There’s something special about cracking open a beer that’s not just brewed well but crafted with a story. That’s exactly what I found in Tartarus Beers’ Aglaea Hibiscus Witbier—a floral, citrusy, and slightly mystical take on the Belgian witbier style. Whether you’re into craft beer because of taste, story, or artwork (or all three like me), Aglaea ticks the boxes.
A look into the mythical history
This one comes from Tartarus Beers, a small Leeds-based craft brewery with big ideas and even bigger mythological vibes. Their beers are often named after deities, monsters, or dark legends, and Aglaea is no exception. This hibiscus-infused witbier is part of their Goddess Series—a 2022 project celebrating women and mythology across a run of twelve beers. Each release in the series was themed after a Greek goddess, with label art that connects into one stunning visual narrative.
Aglaea is named after one of the Three Graces of Greek mythology. She was the goddess of beauty, splendour, and glory—and honestly, that’s a solid name for this beer. The brewery itself is 50% female-owned, and the Goddess Series felt like a pretty intentional celebration of both femininity and brewing artistry. The artwork, done by FarrerArt, is beautifully stylised and the can alone could be a conversation piece. But enough about the looks—let’s get into the beer itself.
The Pour: Pink-Tinted and Picture-Perfect
Pouring Aglaea into a tulip glass was genuinely satisfying. The carbonation hissed lightly as I cracked the can open, and a gentle wave of floral aroma hit me right away. As the beer settled in the glass, it revealed a hazy pale straw colour kissed with a subtle pink blush, thanks to the hibiscus. It’s not bright pink like some fruit beers out there—this is more of a delicate flush that gives it a classy, intriguing vibe.
The head formed quickly: fluffy, white, and about a finger thick. It sat nicely on top of the beer, leaving some light lacing as it slowly receded. The bubbles were fine and steady, and the haziness was just what you’d want from a witbier—cloudy but not muddy. Visually, this beer nails it. It looks refreshing, unique, and inviting, especially if you’re into those photogenic pours that pop on Instagram.
Taste and Aroma: Floral, Spicy, and Dangerously Drinkable
Aroma-wise, Aglaea is bursting with floral complexity. The hibiscus leads the way, giving off that slightly tart, fruity smell—somewhere between cranberry and rosehip tea. Beneath that, there’s a really lovely balance of classic witbier notes: orange peel and coriander for that zesty-spicy hit, and a soft banana-clove whisper from the Belgian yeast.
On the first sip, I got a clean, citrusy zing up front—orange peel and a bit of lemon zest. That was quickly followed by the hibiscus tartness, which brought a dry, berry-like sharpness to the mid-palate. It’s subtle—not overwhelming or sour—more like a gentle fruit tea character that plays really well with the wheat and oats in the malt bill. The mouthfeel is smooth and slightly creamy, which balances out the dry finish.
The coriander adds warmth and spice without dominating, while the Saaz hops sneak in at the end with just a touch of bitterness. Not much, but enough to keep things crisp. The Belgian yeast ties it all together, bringing a soft, fruity background note without clashing with the florals. It’s complex but easy-drinking, flavourful but not heavy.
At just 4.3% ABV, Aglaea is super sessionable. It’s the kind of beer you could sip slowly on a warm evening, or have a few of without wrecking your palate. It’s also vegan-friendly, for those keeping tabs on ingredients.
My Verdict: 4 out of 5 Stars
So, what’s the final word on Tartarus Aglaea Hibiscus Witbier? I’m giving it a solid 4 out of 5. It’s creative, refreshing, and brewed with both intent and skill. I loved the use of hibiscus—it adds uniqueness without being a gimmick—and the balance between the floral and spice elements is spot-on.
It’s not a beer that punches you in the face with flavour, but that’s part of the charm. It’s elegant, smooth, and layered—more like a well-written poem than a shouty IPA. I could see this being a go-to in the spring and summer, especially for drinkers who enjoy Belgian styles but want something a little lighter and fresher.
Between the thoughtful brewing, the eye-catching label, and the storytelling behind it, Aglaea is everything I look for in a craft beer. Tartarus Beers continues to impress with their creativity and consistency, and I’ll definitely be seeking out the other entries in the Goddess Series.
If you’re into floral beers, witbiers, or just something different to mix up your usual craft rotation, this one’s worth a pour. Just maybe keep a second can handy—you’ll want a follow-up.
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