157. Boulevard Two Jokers Double Wit

Elli’s text the next morning after riding her bike to work: “I think the double wit was one wit too many.”

Our second beer from Boulevard; this is No. 8 in their Smokestack series. Two Jokers is a hazy tan color with orange and gold highlights and a light white head; the nose is a bit too Sprite or Mountain Dew smelling—mainly candy sweetness with some slight lactic tartness. Double Wit starts with a soft sweetness before moving into some bitterness and spiciness—both from esters and from spices in the beer—and ends with some tartness and dry malt flavor. The mouthfeel is marked by a sharp, lively carbonation that lightens the body; it is medium bodied, tart, and has some soda-like components to it. Overall, Two Jokers is not as exciting as it should be; there is an interesting flavor profile, but it is a bit muted. The increased maltiness limits the crispness and refreshing qualities of a normal wit, and leaves it a bit overly sweet and cloying. As well, this was not nearly as good as the last beer we had from Boulevard; Two Jokers is moderately good, but not really worth noting—we both felt a bit let down by this beer, as we were expecting more from it.

From the bottle: “They say there are two sides to every story, and that’s certainly true of Two Jokers Double-Wit. On the one hand, it’s a revival of the classic Belgian ‘wit,’ or ‘white’ ale, with lactic fermentation providing a refreshing tartness. On the other hand, it’s a modern, uniquely American brew; big, flavorful, and spiced with cardamom, coriander, orange peel, lavender, and grains of paradise. Look closely now: is it two jesters on the label, or a single beautiful glass of ale?”

Seriously, that’s your last sentence? Really? What, am I two? Do you have my nose, too? Sorry, but Boulevard sounds too much like an idiotic uncle who still thinks I am a child here. Thanks for the paternalistic jibe to close it out, because without it, I might not have had the sense to understand that there could be something like multiple meanings to a picture. Maybe you should hire someone besides former kindergarten teachers to write your advertising copy.

Like Saison-Brett, there is noting on the Boulevard website about Two Jokers, although unlike Saison-Brett, however, Two Jokers is not on Beer Advocate’s list of the Top Beers on Planet Earth. Are you embarassed of Two Jokers, Boulevard?

ABV: 8.0%

(12/4/2009)

31. Great Divide Double Wit

Yet another beer from Great Divide in ­­­Denver, CO. That’s right, we’re riding Great Divide like New Yorkers ride mass transit. Or like MF Doom drops sick rhymes. Or like Jon Stewart rocks fake-ass news. Basically, like anything that signifies something that can carry a whole friggin’ lot (like mass transit—I tried to think of something to do with a supertanker, but oil and Valdez references would blow the whole bad ass big boy blowin’ up reference) or that is really really large and is also well done (like Doom and Stewart). So maybe the mass transit reference could use some work. So sue me. Welcome the fine fine slippage of signification. And yes, I do take pleasure in explaining own jokes—it’s one of my comedic touchstones (nod to Bill).

Double Wit has a citrusy, spicy nose to start with a cloudy straw/maize color and a creamy luxurious head. It starts with a golden malt flavor followed by spiciness in the middle, and concludes with citrus tartness at the back of the tongue. There are some slight acidic notes, and slight alcohol notes in the flavor as the beer warms, along with some candy and sweet notes in the front. Light to medium bodied and well carbonated, Double Wit needs a little more punch to be a solid double. While the body is smooth and rounded, and while flavors are both crisp and fresh, it is good but not especially exciting. It almost starts to veer into a golden ale without the reciprocal complexity of flavors.

From Great Divide’s website: “Double Wit is our more muscular take on the beloved white ales of Belgium. Unmalted wheat and Belgian malted barley give the beer a light body and straw hue, while coriander and curaçao provide the traditional notes of spice and light acidity. This cloudy, deceptively drinkable creation should be enjoyed without the addition of fruit.”

What?!? No fat pulpy slice of crappy lemon in my beer? You might actually sound like you know what you’re talking about, you crazy risk takers!

ABV: 8.1%

(7/31/2009)