Harlem Brewing Company - Renaissance Wit

Pouring a lightly hazy golden hue with a nearly white cap of foam, Renaissance Wit offers up some vibrant aromatics very much in line with what we expect from a Belgian-style witbier. Brewed with coriander, cumin, grains of paradise, and orange peel, it certainly presents quite a spicy attitude on the nose. Look for huge coriander notes to add a big spicy and herbal character, backed up by some supporting citrus zest. We felt the orange peel additions were even more prominent on the palate. Look for the spice character to play a central role in the flavor as its herbal tones meld nicely with a kiss of spicy Saaz noble hops, while the coriander’s citrus overtones are augmented in a big way by the orange peel. Beneath it all is a sturdy, satisfying wheaty core. Witbiers are a great match for tangy, lighter fare such as Asian chicken salad with mandarin slices. Seafood should pair well too, as will nutty or earthy cheeses. Or, try a lightly tart lemon cake for a fun dessert pairing. Cheers!

Harlem Brewing Company’s founder, Celeste Beatty, entered the world of brewing through her love of cooking and of infusing beer into her recipes, as well as through – perhaps surprisingly – a love of music. Eventually her interest grew into a homebrewing hobby that, years later, has grown into a full-fledged, successful brewing company.

Legend has it that during Prohibition a beer was brewed surreptitiously in Harlem, NY that became popular throughout Harlem and was the drink of choice for many of the musicians and artists of the Harlem Renaissance. Inspired by this story, Celeste began experimenting with brewing in her Harlem apartment in the mid '90s. After travelling extensively to study brewing, working in breweries both in New York as well as Europe, Beatty opened Harlem Brewing Company in 2000 and launched the flagship Sugar Hill Golden Ale, which can be found in restaurants throughout Harlem, including the iconic Sylvia's and famed chef Marcus Samuelsson's Red Rooster.

Sugar Hill Golden Ale is currently brewed in Saratoga Springs, but Celeste is working on plans to build a brewery in Harlem in the near future, although with so much local residential property it’s been tricky finding a location. She’s also working to expand Harlem Brewing’s lineup to include several more styles, including the Renaissance Wit which we’re pleased to bring you this month. For more info, visit www.harlembrewing.com.