cichief

maddogruss

New Jersey

3.08/5  rDev -23.2%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Light gold body with no head and very light lacing that holds with the beer.

S: A very citrusy smell, almost like an American-brewed Hefe.

T: A lemony taste with a citrus aftertaste. Was not really sweet or malty; maybe like a watered-down, more carbonated wheat beer.

M: The mouthfeel was very thin and watery. Also, not too much carbonation.

D: Pretty drinkable since it is a witbier, but the mouthfeel was a little too thin for me. While it is refreshing for a hot summer day, it was just a little too watered down for me.

Serving type: on-tap

08-14-2007 00:11:13 | More by maddogruss

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

4.03/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer just became available in the Baltimore market, and so was able to have a glass on tap over at Max's last night.

The beer pours your archtypical Belgium wit color. The beer is a murky yellow tan color and is quite cloudy. Head retention is quite impressive and lacing is likewise quite good. On the nose I get some nutmeg, lime and spice, but not really much else. Hmmmm... not exactly what I was hoping for. On the palate the beer is pretty refreshing, with a touch of clove, more nutmeg, and a definite "wheaty" flavor. The beer is quite light and crisp, and is certainly very refreshing. It's light to medium bodied and the abv. is very well disguised. I would never guess the 7%.

This is a nice beer, but certainly it was nothing earth shattering. Frankly, I was expecting a bit more from this beer, and am a bit disapointed it was so one dimensional. A bit more orange peel and/or coriandor would make this a more interesting beer, and I have to say that given a choice, I would prefer to drink the mothership wit from New Belgium, a beer with more flavor and less alcohol (IMO). This is still a quite good beer, but was just not the wit flavor bomb I guess I was hoping for. Oh well.

Serving type: on-tap

07-25-2007 11:30:02 | More by johnmichaelsen

Risser09

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Tapped Into A Pint Glass At Delahanty's In NJ

Appearance: Cloudy golden color with ample white head. The beer retents and leaves it's lace behind.

Smell: Esters, banana, pear, yeast. Smells like a hefe but with a musky yeast strain.

Taste: Wow. Heavy flavors of banana, and clove with some pepper lurking in the background. Alcohol is present and welcoming, not overwhelming. Slight hop bite in the finish.

Mouthfeel: Chewy and smoothe. Foamy carbonation up front and hoppy alcohol in the finish.

Drinkability: Awesome. I had a few more after the first glass. The alcohol is perfect for drinkability IMHO and the beer is tasteful and smoothe. Nicely done.

Serving type: on-tap

07-16-2007 12:07:34 | More by Risser09

ski271

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A- Very cloudy medium peach-tinted gold with a small, white, creamy head, rapidly diminishing to a light film. Some spotty lacing.
S- Lots of inviting juicy orange along with some moderate herbs.
T- More spice than citrus here. Coriander, pepper, and the slightest hint of nutmeg. Some sweet malt flavors stay mostly in the background but are present enough to give it a nice balance.
M- Medium body, lightly dry texture, very slight chalkiness, low carbonation.
D- Not bad at all. Refreshing and interesting enough to make me want another. Didn’t wow me though.

Serving type: on-tap

07-06-2007 18:57:48 | More by ski271

drseamus

New York

4.33/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This was one of the better beers I had while at Southampton Publick House. It had a cloudy straw colored body with a good spiced orange aroma. The flavor had the same characteristics with some good orange and coriander flavor. It is very powerful but smooth.

Serving type: on-tap

07-01-2007 01:38:33 | More by drseamus

wagenvolks

Texas

4.25/5  rDev +6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at the Union Grill in Pittsburgh, PA.

Waiter brought out a cloudy, golden-straw colored ale with a bone white head, one inch thick. Foam slowly dissipates, leaving behind some appreciable lacing. Aroma is amazingly fruity and sweet, with notes of banana bread, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon.

The first notes to register are of vanilla wafers with banana pudding. A touch of white grapes rounds out the flavor. Best Witbier I've tasted by far. Mouthfeel is smooth and light, almost on the creamy side. This is very appealing for it's style, definately one I'll be looking for again.

