Bell's Winter White Ale - Bell's Brewery, Inc.

Florida_SC_Trojan

Florida

3.98/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a hazy yellow color. Nice appearance.

S: Orange zest, coriander with a faint hint of bananna and clove.

T: Sweet honey, wheat, malts and yeast. Very drinkable and as a bit of spice in the finish.

M: Very light, good carbonation and finishes dry.

O: I like this beer alot. I think this beer could be served year round. One of my go to beers when I want to drink alot around Christmas time.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2013 00:06:33 | More by Florida_SC_Trojan

Alextricity

Michigan

3.5/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottled 11/29/12

Appearance: Pours a super hazy yellow color with no head or lacing.

Smell: Smells like your typical Witbier, but not quite as banana and clovey, which is a good thing... I tend to find that sort of nose both extremely redundant and predictable. Unfortunately though, the first smell I got from this beer was major skunk... fortunately though, it doesn't last longer than a few moments.

Taste: It is what it is... a Witbier. Banana and clove on the front of the tongue, with prickly carbonation. After taste briefly tastes of ... cherries? And then there's a faint wheat aftertaste.

Overall, I liked it more with each sip... normally Witbiers have that super sweet banana, clove, and especially, CORIANDER taste, but this isn't like that much at all. A respectable seasonal/sessionable beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2013 01:54:29 | More by Alextricity

cosmicevan

New York

4/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

picked up a bottle of this when visiting family in NC recently. the temperature outside definitely screams winter so why not pop this one tonight? enjoyed from a bell's tulip.

a - brew poured a soft but murky orange with lots of visible carbonation evenly climbing to the surface for quite some time. there was a t hin white bubbly head that bubbled away in parts but never completely left.

s - smells like a wit aught to...orange peel and coriander.

t - taste follows the nose of orange peel and coriander but offers a lot more sweetness than i expected, but overall soft and very approachable. flavor isn't too bold or intense. just nicely made. good amount of water in there but not watered down.

m - lots of fizzy carbonation...big sweetness. medium bodied and drinks extremely smoothly.

o - overall, not wild about wit beers in general, but this is very good for the style.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2013 03:40:06 | More by cosmicevan

BlackBelt5112203

South Carolina

4.05/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle poured into a snifter at fridge temperature.

L – Hazy pale gold color with a 1-finger bubbly white head. Decent retention and some patchy lacing. I’ve had this one before and the head characteristics were much better. I must’ve poured it too cold.

S – Grainy wheat, coriander, orange zest, and a healthy dose of banana and clove aromas. I’m actually a bit surprised by the latter aromas as this is a witbier and not a hefeweizen but I’m not complaining.

T – Sweet grainy wheat and banana, progressing to slightly tart orange zest, and finishing with spicy clove and coriander yeast notes. Really tasty.

F – Light-to-medium-bodied with good carbonation, a creamy but crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, and a slightly sweet and spicy finish.

O – This is another tasty and drinkable beer from Bell’s. I like all these refreshing wheat beers serving as winter seasonals. There are plenty of big and hearty beers out there during the cold months. These are a nice change of pace and make me think of warmer weather – never a bad thing.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2013 04:13:56 | More by BlackBelt5112203

Ryanm1

Pennsylvania

4.23/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a bottle into a pint glass

Pour with a small amount of white lacing that disappated rather quickly. A small amount of carbonation continually bubbled to the surface. Displayed a bit of cloudyness through the glass, but no left over yeast.

Lemon citrusy smell. Common to most belgians. Yellowy gold in color.

Very lemony taste typical wheat beer taste. 5.0% abv. Very refreshing. Slightly sweet. I'd reach for another, but then again I am a huge wheat beer fan. On par with other German Weiss beers. Great on the palate evervescent.

Very similiar to Trade Joe's wheat beer, almost ashamed to admit that I'd like something like that but if you look at this beer and that beers ratings they are almost identical.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2013 02:31:25 | More by Ryanm1

Cylinsier

Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz.

Pours a light lemony yellow gold, slightly hazy, with a white lacing.

Smells of lemon, candi sugar and coriander.

Tastes like sweet lemon and coriander with light grassy malts.

Medium body with light tingles of carbonation on the roof of the mouth.

A nice, light witbier, good flavor, easy to drink, and sessionable. Good, would have again.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2012 23:42:28 | More by Cylinsier

SometimesIfart

Michigan

3/5  rDev -18%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A - Pours a murky orange with a one finger white frothy head that half dissipates. Left no lacing.

S - Lemon peel, Orange peel, Wheat.

