Avery White Rascal Review: A Boulder Take on the Belgian Wit

4.2/5
Belgian-style white ale, 5.6% ABV, around 150 calories. Unfiltered, zesty and a little more assertive than the Belgian originals.

White Rascal is Avery Brewing’s flagship and one of the beers that put the Boulder, Colorado brewery on the map. It is an unfiltered Belgian-style white ale brewed with coriander and Curacao orange peel, the same botanicals 15th-century brewers used in the village of Hoegaarden. The spiky-haired mascot on the can hints at the character inside: a wit with a bit more attitude than the usual. Here is how it tastes and where it lands.

Avery White Rascal at a glance

StyleBelgian-style white ale
ABV5.6%
CaloriesAround 150 per 12 fl oz
CarbsAround 13g per 12 fl oz
OriginAvery Brewing, Boulder, Colorado, USA
IngredientsWater, wheat, barley malt, coriander, Curacao orange peel, hops, yeast
VeganYes
Gluten freeNo, it contains wheat and barley
Typical priceAround $9 to $12 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing

How it tastes, by the numbers

White Rascal keeps the soft-wheat base of the style but pushes the citrus and spice a little harder, with a slightly firmer finish.

Body
3/5
Bitterness
2/5
Citrus and spice
4/5
Wheat softness
4/5
Crispness
4/5
Our tasting scores, 1 (low) to 5 (high).
Avery White Rascal poured and ready to drink

The full review

It pours a hazy pale gold with a lively white head. The aroma is bright and zesty: orange peel, coriander and lemon, with the soft wheat sitting just behind. It leans a touch more towards citrus and spice than a mellow Hoegaarden.

On the palate it is crisp and refreshing, with a clean wheat body, a clear hit of coriander-and-orange spice and a finish that is drier and a little more assertive than the Belgian classics. It is unfiltered, so there is a pleasant soft texture from the wheat and yeast.

At 5.6% ABV it has a bit more backbone than the session wits, and that shows in a slightly firmer, more confident character. It is a very good everyday wit that trades a little of the delicacy of Allagash White for extra zest and drinkability.

It is widely available, keenly priced for a craft wit and comes in cans that travel well, which makes it a genuinely useful beer to keep in the fridge through summer.

A wit with a bit of attitude, and all the better for it.
Pros
  • Bright, zesty orange and coriander character
  • Crisp, clean and a little more assertive than most wits
  • Good value for a craft white ale
  • Cans travel well for summer
Cons
  • Less delicate than the top-tier wits
  • Spice-forward style will not suit everyone
  • At 5.6% it is not a light option

Who it is for

Drinkers who like a witbier with more zest and drive. If you like it, step up to Allagash White for more finesse or across to Ommegang Witte for a more classic Belgian profile.

A close look at Avery White Rascal

Avery White Rascal FAQs

What does Avery White Rascal taste like?

Bright and zesty with clear orange peel and coriander, a soft unfiltered wheat body and a crisp, dry finish. A little more assertive than a mellow Belgian wit.

How strong is Avery White Rascal?

It is 5.6% ABV, a shade stronger than most session witbiers.

How many calories are in Avery White Rascal?

Around 150 per 12 fl oz. Avery does not publish an exact figure, but that is typical for the style.

Why is White Rascal cloudy?

It is unfiltered, so wheat proteins and yeast are left in, giving it a hazy, soft-textured pour.

Is Avery White Rascal vegan?

Yes. It is brewed from water, wheat, barley malt, coriander, orange peel, hops and yeast with no animal products.

Is Avery White Rascal gluten free?

No. It is brewed with wheat and barley, so it contains gluten.

What food goes with White Rascal?

It works well with seafood, spicy dishes, salads and soft cheeses, and it cuts through richer food nicely.

Where is Avery White Rascal brewed?

In Boulder, Colorado, by Avery Brewing Company, where it is the flagship beer.

A cold Avery White Rascal

Where to buy Avery White Rascal

Avery White Rascal is sold across much of the US and can be delivered. Use the button above to check the current price.

The verdict

White Rascal is a bright, zesty and confident Belgian-style wit that makes a great everyday summer beer. It gives up a little of the finesse of the top tier in exchange for extra citrus punch and drinkability, and it is keenly priced for a craft wheat beer. A solid four point two out of five. Compare it in our best witbiers guide.

Final score4.2 / 5

FAQs

What kind of beer is Avery White Rascal?

Avery White Rascal is a Belgian-style white ale, at 5.6% ABV.

How much alcohol is in Avery White Rascal?

Avery White Rascal has an ABV of 5.6%.

How many calories are in Avery White Rascal?

Avery White Rascal has Around 150 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.

Is Avery White Rascal gluten free?

Avery White Rascal: No, it contains wheat and barley.

Does Avery White Rascal have carbs?

Yes, Avery White Rascal 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 Avery White Rascal 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.

What is a good alternative to Avery White Rascal?

If you can’t find Avery White Rascal, Ommegang Witte is a close alternative in the same Belgian-style white ale category.

How much does Avery White Rascal cost?

Avery White Rascal typically runs Around $9 to $12 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.

How do I open Avery White Rascal 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 Avery White Rascal?

A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Belgian-style white ale like Avery White Rascal. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.

Dan Smullen Beer is my life profile

Hi, I'm Dan, founder of BeerIsMyLife. I've been an avid homebrewer for over ten years, and beer is my true passion. I've traveled all over the world, visiting breweries, tasting beer, as well as making my own batches. I set up this blog to share that experience with you.