Beers We Love: 2nd Shift’s Hibiscus Wit

Is there a beer out there that has had such a profound effect on you that you remember everything about the first time you sipped it?  I do.

In fact, I have it recorded on Untappd.

August 1, 2016 was a great day.  Lunch with my wife at Salt + Smoke.  And on that day, I discovered one of my favorite beers ever, 2nd Shift’s Hibiscus Wit.  Another reason I loved the beer was that it was one of the rare brews that both I and my wife could enjoy together.

So the hunt was on.  I had to have this beer in my home.  I called everyone of my favorite bottle shops but none could be found.  Eventually a week later, I found three bottles at Saint Louis Hop Shop on Cherokee and bought all three.

Now, Hibiscus Wit is in cans, which makes this beer even more accessible, but I do love the 750ml bottle best because of the amazing label.

Beerography

Recently I got the chance to sit down the Steve Crider, owner and brewmaster at 2nd Shift Brewing at his new brewhouse and tasting room in South St. Louis.  I asked him to tell me the story of this beer I love, Hibiscus Wit.

The legend begins in 2009, Crider was in Boston attending a craft beer conference.  During the conference he sampled a beer with hibiscus flowers.  He liked it, but his thought was that the hibiscus flower would go better with a wit beer.

Upon returning home, Crider wasted no time.  “I just started making it,” said Crider.  On their website, Crider describes it this way:

Heres what I’ve been goofin around with for a while. I love belgian wits on hot summer days (or freezin your butt off days). Anyway I took a witbier and threw in a bunch of hibiscus flowers to make it even better. Tart and refreshing, with a hint of fart.

“It’s a tarter beer,” said Crider.  I tried it without the flower and it really is the hibiscus flowers that make the flavor.”

I agree.

Drink Hibiscus Wit This Weekend at CriderFest