T - Basically the same as the smell. Lemon peel up front, Stale orange in the middle and a very wheaty finish.

M - Medium bodied with medium carbonation.

O - Overall, It's alright. Definitely not even in the top ten for Bell's though.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2012 20:56:53 | More by SometimesIfart

mattkoon

South Carolina

3.5/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

bell's winter white ale-
this beer pours a a pale cloudy. it has a yellowish tint- looks good. the taste is spicy with a light citrus. this is a really refreshing beer- not as dark and robust as a lot of winter seasonals. this is a really drinkable winter ale. i actually did some yard work this morning and came inside and cracked this open- turned out to be a really good choice, this is a good afternoon, lighter beer. its fresh flavored, who says you have to have dark beer in the winter anyways?

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2012 18:51:56 | More by mattkoon

barnzy78

Illinois

4/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I've had this before in the past, but it's been awhile. Pours a cloudy tangerine color (looks almost like freshly squeezed orange juice), thinner head than expected, but it leaves some lacing on the glass. Aromas are yeasty, orange, wheat. Tastes are nice with fruity Belgian yeast esters, wheat, orange zest, white peppery spiciness. I thought I could taste coriander, but apparently there's none used in the brewing process. Mouth-feel is nearly full-bodied while being creamy and smooth. Overall, better than I remember, and one of the better American brewed witbiers.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2012 02:27:18 | More by barnzy78

metter98

New York

3.85/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: The beer is very hazy light pale yellow in color and has a high amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a half finger high bright white head that died down but consistently left a thin but dense layer of bubbles covering the surface along with lots of lacing running down the sides of the glass.
S: The smell has light to moderate aromas of wheat along with some hints of spices—cloves seem to stand out in particular.
T: The taste is similar to the smell and also has some notes of lemony citrus and hints of bananas.
M: It feels light- to medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation. The spices in the taste seem to lend a bit of dryness to the finish.
O: This beer is rather easy to drink but lacks any refreshing and thirst-quenching properties. However, the added flavors of spices seem to make this a nice choice to drink if you want to enjoy a witbier during the winter.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2012 00:40:42 | More by metter98

KajII

North Carolina

3.28/5  rDev -10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

[Suggested Glassware: Weizen Glass]

The pour was a hazy yellow with and orange/brown hue and a large (2-3 finger) white fizzy head that quickly diminished, down to a thin puddled film with a medium collar and had fair spotty lacing.

The aroma was of a light grain malt and a funky Belgian yeast with notes of citrus (orange) and coriander.

The taste was lightly sweet and very yeasty with a bold citrus presence throughout, with the finish having a slightly bitter citrus peel bite along with a hint of spice towards the end. The flavor lasted an average duration proceeding the swallow, with a light spicy bitterness left behind.

Mouthfeel was light in body and dry in texture with a mildly soft carbonation.

Overall this was a pretty tasty Witbier that had a lot of citrus flavor, which worked very well with the funky spicy yeast taste...

http://www.facebook.com/KAJIIsBeerReviews

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2012 15:45:55 | More by KajII

philbe311

Pennsylvania

3.48/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Slightly less than a finger's worth of crispy fizzy pure white head that quickly fizzles away leaving only a small splotch of lacing in the center of the glass and a slight collar... The color is a vibrant pale gold with some faint amber highlights... There is a definite haziness that lingers throughout... Mostly still with just a couple of stray rapid paced carbonation streaks...

S - Big aroma... A big whiff of Belgian yesat... Lots of wheat... Honey... A bit of clove... Banana...

T - Lots of straw and grassy notes... Lemon zest... The Belgian yeast is muted on the palate... Unripened bananas... Just a touch of honey... Light artificial sweetener... The flavors are a bit muddled and really don't compliment one another...

M - Medium bodied... Light fizzy carbonation... A bit chalky throughout... A slightly dry finish...

D - An average at best Witbier... There's nothing wrong per se, but this one falls short of my expectations for both Bell's and the style... An interesting winter interpretation, but nothing more... I can't recommend in good conscience and likely won't indulge in again myself...

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2012 01:15:31 | More by philbe311

tectactoe

Michigan

3.76/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Pours a faint yellow-amber color, cloudy and almost completely opaque. The first thing you notice on the nose is a hefty helping of wheat and yeast, certainly making a lot of sense for a witbier. This is appropriately followed up by a handful of kitchen spices; clove, coriander, and some light citrus and orange zest. The taste plays a little heavier on the spice side at first, transitioning to the citrus and fruit-like undertones more towards its second half. The spice isn't overpowering by any means, it's actually quite refreshing. When the citrus makes its appearance, it provides a great balance and certainly boosts the drinkability by a large margin. The hops come along and add a perfect amount of bitterness, helping with the balance of the malt and wheat sweetness combo. Yeast, as expected, is noticeable at nearly all times, but plays more of a background supporting role. Medium body, medium-high amount of carbonation.

