With a luminous straw colour, a lasting white head, great lacing and just the right amount of haze, White Anvil has the gorgeous witbier appearance nailed. A powerful whiff of perfume on the nose is backed up by coriander seed and just a hint of bread. Taste-wise, it’s a crisp and refreshing beer, not as potent as the nose would suggest. There’s a definite dryness, but something sweet in the background as well, making this a well balanced and highly drinkable beer – definitely Anvil’s finest ale.
Many drinkers are not fond of plastic bottles but Anvil’s out-of-the-way location demands it and generally, brewer Theo de Beer manages to get the bottling right. His witbier is a well-carbed brew capable of wiping the palate clean after a creamy cheese – try it with brie, camembert or a flavourful goats’ cheese.
I’m a huge fan of this style, which is woefully under-represented in South Africa. More witbiers please brewers!
How much: R30 for a 500ml draught, R40 for a bottle.
Where: Anvil’s beer are only available from the brewery, which is based in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga.
