Long Trail: Blackberry Wheat

American Wheat
Long Trail Brewery
Bidgewater Corners, Vermont
ALC/VOL 3.8%

I've always been a sucker for my home state. Growing up in VT gives you a different perspective on things. Things seem natural; good and whole and pure. So, no big surprise, Vermont is home to many fine micro breweries. The two that are easier to find around the US are Magic Hat and Otter Creek. These are both fine companies, but don't really stretch the envelope much.

I grew up knowing Long Trail because it's what everyone in my town drank. All the parties and town gatherings were usually accompanied by a Long Trail keg of some sort. I just associate growing up in my small town with it. Not that i was drinking it or that my town is a bunch of alcoholics, but you get the idea, it was the local staple.

Now, usually, you can't find this stuff outside New England. Heck, it all but disappears south of NYC. Outside of bringing a case or two back from Vermont when i go home to visit family, I just don't get to drink it. However, recently, a few singles have floated their way down south of the Mason-Dixon line. Never more than one or two. God forbid I find a whole six pack. And yesterday I found two, a Hibernator and a Blackberry Wheat.

The Blackberry is so light. They call it a wheat beer, but it's so light and crisp, it drinks and finishes more like a pilsner or light lager. Truth be told, with the distinctive fruit taste on the back end, it's more like a light Lambic than anything else. A beer like this is meant to be enjoyed in the summer, but I think the crispness of it makes it a year round treat. Even the scent of this beer reminds me of hope. It's that Pavlovian euphoria that sweeps over me with every sip. Yum Yum.