Avery Brewing White Rascal White Ale – Zesty Belgian-Style Refreshment

Updated → July 2025

Avery Brewing White Rascal White Ale is a zesty, award-winning Belgian-style wheat beer brewed with Curaçao orange peel and coriander. This unfiltered “witbier” delivers bright citrus and spice in a smooth, refreshing brew. Read on to discover its taste, how it compares to other witbiers, and how to get yours in Jackson Hole.

• The Rise of Belgian-Style Witbier
• Wheat Beers’ Popularity & Market Growth
• How White Rascal Compares to Other Witbiers
  • Avery White Rascal vs Blue Moon Belgian White
  • Avery White Rascal vs Allagash White
  • Avery White Rascal vs Hoegaarden
  • Avery White Rascal vs Shock Top
• Inside the White Rascal: Taste & Story
  • Origins of the Name
  • Brewing & Ingredients
  • Flavor Profile & Tasting Notes
  • Awards & Recognition
• Serving & Usage Tips
  • Packaging and Value
  • Serving Suggestions & Food Pairings
  • Storage & Freshness
• Where to Buy in Jackson Hole
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Rise of Belgian-Style Witbier

Belgian-style wheat beers – known as witbiers or “white ales” – have a centuries-old heritage but a fresh burst of popularity in recent decades. Once an almost lost style, witbiers were famously revived in the 1960s by Belgium’s Hoegaarden brewery and later popularized in America. By the 1990s, Blue Moon’s introduction showed U.S. beer lovers the appeal of a citrusy, cloudy wheat ale. Today, witbiers are a staple of the craft beer boom, appreciated for their light body, spice notes, and easy drinkability.

Wheat Beers’ Popularity & Market Growth

The love for wheat beers is reflected in market trends. Blue Moon Belgian White – a macro-brewed witbier – became one of the top-selling beers in the United States, proving that this style has broad appeal among casual and craft drinkers alike. In the craft segment, Allagash White (from Maine) is another witbier that consistently garners awards and fans, underlining how desired this flavor profile is. Industry reports forecast steady growth (~4–5% annually) in the “white beer” category over the coming years, as more breweries introduce their own Belgian-style wheat ales. Consumers are drawn to these beers for their smooth mouthfeel, approachable 5%–6% ABV, and flavorful yet refreshing character – perfect for summer sipping and beyond.

How Avery Brewing White Rascal White Ale Compares to Other Witbiers

Avery’s White Rascal enters a field of well-known Belgian-style wheat beers. How does this “rascally” ale stand out from – or stack up against – its peers? Below, we compare it to four popular rivals in the witbier category.

Avery White Rascal vs Blue Moon Belgian White

Blue Moon is the household name that introduced many Americans to witbier. It’s known for a sweet orange-citrus flavor and often served with an orange slice. Compared to Blue Moon, Avery’s White Rascal is a touch bolder in spice – thanks to liberal use of coriander – and slightly higher in alcohol (White Rascal at 5.6% ABV vs Blue Moon around 5.4% ABV). Both beers are smooth and citrusy, but White Rascal leans more toward authentic Belgian character (using bitter Curaçao orange peel and Belgian yeast) whereas Blue Moon uses Valencia orange for a softer sweetness. Fans of Blue Moon will find White Rascal offers a similar refreshing profile, with a bit more zesty kick and craft brewery pedigree.

Avery White Rascal vs Allagash White

Allagash White from Maine is often regarded as one of the gold standards of American witbiers. It has a very balanced flavor with pronounced coriander and a pillowy mouthfeel from oats in the grain bill. White Rascal, likewise, is true to style with its spice and wheat haze. Both beers are unfiltered and pour cloudy straw color. One key difference is that White Rascal comes from Colorado’s Avery Brewing and is their flagship, available in cans and on draft, whereas Allagash White is bottle-conditioned (historically) and has a slightly lower ABV (5.2%). In taste, they are quite comparable – crisp and citrusy – but Allagash might present a touch more yeast complexity and a peppery note. Avery’s White Rascal holds its own, even earning international accolades, making it as respected in the category as Allagash’s famous brew.

