Pooltime Ale is a Belgian-style Witbier that’s brewed by Bell’s Brewery, Inc., and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a wheat beer glass from a 12 oz. can.

Packaging art for the Pooltime Ale by Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

What You Need to Know

The Pooltime Ale is a wheat beer whose spicy notes are nicely complemented by its use of Montmorency tart cherries. The result makes for a tasty and refreshing brew. So how was it? Let’s get to the review.

Appearance

The Witbier pours a very cloudy deep golden hue that has a slight pinkish cast to it. The ale is topped by a towering stack of dense, rocky off-white foam that shows remarkable retention. The head’s reduction leaves behind patches of lace along the sides of the glass.

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Aroma

The aroma is bright with a scent of floral hops, tart cherry, yeast, and wheat bread. As the beer warms, spicy clove asserts itself.

Flavor

The palate is led by a taste of wheat bread that’s followed by tart cherry and a light orange citrus. Spicy notes of clove and pepper punch a finish of mildly bitter floral hops and then the tasting bottoms out with sweet honey.

Label art for the Pooltime Ale by Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

Mouthfeel

Its feel has moderate carbonation with a smooth — almost creamy — body that’s a shade under medium. Its finish is relatively dry and lightly acidic.

Overall

The Pooltime Ale looks lovely in the glass and while its aroma isn’t particularly strong, it is quite pleasant. The carbonation in the mouthfeel isn’t quite as high as expected of the style but is otherwise fine. But it’s the palate that makes this brew so delightful. The balance between tart fruit, hops, spices, and bready malt is sublime. Overall, the Pooltime Ale is certainly a brew that everyone can enjoy during the hot summer months while sitting beside the pool. And as its ABV is relatively low, you’re likely to enjoy several.

Recommended Pairings

Bell’s Brewery recommends the following food pairings with their Pooltime Ale: entree of roasted chicken, macadamia nuts, and arugula salad; Coq au Vin; and sweets of cherries, bananas and short cake.