Leelanau Brewing Company - Whaleback White Ale

For a beer in a style that was almost extinct, this one has a whole lot of life. Wit (or white) beers were a popular style in Belgium for five hundred years, and even a century ago there were many artisan producers; but in the post-war years the last of the traditional white beers ceased production. Now, decades after the style's resurrection, a handcrafted ale replete with the complexities and liveliness that endeared generations of beer aficionados is available again.

White beers are different from other wheat beers by the addition of orange peel and spices like coriander; this one is distinguished from all other wit beers in a few important ways. Handmade at the much lauded Jolly Pumpkin Brewery by Ron Jeffries, one of the world's great brewers, this ale is spontaneously fermented by their signature wild yeasts. This results in a beverage of uncommon vitality, so much more genuine than even the finest of many a craft brewery. Aging in a custom barrique of new French oak is a traditional, but exceedingly rare practice that lends the Leelanau beers an unmistakable character and defines Whaleback White as a style that we call Michigan Bière Blanche.

Pouring a pale golden color, the evidence of bottle conditioning swirls through the glass as the head reaches for the top and releases lightly fruity, slightly grassy aromas. Tart notes of lemon and orange carry from the aroma to the body where they are joined by hints of coriander and curacao, making for a complex yet restrained flavor. Full bodied, but finishes with a crisp champagne finish. Nuanced enough for the most developed palate, yet accessible enough to be a great introduction to farmhouse styles of beer for the uninitiated.

The balance of complexity and refreshment makes this a beer fit for many situations. We enjoy it with chevre and honey, most any fresh fish grilled outside on a balmy afternoon, or with Thai cuisine that packs plenty of heat. We've been known to take a few bottles on trips to the lakeshore, where its kept chilled buried in the sand, waiting to be enjoyed over a lazy fire of driftwood.

Read what others say about Whaleback White:


Whaleback White featured on Fox 2 Detroit 9/19/2010

4/23/2010 Whaleback White ranked the #11 best beer in the world.
Bostwick, William. "The Draft: The World's 50 Best Beers" GQ on Eating and Drinking. GQ Online 23 April 2010
Read online: http://www.gq.com/blogs/the-q/2010/04/the-draft-the-worlds-50-best-beers.html
Article ranking the 50 best beers in the world, lists Whaleback White as #11.

3/24/2010 Whaleback White featured as 'non-wussy' wheat beer.
Bostwick, William. "The Draft: Non-wussy Wheat Beer" GQ on Eating and Drinking. GQ Online 24 March 2010
Read online: http://www.gq.com/blogs/the-q/2010/03/the-draft-non-wussy-wheat-beer.html
Article featuring Whaleback White referring to Whaleback White as one of the best examples of authentic wheat beers, refers to Whaleback White as: " cidery, fruity, tart, and really dry".

"Just as the blustery cold winds and crusty snow keep many would-be residents warm in southern climates, this beer appeals to only a portion of beer drinkers. But Psenka never intended to create just another good lager: this brew evolved from a personal obsession with beer, a location-led vision and a few good connections...
Like the Whaleback, that evergreen-skinned icon of the Manitou Passage, like the stone-littered shores that frame our inland sea, and like those falling, golden leaves, Psenka's beer is just enough past ordinary to be as special as the Leelanau hills. Maybe just like the land from which it was born, not everyone will appreciate it, but for those that do, nothing in the world will ever come close. One can almost feel the planets starting to align."
Herd, Daniel. "A Whale's Story- Fine beer brewed from local landmark's inspiration"
Glen Arbor Sun 10 Nov. 2005

"Michigan potables have come into their own these past few years and this delicious ale- made in the traditional bière blanche manner by The Leelanau Brewing Company is certainly cause for celebration and regional pride. Aged in Oak to enrich a marvelous aroma of coriander and bitter orange peel, Whaleback White lacks nothing except shyness. This is a sharp, tart and refreshing kiss for the thirsty imbiber - and one considerably bolder than those delivered by European bottles. Speaking of this bottle, enjoy the beautifully-worded homage to Lake Michigan found on the back. Hey, is it too late for Lansing to select a state brew?"
del Valle. "Drink Up." Real Detroit Weekly sept 7-13, 2005 : 76.