Allagash White is the beer that convinced America a witbier could be world class. Rob Tod started brewing it in Portland, Maine in 1995 when almost nobody in the US was making the style, and it is now the benchmark everyone else is measured against. It is a hazy, unfiltered Belgian-style wheat beer spiced with coriander and Curacao orange peel, and it drinks with a grace most of its rivals never reach. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and why it earns the top spot.
Allagash White at a glance
| Style | Belgian-style witbier |
| ABV | 5.2% |
| Calories | Around 170 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 13g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Allagash Brewing, Portland, Maine, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, malted and raw wheat, oats, barley malt, coriander, Curacao orange peel, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it contains wheat and barley |
| Typical price | Around $11 to $14 for a 4-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
White is all about balance. The wheat and oats give it a soft body, the spices lift the aroma, and nothing shouts over anything else.
The full review
It pours a pale, cloudy straw-gold with a fluffy white head that hangs around. The haze is real, this is an unfiltered beer with wheat proteins and yeast left in, and that is where a lot of the texture comes from. The aroma is lovely: fresh orange, a little lemon, soft coriander spice and a background of clove and bready wheat.
The first sip is where it separates itself. There is a pillowy, almost creamy softness from the oats and wheat, then a wave of citrus and gentle spice, and a finish that is dry and clean rather than sweet. The coriander and orange peel are woven in, not bolted on, which is exactly what a lot of cheaper witbiers get wrong.
At 5.2% ABV it has enough body to feel like a proper beer while staying refreshing. It is the kind of thing you can drink with a plate of mussels or on its own in the garden, and it works in both settings. The balance and the quality of the ingredients are what push it clear of the supermarket wheat beers.
It is not cheap, and it is a touch harder to find than the macro wits, but it is worth the extra. This is a beer brewed with real care, and it tastes like it.
The witbier everyone else is trying to be.
- Beautifully balanced citrus, spice and soft wheat
- Real haze and creamy texture from wheat and oats
- Spices feel integrated, never artificial
- World-class quality for the style
- Pricier than the macro witbiers
- Not as widely stocked as Blue Moon
- The haze and yeast will not suit filtered-lager drinkers
Who it is for
Anyone who wants to taste how good a witbier can be. If you like this, Hoegaarden is the Belgian original worth trying next, and Ommegang Witte is another excellent American take.
Allagash White FAQs
What does Allagash White taste like?
Soft and creamy with fresh orange and lemon citrus, gentle coriander spice, a bready wheat base and a clean, dry finish. It is balanced rather than sweet or heavily spiced.
How strong is Allagash White?
It is 5.2% ABV, standard strength for a Belgian-style witbier.
How many calories are in Allagash White?
Around 170 per 12 fl oz. Allagash does not publish an exact figure, but it is typical for a full-strength witbier.
Why is Allagash White cloudy?
It is an unfiltered wheat beer, so wheat proteins and yeast are left in. That haze gives it its soft texture and its white appearance.
Is Allagash White vegan?
Yes. It is brewed from water, wheat, oats, barley malt, coriander, orange peel, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Allagash White gluten free?
No. It is brewed with wheat and barley, so it contains gluten.
What food goes with Allagash White?
It is a classic match for mussels, shellfish and light seafood, and it also works with salads, soft cheeses and roast chicken.
Where is Allagash White brewed?
In Portland, Maine, by Allagash Brewing Company, which has made it since 1995.
Where to buy Allagash White
Allagash White has spread well beyond Maine and is now sold across much of the US, and you can have it delivered. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Allagash White is the finest witbier brewed in America and a genuine rival to the Belgian classics. The balance of citrus, spice and soft wheat is close to flawless, and the unfiltered texture sets it apart. If you only try one white ale, make it this one. A superb four point seven out of five. See where the rest land in our best witbiers guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Allagash White?
Allagash White is a Belgian-style witbier, at 5.2% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Allagash White?
Allagash White has an ABV of 5.2%.
How many calories are in Allagash White?
Allagash White has Around 170 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Allagash White gluten free?
Allagash White: No, it contains wheat and barley.
Does Allagash White have carbs?
Yes, Allagash White has Around 13g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Allagash White taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
How much does Allagash White cost?
Allagash White typically runs Around $11 to $14 for a 4-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Allagash White without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Allagash White?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Belgian-style witbier like Allagash White. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
Allagash White was just named to the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame’s 2026 Landmark Craft Beers class, and the brewery just released a one-off collaboration lager with Maine band The Ghost of Paul Revere, read about Ghostland Rustic Lager here.
Allagash White is a Belgian-style witbier, not a German wheat beer. If you want to know how that compares to a true hefeweizen, our weissbier vs hefeweizen guide breaks down the real differences between the two wheat beer traditions.
