Since 2006, I have made a profession out of both consuming and penning thoughts on beer. Each year, inevitably, I find myself pondering: If stranded on a deserted island with only a selection of brews, which ones would they be?
In this tropical setting, I find myself marooned on an island with just three preferred beers. The selection alternates among two spots filled by hoppy brews, refreshing lagers, and strong abbey ales. However, one particular beer has stayed constant in my collection for many years. Allagash White .
Earning its spot hasn’t been simple for Allagash. The contemporary beer market boasts an overwhelming array of top-notch craft beers such as those from Firestone Walker with their Pivo, Belgium’s renowned St. Bernardus Abt 12, and California's iconic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. For example, Sierra Nevada stands out as the epitome of the classic American pale ale, refined over time since Ken Grossman crafted his initial batch back in 1980. However, based on how I’m feeling at the moment, I could just as easily opt for a Three Floyds Zombie Dust or perhaps a Carton Boat Beer to satisfy my craving for something hoppier.
The Allagash White excels within the Belgian witbier category, outshining its rivals. While top-tier witbiers do exist elsewhere—such as the exceptional St. Bernardus from Belgium and Hitachi’s Nest Ale from Japan—they often lose some of their quality by the time they cross continents to arrive at my glass. In contrast, Allagash White, produced locally in Maine, is far easier for me to obtain and always serves up a fresh and superior taste experience.
The beverage’s excellence is supported by historical achievements. Ever since it was first introduced in 1995, Allagash White has been honored with 18 awards across the most significant international brewing contests: the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, and European Beer Star. Upon reaching out to Allagash for verification of this count, they emphasized to me that no other wheat beer—regardless of whether it adheres to Belgian style guidelines—has claimed as many accolades. This fact did not astonish me.
Allagash White ticks numerous boxes. It's refreshingly crisp and incredibly quenching. The beer offers sufficient heft to remind you that you're not simply sipping sparkling water yet isn’t overly heavy, avoiding the sensation of having consumed something akin to a dessert. Furthermore, it ranks high for complexity amongst broadly accessible brews. Its foundation lies in mild strata of oats, wheat, and barley. These elements then meld beautifully with the inherent spiciness from Belgian-style yeast, complemented by additions of coriander and orange peel. Unlike several other brewers who tend to overdo their spices, resulting in an overpowering flavor reminiscent of being kicked rather than subtly seasoned, Allagash strikes a delicate balance maintaining subtlety throughout.
It’s not simple to achieve. Belgian ale yeast can be especially finicky and difficult for many brewers. Should the water pH be slightly imbalanced or, more commonly, the fermentation temperature isn't spot-on, it fails to generate the characteristic clove and subtle fruity notes. In extreme cases, discontented Belgian yeast leads to a brew with an unpleasant bandage-like aroma and equally poor taste.
In a market predominantly filled with IPAs, Allagash White doesn't stand out as exceptionally hoppy among top-notch beers. Despite being brewed using both American and Czech hops, these herbs enhance its green citrus flavor rather than adding intense bitterness. Fortunately, I still have two additional go-to brews for those times when I crave the taste of lupulin.
I'm sorry that Allagash White might not be accessible in all areas. This brew hails from Portland, Maine, and currently reaches 22 states across the country. Should you not find it at your local store, consider picking up a case during your next journey into one of those states, planning a visit toPortland to savor it directly where it’s made, or perhaps we could exchange stories over it when I’m stranded on a deserted island. Either way, I’d love to share with you.
Related: After sampling numerous craft IPAs, this budget-friendly, readily available beer has become my top choice when I'm in a bind.
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