Florida Cracker

Named in honour of 18th century “cracker cowboys”—a term I’d never heard that apparently refers to pioneer settlers in Florida—Florida Cracker is a 5.5% Belgian-style wheat ale brewed with coriander and orange peel. It comes (by way of brewing at Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, NC) from Tampa, Florida’s Cigar City Brewing, and it’s sold in 16oz cans.

The beer is slightly cloudy and pours with a layer of bright white suds. It has a yeasty nose that has elements of orange and banana. The flavour is pretty much classic witbier, with big yeast, banana esters, orange zest, and some peppery spice notes. 

Refreshing and agreeable, Florida Cracker is a pretty respectable southern take on the witbier. It doesn’t offer any surprises or departures, but it also doesn’t stray from the style guideline.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10.