No one can accuse Tap & Mallet owner Joe McBane of timidity.

When the Sheffield, UK native opened his beer bar in Rochester, New York, he commissioned as his house beer a best bitter that wouldn’t be out of place in any English pub. For it’s successor, McBane abandoned English tradition and reserve, embracing Belgian yeast and, well, strawberries.

McBane’s Strawberry Wit, designed by McBane and brewed at Custom Brewcrafters, comes in around 5% alcohol by volume. It is intended as a light, refreshing summer beer in which the strawberry flavor is subtle, not overwhelmingly sweet. That’s a gutsy flavor profile to present to the American craft beer palate, with its focus on high gravity and hop-heaviness. However, it should go perfectly with the Tap’s new expanded deck and a liberal dose of sunshine.

Strawberry Wit launches this Wednesday, with a ceremony at the Tap and Mallet on Gregory Street. The brewers are going to be on hand as well, doubtless quaffing as much of their fruit-infused libation as possible. Think I’m going to join them.

-Mark