Tap Handle #481: Spoetzl - Shiner White Wing Belgian White

April 01, 2015

Tap Handle #481: Spoetzl - Shiner White Wing Belgian White

Tap size: 11.5"
Rarity: Rare
Mounting: 3/8" ferrule on 5/16" anchor bolt

Although Spoetzl has replaced this tap with a couple of more simplistic taps, it still seems to be easy to track down and is incredibly affordable. Admittedly, it's kind of a toy on a stick rather than a fully figural tap, but it's still pretty cool to look at. It appears on the smallish side so it's almost shocking to discover it is over 11" tall. Like the Curious Traveler tap profiled in post #344, I'm reminded of the stop motion collage art made popular by the Beatles and Monty Python. It is of course all white since it is representing a Witbier, or Belgian White. The ferrule is just slightly different than the standard ferrule - it has a slight lip at the top that makes it flush with the base of the tap.

For more about Spoetzl and their Shiner brand, see this post.

Click through to read more about Spoetzl's Shiner White Wing and to see more photos of this unusual tap...

Shiner White Wing is a Belgian White that is brewed with authentic Belgian yeast and has hints of coriander and orange peel. It has all the spice and citrus aroma of a true-to-style Belgian Wheat ale. Slightly sweet and highly drinkable, it's a delightfully odd bird. Every year since 2005, Shiner has made an anniversary beer. Some have passed the test of time and become permanent, and others have turned to vapor. The first was Shiner 96, which became the seasonal Oktoberfest; Wild Hare (Shiner 103) from 2012 also stuck around. White Wing was Shiner 104, the 2013 anniversary beer that seems to be permanent as well. Recommended food pairing: lunch. (Thanks for narrowing it down.)