Witbier
Witbier, or Belgian white, is a pale, cloudy wheat ale spiced with coriander and dried orange peel. It is light, refreshing and slightly tart, and it is one of the most approachable beers for someone who does not usually like beer.
Food pairings
- Mussels
- Sushi
- Goat's cheese
Glassware and serving temperature
Tumbler or tulip39 to 45°F (4–7°C)
What it tastes like
Orange and lemon, a soft coriander spice, light bready wheat and a gentle tartness, with a creamy body and a dry finish. Hop bitterness is low. It is spicier than a hefeweizen and does not have the banana and clove.
Where it comes from
Witbier was brewed in the Flemish village of Hoegaarden for centuries, using unmalted wheat and spices from the Dutch trade. The last brewery closed in 1957. Pierre Celis, a local milkman, revived it in 1966, and his Hoegaarden became a global brand. Blue Moon brought the style to the American mass market in 1995.
How to serve it
4–7°C in a tumbler or tulip. Swirl the bottle to lift the yeast. An orange slice is American, not Belgian, but harmless.
What to eat with it
Mussels, salads, seafood, sushi, light Thai food and goat's cheese.