Serving type: on-tap

06-29-2007 20:47:47 | More by wagenvolks

mrasskicktastic

New Jersey

3.5/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Hazy yellow brew with a small head and almost no lacing.

S - Very mild, faint lillies, white grapes and peaches.

T - A mild fruitiness, chardonnay grapes, mild citrus pith. Aftertaste is a faint citrus bitterness and a bit of very faint pine.

M - Harsh from high carbonation, thin to medium bodied, very refreshing.

D - Light and good, but not great. I probably won't have this one again. If it were widely available and cheaper, maybe.

Serving type: on-tap

06-02-2007 00:49:11 | More by mrasskicktastic

sleazo

New York

3.53/5  rDev -12%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Cloudy pale yellow with a sturdy white head. Scattered lacing.

S-murky peppery and slightly funky.

T-Wow big bold flavour. Lots of hops and some sweet malt then a spicy clove and pepper finish. This is a wit on steroids. You get the typical coriander, lemony taste followed by more of everything including hops. A challenging beer.

M-very sharp. A medium body with plenty maybe too much carbonation.

D- this one is a little too potent. Too strong on the alcohol side in my opinion for the style. Som estyles dont need to be doubled.

Serving type: on-tap

05-09-2007 03:44:07 | More by sleazo

bonbright7

New York

4.55/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had this on tap at Dek's American in Rocky Point, NY after having a Maudite and the cascade of flavors continued to great effect. The freshly tapped ale had a generous yellow/orange appearance with a 1/2" head that subsided after the first taste. A heavenly light taste prevailed in a display of coriander, peppers, subtle hops, and a robust malt taste. The finish was sweet and vanished like a ghost.

This was easily on par with my favorite of this style on tap: The Allagash White.

Serving type: on-tap

05-06-2007 15:30:27 | More by bonbright7

BBM

New York

3.8/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

An odd beer to find on tap in November, but a good one nonetheless. The beer pours a cloudy golden yellow with a bubbly white head. Nice lacing. The nose is muted banana, and a certain sourness. Not very strong of a scent.

The taste is similar. There is a distinct banana flavor upfront, followed by spices.The wheat character shows through as well. The finish is a bit hoppy and bitter, which balances out the sweet fruits nicely. Mouthfeel thin, drinkability good. Overall a great summer brew. Heck, a great brew anytime.

Serving type: on-tap

11-25-2006 14:10:23 | More by BBM

JulieRFoster

Pennsylvania

4.7/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Opaque hay-colored body had two fingers of fluffy egg white head cresting on top. The lacing is delicious and delicate, which is how I would characterize the flavor as well.

The nose is very citrusy and spicy with lots of lemon-lime. It is a tad sweet. I get some pomegranate in the nose as well.

The mouthfeel is light to medium, so you know you’re not drinking water, but it’s still a white beer. Carbonation is very light but teeny bubbles ping at my lips as I sip.

Coriander and maybe even orange rind spice up the flavor, which is very pronounced. It’s a bit yeasty too. I generally don’t prefer lighter styles of beer but this one is hoppy and spicy enough to make me reevaluate my existence (okay maybe just my feelings about lighter beers – but it’s really damn good). It’s very well balanced and outrageously drinkable.

Slow, smooth and subtle, this beer is more than most bargain for when they pick a white. Simply put: Outstanding.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2006 17:38:57 | More by JulieRFoster

Phatz

Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

WOW! I have never had a Witbier that I liked so much as this one. Then again I have never had a "Double" Witbier either. It is true this beer is double the flavor of the typical White's. There is often that watery hole in the flavor but this was pack solid with flavor. Very nicely done.

I had this on-tap at Which Brew in Easton PA.

Appearance: Served a very cloudy light peachy color with a creamy white head.

Smell: The aroma is full of pep and energy giving big whiffs of flavor relentlessly. Peach and melon hit my nose first followed by a hint of orange and a splash of vanilla. Very enticing!

Taste: Zesty! The taste buds are very busy with this one. Starts off with a lemon orange peach citric flavor that leads into a nice yeasty character, giving evidence that it is a White, then more fruit salad and a bittersweet finish. The aftertaste lingers pleasantly on.

Mouthfeel: Medium body solid and firm with great carbonation and a yet a bit chewy smoothness but somehow maintains its light feel.