Avery White Rascal vs Hoegaarden

Hoegaarden is the original Belgian white ale that inspired them all. Brewed in Belgium, it has a slightly lower ABV (~4.9%) and is traditionally served in its iconic tumbler glass. Hoegaarden’s profile is very fragrant with coriander and perhaps more noticeable bitter orange peel bitterness on the finish. Avery’s White Rascal was actually brewed as an homage to the classic Hoegaarden style – even using the same types of ingredients those 15th-century Belgian brewers did. The result is that White Rascal tastes remarkably in line with Hoegaarden’s classic flavor: light body, wheat breadiness, citrus zest, and herbal spice. The main difference is freshness and availability – White Rascal is brewed stateside and often tastes a bit brighter since it doesn’t travel overseas. It’s a testament to Avery’s skill that in 2018 White Rascal won a silver medal in the World Beer Cup’s Belgian Witbier category, while Hoegaarden took bronze. Clearly, White Rascal can go toe-to-toe with the original.

Avery White Rascal vs Shock Top

Shock Top is another widely distributed Belgian-style wheat beer (produced by Anheuser-Busch) that shares many traits with Blue Moon. It tends to have orange and lemony sweetness and is often enjoyed ice cold at summer gatherings. When comparing it to Avery’s White Rascal, one finds White Rascal to have a bit more depth – its spice notes (coriander, perhaps a hint of clove from the Belgian yeast) come through more clearly. Shock Top, while pleasant, can be slightly one-dimensional (citrus-forward and sweeter). White Rascal’s finish is drier and crisper, making it highly refreshing without feeling sugary. In short, Shock Top is a fine easy-going wit, but White Rascal delivers a craft-brewed authenticity and complexity that discerning drinkers appreciate. If you’ve only had Shock Top or similar, tasting White Rascal might reveal more nuanced layers of the Belgian white style.

Inside the White Rascal: Taste & Story

Now let’s delve into the beer itself – from its backstory to what you’ll experience with each sip. Avery Brewing’s White Rascal isn’t just another beer; it’s a brew with personality and heritage packed into every can.

Origins of the Name

The name “White Rascal” evokes a playful spirit – and indeed the can’s artwork features a sneaky little devil. Avery Brewing Company introduced White Rascal in 2003, at a time when only a few American breweries (like Blue Moon’s makers) were dabbling in Belgian witbiers. The brewmasters at Avery wanted to pay tribute to the classic Belgian white ale, and they also leaned into fun branding. In Belgian folklore, tales of mischief-making demons and rascals are common, so Avery named their witbier accordingly. The result: a memorable name and logo that stand out on the shelf and hint at the beer’s “naughty” twist on a traditional style. Over the years, White Rascal has become Avery’s flagship beer, embodying the brewery’s reputation for quality with a dash of whimsy.

Brewing & Ingredients

Avery Brewing White Rascal is crafted to be an authentic Belgian-style white ale. That means it’s brewed with a large proportion of wheat (for a smooth, cloudy body) along with pale barley malt. True to style, Avery spices the beer with coriander and Curaçao bitter orange peel – the same ingredients used by Belgian brewers centuries ago. These botanicals are added during the boil to impart that signature citrusy, herbal aroma. The beer is unfiltered, leaving a natural cloudiness (and a bit of yeast sediment in the can or bottle – don’t be alarmed, that’s normal and even desirable for the style). Avery uses a Belgian yeast strain that contributes subtle notes of banana and clove to the flavor profile. All these ingredients come together under careful brewing techniques to create White Rascal’s balanced taste. From the grain bill to the yeast selection, Avery’s process honors the time-honored witbier tradition.

Flavor Profile & Tasting Notes

Pour yourself Avery White Rascal White Ale and you’ll first notice its pale golden color with a hazy glow. A fluffy white head tops the beer, releasing inviting aromas. On the nose, you’ll detect bright notes of orange zest, a hint of lemon, and spicy coriander seed – akin to a blend of citrus and light peppery herb. The first sip is delightfully refreshing: a gentle sweetness from the wheat is quickly met by tangy orange peel and a coriander spice that dances on the tongue. There’s a touch of banana or clove-like character in the background (a hallmark of Belgian yeast), but it’s subtle and integrates smoothly. The body is light to medium, with a creamy, smooth mouthfeel – thanks in part to proteins from the wheat and the beer being unfiltered. White Rascal finishes crisp and clean, with minimal bitterness. It leaves you with a kiss of orange and spice in the aftertaste, beckoning another sip. Overall, the flavor profile is wonderfully balanced: not too sweet, not too bitter, with citrus and spice in harmony. It’s the kind of beer that both newcomers and seasoned craft fans can enjoy for its easygoing yet characterful taste.

Awards & Recognition

White Rascal isn’t just beloved by drinkers – it’s also earned respect in the beer industry. Most notably, Avery White Rascal won a silver medal in the Belgian Witbier category at the 2018 World Beer Cup, one of the most prestigious global beer competitions. Winning silver (with the legendary Hoegaarden taking bronze that year) was a huge testament to White Rascal’s quality and authenticity. As Avery’s flagship beer, White Rascal has helped put the brewery on the map; it’s frequently mentioned in “best of” lists for wheat beers and often recommended by beer experts as a prime example of the style. While specific medals and scores are always gratifying, the real reward for White Rascal is its devoted following. Since its introduction, it has remained continuously in production – a year-round offering that holds its own in a lineup of more experimental brews. In the crowded craft beer market, White Rascal’s enduring popularity and occasional accolades underscore that this “rascal” is a winner in taste and consistency.

Serving & Usage Tips

To get the most enjoyment from Avery White Rascal White Ale, keep in mind a few tips on how to buy, serve, and savor this beer.

Packaging and Value

Avery White Rascal is commonly available in cans – often in convenient 6-packs and even 15-pack configurations that offer great value for money. The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole typically carries the 15 × 12oz can packs, meaning you get plenty of White Rascal to share (or not!). At around the $18–$20 range for a 15-pack, it’s an affordable craft beer choice for gatherings. Cans are a fantastic way to package this beer: they protect the brew from light (keeping that delicate flavor fresh) and are easy to pack for outdoor adventures or simply stocking the fridge. When purchasing, check the date codes if possible – like all wheat beers, White Rascal is best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few months of packaging. Luckily, as a popular year-round beer, inventory tends to turn over regularly, so you can usually find a fresh supply on the shelves.

Serving Suggestions & Food Pairings

For serving White Rascal, colder is better – aim for around 40–45°F (4–7°C), which will crisp up the refreshment while still allowing the aroma to come through. Pour it into a glass to fully appreciate its color and head; a traditional Belgian ale goblet or a simple pint glass works well. You might notice a bit of yeast at the bottom of the can – you can gently swirl the last inch of beer in the can and then pour, to capture that yeast and enhance the cloudy appearance (this also brings out extra aroma, a trick borrowed from Hoegaarden’s serving ritual). While garnishing is optional, a small wedge of orange on the rim can complement the beer’s natural orange peel notes (just don’t squeeze it in – the beer has plenty of citrus on its own!).

In terms of food pairings, Avery White Rascal is extremely versatile. Its light, citrusy profile pairs beautifully with salads (think fresh greens with citrus vinaigrette), seafood (mussels steamed in White Rascal would be heavenly), and spicy dishes. The beer’s subtle sweetness and spice make it a great match for Asian cuisine like Thai or Vietnamese – it can tame heat and accentuate bright flavors. It’s also a classic brunch beer: try it with omelettes, fruit salads, or even pancakes. The orange-coriander combo makes White Rascal a natural companion to orange-glazed dishes or tangy cheeses (fresh goat cheese, for instance). And of course, on its own it’s a superb refresher on a warm afternoon. Whether you’re grilling fish tacos, enjoying a charcuterie board, or just snacking on pretzels, this witbier is an easygoing partner.

Storage & Freshness

To ensure your White Rascal tastes its best, store it in a cool place away from direct light. Cans are quite hardy, but heat can accelerate any beer’s aging. Ideally, keep the cans refrigerated. As a wheat beer with delicate spice notes, White Rascal is not really meant for aging – drink it fresh and buy more rather than stashing it for later. You’ll notice the difference when it’s fresh: the coriander pops and the citrus is vivid. Over many months those can fade, so plan to enjoy your supply within 3–6 months of purchase for peak flavor. The good news is White Rascal’s moderate 5.6% ABV means it’s not too heavy to have a couple over a week or two. If you’re bringing it on an outing (like a hike or camping trip), just keep it chilled in a cooler until serving. And remember, since it’s unfiltered, try not to shake the cans – a gentle roll is fine if you want to rouse yeast, but avoid agitation to prevent foam-over when opening. Treat this beer well and it will treat you to a consistently crisp, delightful experience every time.

Where to Buy in Jackson Hole

If you’re in Jackson, WY and eager to try Avery Brewing White Rascal White Ale, you’re in luck. This beer is available locally at The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole – your go-to spot for a fantastic beer selection. You can place an order online for easy pickup or swing by the store to grab it from the beer cooler. Here’s the quick info for our store in Jackson Hole: