Mendocino Brewing 'White Hawk Select' IPA. 7% abv. 60 IBU. Hazy honey color. Two fingers of thick white foamy head. Outstanding retention and ample scattered lace. Nose of pine, sweet citrus, fruity hops. Front taste of bittersweet citrus peel, light spice, herbal hops on the back. Aftertaste of bitter fruity hop bouquet, grapefruit rind, mild floral sustain, dry finish. Medium body. Mouthfeel is light for a medium bodied brew. Tangy, acidic, carby.

This is an excellent IPA, true to standard and well crafted with bright notes of bitter citrus and sweet light malt. Its pungent aroma promises a basket of piney, fruity hops, which is delivered in its flavors of citrus and floral notes. Good stuff here. Recommended.

From the brewery:

"White Hawk Select IPA is a traditional India Pale Ale. We’ve blended American West Coast Cascade Hops with a very generous dose of English Fuggle Hops. This combination makes for a very aromatic character, as well as a truly authentic English flavor which you must taste to believe. 'Hopheads' will love this brew!"
[source: mendobrew.com]

Lost Coast Brewing 'Great White' Ale. 4.8% abv. Hazy golden color with a finger of white bubbly head. Good retention, moderate lace. Nose of earthy hops, wheat, bread, faint citrus. Front taste of sweet biscuit, light malt, hop bitter, coriander. Aftertaste of wheat grain, light sugar, spice on the sustain. Light-medium body. Mouthfeel is chewy, slightly sticky, bubbly.

This is a very good wheat beer. The aroma is hoppy with a touch of spice, followed by tastes of sweet breads and an aftertaste of fresh wheat. There are other wheats out there that stand taller than this beer, but it's still an excellent example of its category and worthy of your glass. Recommended.

From the brewery:

"A Crisp beer with a hint of citrus, made with two-row malted barley, unmalted wheat, a secret blend of Humboldt herbs, crystal clear mountain water and ale yeast."
[source: lostcoast.com]

"This light, citrus like beer is made with two-row malted barley, unsalted wheat, coriander, a secret blend of Humboldt herbs, crystal clear mountain water, and ale yeast. To serve, we suggest you pour all but the last two fingers of beer into your favorite glass. Swirl the remaining contents in a vigorous circular motion, chant the affirmation of your choice, then pour the delicious, nutrition yeast into your glass. Enjoy! Keep refrigerated, serve while fresh."
[source: bottle]

Saint Archer Brewing White Ale. 5% abv. 12 IBU. Hazy light yellow color. Bubbly white head disappears quickly. Low retention, no lace. Aroma of white bread, grapefruit peel, coriander. Front taste of bright citrus, cloves, faint floral hops. Aftertaste of grapefruit, spice, biscuit. Thin body. Mouthfeel is bright, effervescent, dotted with sediment.

Though this beer is technically true to its category, I found its flavor was greatly overpowered by citrus and its spices offered an odd earthy taste that struck me as dulled and unpleasant. I kept thinking of the other great white ales out there, which is never a good sign. Not recommended.

From the brewery:

"Brewed with high quality Pilsner and Wheat malts, generously spiced with coriander and Fresh orange peel. Belgian yeast provides the traditional refreshingly tart, spicy, and fruity flavor profile. Wheat protein and yeast gives a customary hazy appearance and contributes to the flavor and mouth feel."

[source: saintarcherbrewery.com]

Mendocino Brewing Seasonal White Ale. 5% abv. 13 IBU. Hazy light honey color. One finger of white bubbly head. Moderate retention, good lace. Nose of lime, toffee, grain, biscuit. Front taste of floral hops, lime peel, vanilla, wheat. Aftertaste of smooth sweet citrus, floral hops, spices. The coriander comes through nicely in the finish, creating a pleasant balance of flavors by the end. Medium body. Mouthfeel is thin yet creamy, warm, bubbly.

This is a fine brew that achieves a mild, delicate balance in its flavor profile. The key lime is surely present throughout, the wheat adds body and earthy notes, and the coriander eases in at the finish. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Seasonal - White Ale - This inimitable ale resonates with a chorus of vibrant aroma chords. The first note is the aromatic symphony of wheat and barley malt, counterpointed with a naughty hint of spice. The second movement echoes with tones of floral and citrus hops, followed by a vivacious vibrato in which the exotic key lime takes this White Ale to a magnificent crescendo of taste. Leonine-like straw gold in look and an enigmatic subtle yeast haze makes this opus, pitch perfect in body and soul. Key Lime orchestrates a composition that compliments the traditional spicy, bready middle adding grace to a finish that is clean and bright.  And as the harmony ebbs, you will feel an urge to replay this refrain.  Allow yourself, for it is only natural to do so."

New Belgium 'Accumulation' White IPA. 6.2% abv. 70 IBU. Pale yellow color. Slightly hazy. Thick white bubbly head that holds steady for several minutes before receding to a nice ring. Good retention. Great lacing. Nose of floral hops, grapefruit peel. Front taste is balanced bitter, mild sweet malt, citrus rind. Aftertaste is hoppy, herbal, with a fruity hop flavor that sustains. Light-medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, slightly sticky, creamy, oily on the back end.

This is a good IPA with ample hops and citrus notes. I don't detect the 'white' (e.g. wheat), and it's not complex or spicy as the winter-xmas label would suggest, but it is nonetheless a nice bright IPA. Recommended.

From the brewery:

"This winter, IBUs start accumulating like snow in Colorado with our new Accumulation White IPA. Brewing a white IPA was not only a way to salute the white beauty falling from the sky, but a direct revolt to the longstanding tradition of brewing dark beers for winter. At least that’s what our rebellious brewer Grady Hull likes to claim as he shovels in plenty of new hop varietals and a bit of wheat for a smooth mouthfeel. Stack up a few cases of Accumulation White IPA to keep your long nights glowing blizzard white."