Drinkability: This is the only White I have had to date that I can say I would drink all day. (At 7% ABV I'll be going to bed early ;) but this is incredibly easy drinking!

Hope this is helpful.
Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

06-26-2006 06:07:58 | More by Phatz

GnomeKing

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Whether you love witbiers or hate 'em, you'll dig South Hampton's Double White. Wit-haters will appreciate the way this beer smoothes out the sometimes cloying sweetness of wits and will be pleased that the citrus notes have been toned down. They'll also be glad that the mouthfeel is fuller than that offered by most wits. People who love wits will find that all the gentle sweetness and refreshing, well-blended citrus notes are still there, just that they're given round rather than sharp edges. Both lovers and haters will enjoy the extra fruit and malt tastes that come to the surface--strawberries, cherries, and grains.

At 7%, you could drink several of these in a session...and you'll probably want to.

It's cloudy, like a regular wit, but with shades of amber mixed in with the straw/gold usually associated with wits. Intriguing.

This one will hit the spot in the summer, which is what many look for in a wit, but it will also provide enough hearty flavor to enjoy in the depths of winter. I look forward to paring this one with food. I think it'd be an excellent complement to cheeses or spicy meals.

(Where I swigged it: I had this on tap at the Blind Tiger in NYC, and then again a few days later at the Grey Lodge in Philly.)

Serving type: on-tap

10-31-2005 21:18:35 | More by GnomeKing

Foxman

New Jersey

4.38/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

It pours a bright, translucent yellow, fizzy and lively, clearing to a mild haze as it settles. A thick two fingers of stark egg-white head creeps up and lingers for a nose-tickling spell. Lacing snakes along the inside of the glass.

The aroma carries the bittersweet tang of wheat as expected, along with a spice mating of cloves, coriander, and perhaps even cinnamon. Notable, but not overly present.

Upon fist sip, the dusky wheaten sweetness washes across the palate, depositing the flavorful silt of the previously mentioned spices, and accentuated by the presence of an earthy fruit tanginess. Glimpses of pineapple, mango, banana (if I may be so clichéd) and some other more vague elements round out the body of flavorful evidence. A drier spiciness lays across the tongue toward the finish, becoming more prominent as the sinewy malt presence ebbs slowly away. It’s tropical in a wonderfully autumnal paradox way.

Medium bodied, it flows easily and coats with a spicyfruitygrainy dryness, lingering long enough to make a pleasant legacy guaranteed.

Mmmm…a medley…a mélange…a mellifluous melding of multiple mesmerizing memories. The aroma gives only a somewhat muddled hint of what awaits the palate. But once the mouth gets its chance, it is going to be credibly impressed. The ABV is hiked a bit for a wheat offering (hence the “double” appellation), but at no point during drinking is it overtly apparent, though it should be taken seriously, as it does act a bit sneaky on the back end. This is a fine beer with a whole lot going for it. And as refreshing as it is, no matter what the time of year, the real challenge would be in not having “just one more” after the one you just finished. Simply, a tasty delight.

Serving type: on-tap

10-28-2005 21:39:20 | More by Foxman

silenius

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is an interesting beer. I was not sure I liked it at first, but it quickly grew on me.

It pours a hazy light gold like a witte with a large foamy pure white head. Some lacing is evident.

Smell is a citrus mix of oranges, lemons, and toasty bread. Hmmm.

Taste is, for lack of a better description, like a Spanish Cava or California sparkling wine. Not quite as refined as Champagne, but it impressed me nonetheless. Citrus spark with a nice bready center with a nice drying end asking for another sip.

Mouthfeel is also like a sparkler. Dry and crisp. Very nice.

I wish I could get this one more regularly. Thanks rapapoda!

