Wasatch Ghostrider White IPA
I don’t recall having too many beers classified as a white IPA. Besides this bottle of Wasatch Ghostrider White IPA, I think the only other one I’ve reviewed was a collaborative effort between Green Flash and Founders brewing companies. A white IPA is essentially a Belgian-influenced india pale wale — it seems regardless whether that be through the use of wheat, specific yeast strain or spices such as coriander.
Wasatch Ghostrider White IPA is right in line with the trend, though I’m not entirely sure that they utilize a Belgian yeast with this brew. Pale malt and wheat keep the color light while the addition of coriander gives it a little something extra. The end result is a beer that is both hoppy (45 IBU) and refreshing.
Appearance
Ghostrider White IPA pours a pale, hazy straw yellow in color with a large, rocky head.
Aroma
Grapefruit, citrusy hop character, soft wheat and a subtle amount of spices fill the nose with an inviting aroma.
Taste
I’ve got to give it to this beer — it’s got a solid balance between leafy, citrusy hops and the wheat. There’s an excellent blend of flavors with a touch of grapefruit and distant spices. The mouthfeel is rather soft and a little watery with a small amount of hop bitterness lingering in the finish.
Overall
I’ve only had a handful of white IPAs in my time and they all seem to range in flavor depending on which addition they lean more heavily on (wheat, spices or yeast). Wasatch’s Ghostrider White IPA works with wheat and coriander in combination with a solid hop profile to craft a nicely balanced and quite drinkable brew. I think I’d like to see a slightly sharper carbonation to bring out the hops a bit more, but that’s just me. As it stands, this is an interesting take on the style.
Rating: 3.75/5
This is a review of a promotional sample from the brewery.
