No Wake Wheat from Squam Brewing
As we struggle to climb out of this weird winter season, our tastes begin to change and our appetite for different beverages migrates from stouts, porters and big, dark beers over to milder refreshing thirst quenchers. Although there is an ever-changing, vast variety of these brews, hard ciders and such, we can always search for just the right beer to make the moment right. One of these is from Squam Brewing…
Squam Brewing is located in Holderness, NH. Owner John Glidden started Squam in 2010 and knows the personal satisfaction of solely producing a fine product. Being a 3 barrel nano brewery, John has full control of his recipes and is known for his superior consistency. Each of his 13 different beer styles match the season perfectly. They are sold in 22 oz “bomber” bottles with gorgeous labels painted by relative, Deb Samia. You can find out more at their website: www.squambrewing.com.
Admittedly, I am normally not a big fan of wheat beer. Blue Moon is a great example of non-craft brewing since InBev purchased them years ago. But No Wake is very different and completely challenges my awareness and apprehensions.
As an America pale wheat style ale, this hazy light amber beauty keeps a mild white head in tact. The nose immediately picks up the characteristic banana and clove esters as you dive in. The smooth and satisfying maltiness and medium mouthfeel take you to places you’ve not been before. Stopping just prior to sweetness, lemon zest and a hint of peppery notes takes charge. Being one of Squam’s lighter summertime brews coming in at 5% ABV, this is too good to be called a ‘lawnmower’ beer. Instead, consider it a reward for your hard earned efforts at spring cleanup. Satisfying to the end of the 22 oz bottle, No Wake will become one of you favorites in the coming weeks.
John self-distributes his creations, which means you will always find it at Case-n-Keg in both Meredith and Laconia as well as other fine beer stores in the greater Lakes Region of NH. Many on BeerAdvocate.com have rated this beer 3.20+ to 4.25 out of a score of 5. To fully appreciate Squam’s efforts, you should try them all. Each creation is lovingly produced with the zeal of a man who knows brewing and wants to share his results with you all.
Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to wickedbrews@weirs.com