Overall, a very good witbier. Packed with a nice array of flavors thanks to a decent contribution from malt, wheat, yeast, and hops all at once. Nice amount of spice, balanced by a subtle wheat sweetness and a blend of citrus and hops. Not bad at all.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2012 12:39:52 | More by tectactoe

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.85/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a cloudy to hazy light to medium golden yellow in color with some light amounts of orange highlights and moderate amount of gentle visible carbonation. The beer has a finger tall white head that slowly reduces to a small patch of medium sized bubbles, a very thin film covering almost the entire surface of the beer, and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Light to moderate amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Moderate aromas of wheat with light to moderate notes of citrus and spices (mostly coriander). Very subtle notes of banana/clove.

T: Light to moderate flavors of wheat with just a touch of bready malts. Lightly sweet with notes of coriander and citrus (specifically orange peel). Almost a touch of lemon pepper in the finish and banana/clove.

M: Light bodied with light to moderate amounts of carbonation.

O: Easy to drink and enjoyable - light in mouthfeel and with pleasant flavors and aromas. Definitely able to be a session beer. Some aspects of a hefeweizen in addition to the traditional witbier flavors/smells.

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2012 00:13:05 | More by dbrauneis

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

3.9/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle from Sicilianos, 12oz into a tulip. Batch 11537, bottled Oct 10/12.

Hazy orange/straw yellow, finger of white head with medium retention and ok lace. Nose pops with some wheat, very subtle spice and some citrus zest. Good bit of banana as well. Taste has more wheat and pale malt, a bit of banana, light coriander and yeast flavours. Medium body with a bit of texture/chew. Medium high carb, appropriate for the style. Quite tasty, I'd session this if I had a case in the summer.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2012 02:15:43 | More by liamt07

BeerFMAndy

Wisconsin

4.15/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle poured into a Bell's imperial pint.
5% ABV, 11509 PKGD 09/27/12

A - Poured, swirled in sediment, and topped off the pint, White Winter Ale is a gorgeous, totally cloudy deep straw yellow color that's crowned by a short-lived white head. The frothy foam sinks to a skim without much of a trace.

S - Crisp as the cold winter air, this beer's aroma has a fresh appeal that's reminiscent of a clean snowfall in the woods. Soft wheat and grainy pale malt support the beer's zesty spice nose which offers faint banana esters, white clay, pepper, coriander, and citrus peel. Aromatic and inviting!

T - Balance is at the forefront of the flavor, reeling the spiciness back and offsetting it with a kiss of sweet pilsner malt alongside the soft wheat and pale base. Banana still seems open in spice though, lightly overshadowing the clay, coriander, and citrus zest.

M - Carbonation cuts through the wheat's smooth, soft feel for a sharp tingle which lasts through the light-bodied beer's body to it's dry and crisp finish.

O - Bell's Winter White might not be a hearty, rich, high alcohol brew loaded with holiday spice, but this classic features just enough heft and yeast profile to provide a witbier unlike it's summer counterparts. When you're looking for an escape from the bold and strong beers of the season, look no further.

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2012 00:17:51 | More by BeerFMAndy

rlee1390

Indiana

3.65/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A-Clear orange, not much carbonation, one finger head that doesn't last long

S-Overpowering metallic notes. Orange, lemon, wheat and poor balance.

T-Much better than the nose. The metallic notes aren't there. Orange, lemon and wheat balance it out. Some clove and even a tad bit of grass.

M-Medium bodied, nice carbonation.

O-The nose was wayy off. The taste was much better but there isn't much reason to drink this brew.

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2012 22:08:13 | More by rlee1390

GossageBrewery

Missouri

3/5  rDev -18%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured this Witbier from a bottle into a pint glass. Poured a light golden color, produced a white head, retention was below average. The aroma consisted of light malted grain, banana, clove and lemon citrus. Light in body, a base of malted wheat, with yeast flavors of banana, citric lemon, and spicy clove. Overall decent beer, nice session beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-07-2012 20:58:09 | More by GossageBrewery

BeerDawgs

Georgia

3.68/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A 12 oz bottle dated 12 /2011

A - yellow, clear, little bit of head, sticky lace.

S - Average, not very prevalent aroma. Malty straw smells

T - wow, excellent. Sweet, citrusy. Straw flavors.

M - Well carbonated, medium bodied.

