Free and Easy Belgian-style White - Karbach Brewing Review
The growth of non-alcoholic beer in the modern scene has been absolutely immense. I mean, just a few years ago one could only find mass-market NA beers that pretty much tasted all the same—that is to say, they pretty much all tasted like boiled beer.
But, of course, when the craft brew gangs pick up the task we know we’re going to get some results—flavorful results! Because as with regular beer, style, technique, aroma, and flavor are just as important for nailing a non-alcoholic, and maybe even more so.
We’re huge fans of Karbach’s original Free and Easy, a smooth and citrusy IPA with classic flavor, so naturally we’re excited to try the second in their Free and Easy lineup: A Belgian-style white.
Karbach brewed this beer with 2-row pale, medium crystal, and flaked wheat, and they added more flavor with Hallertauer Mittelfrueh hops, orange peel, and toasted coriander. Sounds like a brew with some traditional flavors, now let’s see how it stands up in our first impressions.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--Golden and slightly hazy from the use of wheat malt. Topped with a persistent cream-colored head.
On the Nose--Spiced and herby. Smells very much like a Belgian ale. The orange peel is gentle and fresh with the coriander coming through much stronger.
On the Palate--Immediately zesty and pleasant. Like the aroma, the herbaceous coriander and spice come through strongly at the start, with the citrus from the orange peel swooping in to cleanse the palate with freshness. Free and Easy has a decent bitterness to balance out the zest, and it has a medium body and smooth mouthfeel from the flaked wheat.
Suggest Pairings: Karbach suggests pairing Free and Easy Belgian-style White with grilled scallops, baked brie with honey, summer harvest salad, and post workout.
Final Thoughts:
Going for a Belgian-style white with the addition of citrus peel and coriander is a smart play when brewing a non-alcoholic beer. The Belgian spice character is lifted by the addition of coriander, and the citrus offers fantastic freshness. Both of these together help cover that not-so-great flavor found in many NA beers.
Free and Easy’s aroma and flavor are very much on par with a spicy Belgian beer, with just a touch of bitterness at the end to balance the sweet and spicy flavors. The finish is clean and refreshing, and this NA beer is fun to drink and honest to flavor.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew