Athena is a refreshing interpretation of the Berliner Weisse, offering a crisp, gently tart profile driven by clean lactic acidity. The sensory experience is defined by bright citric notes and a nuanced fruitiness reminiscent of tart green apples and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. A light foundation of raw bread dough and grainy wheat malt provides a soft counterpoint to the acidity, while high carbonation lifts the palate. This effervescent wheat beer concludes with a bone-dry, snappy finish, echoing the clean, vinous character of a dry cider or white wine.
Appearance.Very pale straw (2 SRM) with a brilliant to slightly hazy clarity. Topped by a large, billowy white head that dissipates quickly, characteristic of the style's high effervescence and low protein stability.
Aroma.Moderate to high intensity of sharp, clean lactic sourness. Prominent notes of lemon zest, tart green apple, and a hint of white grape. The malt presents as fresh sourdough bread or raw wheat dough, with no detectable hop aroma.
Taste.The palate is led by a dominant, clean lactic acidity. Complementary bready and grainy wheat flavors emerge mid-palate, supporting fruit-forward notes of apricot and citrus. Hints of dry cider and vinous Sauvignon Blanc contribute complexity. The finish is remarkably dry and crisp, with zero hop bitterness or flavor.
Mouthfeel.Light-bodied and lean but never thin. Very high carbonation creates a lively, spritzy mouthfeel. Crisp acidity provides a refreshing bite without any perceived alcohol warmth or astringency.