Mustang Brewing Company - Washita Wheat

This wheat ale has delivered gold medals for Mustang from the World Beer Championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Pouring a bold, hazy orange, and capped by plenty of fluffy foam, it's an attractive beer. On the nose, look for a fruitiness to come across reminiscent of grape skins, underpinned by a richly wheaty aroma and a bit of a grassy note. On the palate, Washita Wheat is not the insipid, shrinking violet style of wheat ale we often encounter in our tasting panels; instead, the malt character comes through robustly, and there's more body than in many other beers of the style. Fruity tones come through here and there as well, offering impressions of white grape juice, apple, and a hint of lemony acidity. Try this brew with a grilled chicken sandwich and a Greek-style side salad. Cheers!

When Tim and Carmen Schoelen decided to start Mustang Brewing Company in 2008 they went all-in, cashing out their 401(k) and selling their house to raise the necessary capital. Times were tough at first as Tim approached multiple bars and restaurants, hoping someone would give his beers a chance. Eventually he found success and the first Mustang beers were served at Oklahoma City's James E. McNellie's Public House on July 13th, 2009. All nine kegs were dry within 90 minutes – quite an auspicious start! Mustang's beers caught on quickly throughout the state and the company sold over 12,000 cases in their first full year.

Fast forward to January 2013. After brewing in temporary facilities and at other friendly breweries during their early growth period, Mustang purchased a new, permanent brewhouse in OKC. Sadly, this new brewhouse was promptly destroyed by a tornado on May 31st, which claimed the building, equipment, and tanks full of almost-finished beer. Luckily none of the staff were hurt, but the event certainly threw the business for a loop. But, there was no time for tears – Mustang rebounded and began construction on a new brewhouse in July. Lemons were turned into lemonade, as this facility would be twice as big as its short-lived predecessor and would include a tasting room, event space, and a store for brewery merchandise. Conveniently, it became legal in Oklahoma for breweries to provide tasting samples on premises in November of 2013, making the grand opening a month later even better.

Under the watchful eye of brewmaster Gary Shellman, Mustang produces a number of year-round and seasonal beers that are designed to be easy-drinking, "sessionable" brews that pack enough flavor to be enjoyable for experienced craft beer lovers. Many breweries promise this but we feel Mustang really delivers. For more info on the brewery and their tasting room, call (405) 943-0100 or visit www.mustangbrewing.com.