O - a very good wheat beer, citrusy sweet.

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2012 03:03:52 | More by BeerDawgs

Shrews

4/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served - Bottle poured into a Pint Glass

Appearance
Very small amount of head, that quickly disperses into nothiing. Saw a lot of carbonation with the pour. Pours a very light yellowish-brown. Some sort of sediment formed in the bottom of the glass while I was drinking it. Not really sure what it was.

Smell
Wheat and hops; light and faint smell.

Taste
Citrus, wheat flavor, but mostly citrus.

Mouthfeel
Pretty carbonated, so the bubbles were very apparent. Could really taste the oranges even through the heavy carbonation.

Overall, a nice wheat with good citrus flavor. The sediment in the bottom of the glass bothered me, and the smell was pretty bland. A good beer, but was expecting more from Bell's.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2012 20:46:54 | More by Shrews

BierStein711

Illinois

2.88/5  rDev -21.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Bottle poured into weizen, no freshness date

Four finger white head

Average combo of Hefe and Wit. Truthfully, I was expecting far more from a great brewery such as Bell’s. Banana and bubblegum paired with Belgian Candi-sugar. I wanted more!!

The aroma was mainly malt and bubblegum, very silly beer

No substance and all water!

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2012 02:27:26 | More by BierStein711

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

3.5/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz Bottle - from good ta go beer store in PA - thanks to jfam for this

Appearance - Hazy yellow/amber colour with an average size fizzy white coloured head. There is an above average amount of carbonation and there is some faint lacing. The head lasted for only a few minutes before it was gone.

Smell - Lemon/oranges, grains, yeast, coriander/cloves

Taste & Mouth - There is an average amount of carbonation and I can taste lemons/oranges and grains/bread. There is also some clove and coriander and it ends with a slightly spicy and lightly tart aftertaste.

Overall - An above average wit beer that has some nice citrus flavours going on. Its very drinkable but at times it reminded me of something like a blue moon or a shock top. Anyways, still happy I tried it but I wouldn't see it out again.

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2012 03:04:19 | More by spinrsx

elNopalero

Texas

4.2/5  rDev +14.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had on Oberon day, 2012. Bottled at the end of 2011.
This poured a hazy golden-straw color. Thin, tight foam, almost champagne-like bubbling, along with a champagne-like effervescence on the palate.

It has a bouquet of estery aromas. I get some yeasty floral clove and banana and a touch of bubblegum even? It’s floral, floral, floral.

Flavor is more of the same. The clove and coriander spices dominate, but lightly so. Finishes well, with that aforementioned effervescence keeping it light.

I’ll admit I’m not the biggest fan of the style but this is a good one. Sure, I’ll have another.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2012 23:12:26 | More by elNopalero

beagle75

Iowa

3.15/5  rDev -13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a becker glass.

A: Opaque, pale golden color with one finger of diminishing white foam head. Light lacing remains on the glass.

S: Generally mild but appropriate; clove is most apparent, followed by delicate lemon and baker's yeast.

T: Begins off-dry, with pasty wheat flour, mild clove spice, and citric acidity. Flavors simplify during the middle, tasting a bit like dilute powdered sugar solution soaked into Wonder bread. A mild thread of bitterness stands out in the finish, suggestive of juicy green plant stems.

M: Thin to medium viscosity, acidic on the palate, with brisk carbonation.

D/O: This American-brewed wit brings a minimalist impression, seeming held back by it. The smell works, but could be more intense, while the appearance is pleasing in its luminous impenetrability. The flavors seem underdeveloped, which doesn't really elevate this beer over notables of the style. It is refreshing, but not at all memorable.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2012 18:02:59 | More by beagle75

deadonhisfeet

Kentucky

3.98/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance is a hazy, orangy-yellow with relatively low carbonation. The color is typical of this style. Nose has notes of bread, orange zest, cloves, and lemon.

Flavor is mild, but is spot on for this style. Nice wheaty tones accompanied by a hint of graininess and lots of sweet and tangy fresh orange, lemon, and banana fruit notes. There are just enough hops to dry the finish a bit and leave your palate ready for another sip. Mouthfeel is thin to firm and does not interfere with the flavor at all. This beer is refreshing, highly drinkable, and goes down shockingly fast. I could drink it all day long.

Belgian white ales are one of my favorite styles and this is an excellent example. I am grateful that Bell's releases this in the winter as opposed to the summer. It gives me something to enjoy during the winter months when I want a break from the heavier winter beers. If you enjoy Belgian-style wit beers, do not pass this one up.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2012 13:00:46 | More by deadonhisfeet