Tucked away just off the Maine Turnpike in the seaport of Portland, Allagash Brewing has been turning out superb beers since 1995, and Allagash White – the brewery’s original brand and still its flagship – is no exception. Brewed in the classic Belgian witbier tradition, with a significant amount of wheat and judicious additions of spices, it pours a pale yellow, almost straw color, showing a subdued white haze riding under a meringue-like, snow-white head. Pristine aromas of bread, coriander and citrus abound, bearing witness to the brewer’s dedication and artistry. Lee was blown away by the delicate interplay of the thyme, sage and coriander notes, and Tom complimented the gentle subtlety of the spices in the aroma. Overall, the spices came across as a touch underdone, but they were well matched with the malt aromas. This is a light-bodied brew packed with flavors of ripe Valencia oranges, bright coriander and lightly honeyed malt, again attesting to the brewer’s respect for this venerable style. Tim appreciated the beer’s ability to maintain a light body while delivering gobs of bready wheat, almost peppery coriander and tangy orange zest flavors. The general consensus among the judges was that Allagash White stands shoulder to shoulder with the “classic” Belgian witbiers and should be savored among friends to celebrate summer.