Witbier
What is Witbier?
Witbier is a Belgian style of beer that emerged in the 14th century and was popular in the cities of Hoegaarden and Leuven. It is fermented with ale yeast and typically around 50% of the grain in a Witbier mashbill is unmalted wheat. Witbier is typically left unfiltered, which when combined with the starch from the high percentage of wheat, results in a hazy beer with a whitish appearance. Wit is the Dutch word for white, hence the name White Beer. The last Witbier producer in Belgium closed in the 1950s, but the style was resurrected by Pierre Celis in the 1960s with the release of Hoegaarden. American brewers embraced and popularized the style, most notably with Allagash White and Blue Moon.
How is Witbier brewed?
Witbier is made with a large percentage of unmalted wheat, and some brewers also incorporate raw oats. The other key ingredients in witbier are coriander and orange peel. The orange peel is traditionally the dried bitter variety from the island of Curacao. This is the same aromatic peel that is used to flavor triple sec liqueurs like Cointreau, Grand Marnier, and Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao. Some popular American examples of Witbier, such as Blue Moon and Avery White Rascal, incorporate sweet orange peel. Some Witbiers are bottle-conditioned with living yeast, resulting in a beer with delicate natural carbonation. When pouring a bottle-conditioned Witbier, pour two thirds into a glass, swirl the bottle gently to rouse the yeast, then top off the glass.
What does Witbier look and taste like?
Witbiers are hazy in appearance and whitish gold in color. They typically showcase a generous head of fluffy white foam which exudes citrusy and spicy aromatics. The high percentage of wheat used in Witbier results in a soft and creamy mouthfeel and bready flavors. Medium to medium-light in body, the addition of coriander and orange peel imparts earthy spice and citrus to both the aroma and palate. The finish is spiced, citrusy, and refreshing.
What beer styles is Witbier similar to?
German Hefeweizen or Hefe Weisse are also made with a high percentage of wheat. Just as Wit is Dutch for white, Weisse is German for white. Like Witbier, they are often packaged unfiltered and have a cloudy appearance. While similar in appearance and body to a Witbier, the German yeast strains used to ferment weiss beer are famous for imparting notes of banana, clove, and bubblegum. American wheat ale is a somewhat broad category that encompasses a variety of ales where wheat is a prominent ingredient. Some are fruited, while others like Three Floyds Gumballhead emphasize hop character. American wheat ales are often released as a summertime seasonal with Bell’s Oberon being a classic example. Many American wheats, like the award-winning Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat, are left unfiltered and are hazy in appearance.
What kind of foods does Witbier pair well with?
Being a slightly fruity and refreshing style, Witbier is particularly well suited for lighter and more delicate dishes such as salads and seafood. Mussels with frites is a classic pairing, and often the mussels are steamed in Witbier. Witbier is also excellent alongside softer cheese like brie and chevre.
What are the best and most popular Witbier ales?
We carry several delicious examples of Witbier from Belgium. Hoegaarden is a must try. We also offer many exceptional American made examples, including award-winners like Allagash White and Avery White Rascal.
