Spotted Cow -- New Glarus Brewery (New Glarus, WI)

I first found this beer (and brewery) when I lived in Madison, WI.  New Glarus is a Swiss-founded village about 40 miles south-southwest of Madison, nestled among rolling hills and golden-green fields.  The brewery makes 10-12 different brews in the course of a year, but Spotted Cow appears to have become their staple.

Characteristics: Cloudy gold, medium weight, average carbonation, smoky citrus flavors resolving to yeast.

Minor Gripes: Like its witbier brethren, Spotted Cow is inconsistent and ages poorly.  I've had some batches that tasted like lemon Alka-Seltzer, while others make Blue Moon look and taste like Busch Light.

Bottom Line:  When it's on, Spotted Cow is a phenomenal beer for those who like the Belgian wheat / wit style (as opposed to the German style).  When it's not on, you may as well use it to mop the floor.  It's just a tricky beer (but I keep coming back to it...).

Rating:  5.75 / 10 (docked .5 for inconsistency)