Serving type: on-tap

11-24-2004 03:44:03 | More by silenius

rajendra82

Georgia

4.18/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

The beer arrived in a 750 ml greenish brown, champagne style bottle with a wire cage and a cork. The beer was included in the BIF 10 box by Lupe. The cork was quite tight and when pulled out, gave a nice and loud pop. The body was pale yellow in color with some yeast induced cloudiness. The head was quite small in size due to my intitial gentle pour, although a steady stream of bubbles did stay around the entire session. My second pour was more aggressive, and a nice head did form at first, but it was not very lasting. The aroma was very musty and earthy at first, but as the beer breathed fresh air, the fruity scents of banana and orange, and some floral notes came more to the forefront. The taste was delicately light with a lemony, zesty flavor that was perfectly enhanced by spices that tasted like ginger, pepper, and coriander. The alcohol content was very deceptively hidden, and did not get in the way of the refreshing nature of the beer at all. The mouthfeel was light, and just a touch creamy. The aftertaste was dry and warm, thanks to the alcohol and the spices. This 2004 edition is a most delicious take on the style.

Serving type: on-tap

08-29-2004 02:34:17 | More by rajendra82

Billolick

New York

4.33/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the Blind Tiger NYC, Poured cloudy, sort of off white,yellowish, not much head, tiny bubble film and leaving well defined lacing. Nose of yeast, and spice. Citrus, yeast, spice, alcohol, carry this one, medium body, silky smooth mouthfeel. Interesting concoction, style buster. Another winner from Phil and crew. Got to meet the brewmaster at the Tiger's S'hampton night, allways a treat.

Serving type: on-tap

05-28-2004 12:00:38 | More by Billolick

Gueuzedude

Arizona

4.55/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2004 bottle Vintage, Sampled April 2004
As I pour this beer it generates a thick, white, frothy head. The beer itself is a murky yellow orange color. Aromas of bready yeastiness, lemon zest, and orange waft from my glass. As I take my first sip I note that this beer is nice and refreshingly light bodied. It finishes with an appealing acidic tartness, which is a great foil for the flavors that are in the front of this beer. There is a definite lemony/ orange character, and it is joined by a light coriander note. The carbonation reinforces the invigorating zing that is found in the finish.

The acidity in this is quite wonderful, nothing like a Lambic or a Flemish Sour, but it is here, and it is quite welcome. I really like this beer, of course I am a sucker for Wit beers. This beer finishes with a bit of astringency. This beer is straight forward, yet complex at the same time, refreshing yet contemplative.

Serving type: on-tap

04-28-2004 17:20:54 | More by Gueuzedude

erica

California

4.83/5  rDev +20.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Mmmmm! I tried this lovely Southampton beer at an Oscar's party, split a bottle with my boyfriend. I could easily have had the whole bottle, but we only had 1 and so we had to share. At least I got some. It was a yellow-gold colour, cloudy, with a big white fluffy head that took a while to go down. It smelled wheaty, with apricots and spice, very nice. It tasted amazing- like a white but with so much more going on! I tasted a definite grape/wine flavor, mixed with peppery spicecake taste and apricots and a hoppy taste near the finish, a bit dry I guess you could say. Mouthfeel was very good, soft and silky, and again, i could've drank the whole bottle, but I can't complain, as I'm very glad to have had any at all.

Serving type: on-tap

03-02-2004 17:58:37 | More by erica

aracauna

Georgia

4.5/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is something I'd like to try my hand at. I love witbiers and my wife enjoys them as well and this is quite simply an excellent witbier made with a bit more body (although not heavy) and just a hint of alcohol presence. The body is a little darker than the average witbier and a bit heavier (although if you've had Dogwood Summer, you've got an idea about it). The coriander and orange peel aromas meld nicely with the yeasty esters and phenols and the alcohol peeps through just enough that you know it's there, but not enough to slap you in the face and say "look at me! I'm big!" Great beer. I'd love to make a trip to this brewery's brewpub.

Serving type: on-tap

02-23-2004 19:09:22 | More by aracauna

ManekiNeko

Virginia

4.05/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Sampled on tap at David Copperfield's.

Appearance: Slightly hazy lemon yellow with a bright white head. Very fine bubbles and great lacing,

Smell: Orange and lemon citrus aromas with bits of honey and coriander/pepper spiciness.

Taste: Nice snappy lemon flavor with not enough sweetness from the malt.

Mouthfeel: Very light bodied and smooth as silk. No astringency despite the citrus flavor profile.

Drinkability: Uber-drinkable. Too bad I had a beer tasting to go a few hours later.

Serving type: on-tap

09-12-2003 19:25:36 | More by ManekiNeko