I’m usually a big fan of Widmer Brothers’ products. Nearly all of their beers are at least worth drinking, and some are excellent. So it was with pleasure that I tried the new Widmer W’09 release in the Brewmasters’ Series (W09). This one is intended to be a golden Belgian style ale described as having “an estery fruitiness with peppery tones.”  I was a little suspect about the description: the peppery part made me think bad thoughts. But it’s Widmer, right? How bad could it be? Train wreck bad.

Belgian ales are not generally heavily hopped.  There was that fruitiness you would expect in a Belgian beer, and the color was right.  Unfortunately there was a strong aroma of American hops and a bitter after taste that contrasted sharply with the malty, fruity goodness that is usually found in this style of beer.  Ok, so we wouldn’t expect it to be identical to Belgian beer: it’s not intended to be a precise copy.  That would all be well and good if the combination worked.  It didn’t even come close to pulling it off.  I had this particular beer on tap at the Widmer establishment and I can say it’s the first time in memory that I sent a beer back.  The waiter was not at all surprised if I read his expression well.  It speaks well to the Widmers, though, that there were no questions asked.

All-in-all a really disappointing showing from a well-respected brewery.  One for whom I have a particular fondness given that I live about a 10 minute walk from the brewery.  If you’re looking at a pack of Widmer W’09 in the grocery isle, take a pass and be glad you read this first.