This Sun shines, you will agree
Written: Aug 06 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Spicy nose with a body to match. Swim in it; live in it.
Cons: Unavailable this side of the Mississippi.
The Bottom Line: Don't be fooled by the pale, golden hue... this Sunshine sizzles with plenty of spice to cure those summertime blues. Drink and enjoy. I said so.
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| sleestakk's Full Review: LongShot Boysenberry Wheat |
So I'm sittin' here working on this mix tape for soothsayer for yet another impending write-off (raise yer hand if you're gettin' as written out as I am on those things). And as I pace back and forth between my CD racks and stereo, throwing discs in and out looking for that "perfect" tune to compliment my mix, I quench my thirst with another exemplary product from New Belgium Brewing Company, their Sunshine Wheat Beer.
Props to my younger brother who lives near the foothills in Albuquerque for continuing to hook me up with brew only found on his side of the Union. Yep, New Belgium out of Ft Collins, CO doesn't distribute to us midwesterners (or easterners, for that matter). That's cool. For each one of those, we have one to see that and raise it another. Anyhow, just keep an eye out when you're on those family vacations out west. New Belgium is definitely a company deserving of any beerlover's attention.
A couple of things surprised me the most from the Sunshine Wheat. One, that I like it... a lot. And that's huge, folks, cuz I'm just not real big into "light" beers. Let's put it this way, if I can see through it, chances are I ain't gonna like it. And two, the aroma of this beer sells itself. Usually beers that have an exotic or distinct flavorful aroma win me over. Even if the beer tastes horrible (rare as it is) at least I can enjoy the sublime nose. It's a compromise I will make, although not often. But in this case, Sunshine Wheat scores on both counts.
Out of the bottle, the Sunshine pours a translucent pale wheat glass with a wispy thin, white veil that lies softly over the brew as the glass goes down. Another promising mark are the suds clinging to the wall as I swirl the beer. This motion helps strengthen the effervescence, which captures the air, transforming the breeze of the ceiling fan into sweet breaths exhaled by this New Belgium brew. I'm down.
Although upwards of a dozen or more distinguishable notes swim marvelously around the aroma, the honey-citrus seems the most apparent to me. The nose is rather potent yet completely welcoming as lemongrass, orange peel, and vanilla float between the fumes. The combination of these scents is refreshing with summer dew-like qualities when the humidity hangs in the air at dawn. The Sunshine smells so good I'm afraid to drink it and spoil its exceptional behavior thus far. I mean, how can the taste live up to that?
Well, nothing like a New Belgium to shatter my misconceptions regarding fair colored beer. The hops pops in the initial sips but is not nearly as overwhelming as I expected something like this to be. A very mild bitterness coats my mouth after each swallow and leaves a trail but this isn't bad by any means. It's the spicy "brown" character akin to Chimay that really shines here. It's a warm sensation but not as intense as Chimay.
The mellow caramel mouthfeel produces a butternut squash kind of resonance that lends to the thought that this tastes like no light beer despite the bright color which attempts to trick my eyes each time I raise the glass for another drink. The follow-through is smooth as each swallow finishes clean. I'm no longer surprised by the New Belgium chicanery. This beer rocks.
One might say this Sunshine is like a suped-up Miller Genuine Draft®, but, damn, it's so much better, insanely better. Forget that - it's nothing like Miller, except its appearance. Fool me once...
I think this is a great salad beer but grilled chicken or seafood would also be a pleasant match. I imagine the finer aspects of this brew might be lost on heavier fare or greasy foods. Although I like the Sunshine when it's crisp out of the fridge, this is an ideal sipping in the sun beverage. Or gulp it as to avoid losing any of its sizzling personality. They'll always make more.
As I've already mentioned, you'll find this one throughout the greater west wherever good beer is sold. It'll run ya around six bucks for six bottles and is certainly worth it. I recommend the Sunshine Wheat Beer on the aroma alone, which just makes it work as an outstanding overall presentation. It's got spunk like this Bangs record I'm listening to right now if that gives you any idea. I dig the Sunshine and, honestly, I thought I wasn't gonna like it one bit. Shows you what I know.
Cheers!
Great Beer to Drink While: Driving ...away those summer doldrums.
Recommended:
Yes
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sleestakk
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Member: Jay Stakk
Location: Chicago
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