Beer Review: Westbrook Gose

by Jordan Davis on Oct 23, 2013 in Beer
Beer Review: Westbrook Gose

South Carolina’s Westbrook Brewing Company is an adventurous craft brewer with an excellent graphic artist working on its cans. The flagship beer, a variant on Belgian witbier called White Thai (ha ha), is light and lightly spiced, and one of the most pleasant-tasting craft beer you can get in a can. For a brewery that’s only been around since the turn of the decade, Westbrook is getting good placement; in New York City we’ve seen Westbrook White Thai, One Claw (a rye pale ale) and Gose in several corners, including a robust presence at Whole Foods.

What’s a Gose, you might ask? A style that predates the German purity laws and was grandfathered in to certain breweries in Leipzig, a Gose is a sour wheat beer brewed with salt and coriander and traditionally served in a very tall narrow glass. They say (“they” being the Internet) that in Leipzig the acidity is cut with a shot of Kummel, a caraway liqueur. Gose comes in around 4% ABV and 5 IBUs, so the kick of 38% ABV Kummel certainly does add something. You can find a Gose imported from Leipzig in many specialty stores, and it’s worth the money, especially if you have Kummel on hand — if you love sourdough rye, you’ll have an out of body experience when you try the two together.

Westbrook Gose is good but not otherworldly. It pours cloudy yellow with a perforated head. There’s a sharp lemony scent that is completely borne out by the first taste. This is no Mike’s Hard Lemonade. (By the way, what is that stuff? In the interest of journalism we tried one for this piece, and it was appalling. Sweet fizzy drinks shouldn’t be allowed to get you drunk.)

Westbrook Gose is not sweet. It’s basically an unsweetened lemon-flavored soda that knocks you down and drags you into the ocean. On its own, it’s strange and delicious, and the salty aftertaste may make you crave a second can. (Beware, and be sure to hydrate a little extra afterwards if you succumb.) Paired with a shot of Kummel, everyone we tried it on — except supertasters and the caraway-averse — found something to like.

Bringing lost or outlaw recipes back into circulation is a current trend in the craft beer world. For example, Dogfish Head has several beers in the Ancient Ales series currently on the market (Midas Touch, Theobroma, Sah’tea). We’ve also seen a Gruit on shelves and are hoping against hope to have someone pour us a definitive Three Threads someday. For now, Westbrook has the domestic Gose market to itself. Good for them. Try it out if you’re looking for something new.

Bottom photo by Jordan Davis

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close