Indulge in the refreshing flavors of a classic Belgian-style Witbier with this easy-to-follow recipe. Witbier, also known as “white beer,” offers a hazy appearance and a delightful blend of spicy coriander, banana, and orange notes. Whether you’re an experienced brewer or just starting your homebrewing journey, this Witbier recipe by Dan Smullen is sure to impress your taste buds and transport you to the traditional Belgian beer scene.
Witbier
Equipment
- 1 Mash tun or large pot
- 1 Fermentation vessel (e.g., fermenter or carboy)
- 1 Airlock and stopper for the fermentation vessel
- 1 Wort chiller or another method for cooling the wort
- 1 Brewing thermometer
- 1 Brewing spoon or paddle
- 1 Hydrometer or refractometer for measuring gravity
- 1 Brewing burner or stove
- 1 Grain bag or mesh screen for mashing
- 1 Racking cane or siphoning equipment
- 1 Bottling bucket or kegging system
- 1 Bottles or kegs for storing the finished beer
- 1 Bottle capper or kegging system
- 1 Sanitizing solution for cleaning equipment
- 1 Brewing log or notebook for recording the brewing process
Ingredients
For the Mash – Liquor 11.5 Litres (20 Pints) – Mash Time 1 hr – Temperature 65°c/149 °F
- 5 lb Wheat malt Quantity 2.3kg
- 5 lb Pale malt Quantity 2.3kg
For the Boil – 27 Litres (47½ Pints) – Boil Time 1 hr – 10 mins
- 1 oz (Hops) Saaz 4.2% When to add – At start of boil (IBU 15.3)
- 1 tsp Protofloc Other – When to add – For last 15 mins of boil
- 1 oz Curaçao bitter orange peel Other – When to add – For last 10 mins of boil
- 1 oz Coriander seeds, lightly crushed Other – When to add – For last 10 mins of boil
To Ferment – 24°C (75°F) – Conditioning 3 weeks at 12°C (54°F)
- 1 Wyeast 3944 Belgian Witbier
Instructions
- Mash the grains: In a large pot, heat 11.5 Litres (20 Pints) of water to 65°C/149°F. Add 5 lb (2.3kg) of wheat malt and 5 lb (2.3kg) of pale malt and stir well. Maintain the temperature for 1 hour.
- Sparge the grains: After 1 hour, sparge the grains by slowly adding 27 Litres (47.5 Pints) of hot water to the mash tun and draining the liquid into a separate pot. This liquid is called the wort.
- Boil the wort: Bring the wort to a boil and add 1 oz (28g) of Saaz hops. Boil for 1 hour 10 minutes. Add 1 tsp of Protofloc for the last 15 minutes of the boil. Add 1 oz (28g) of Curacao bitter orange peel and 1 oz (28g) of lightly crushed coriander seeds for the last 10 minutes of the boil.
- Cool the wort: After boiling, cool the wort as quickly as possible to 24°C (75°F).
- Fermentation: Transfer the cooled wort to a sanitized fermentation vessel and add the Wyeast 3944 Belgian Witbier yeast. Ferment for 28 days at 24°C (75°F).
- Conditioning: After fermentation, condition the beer for 3 weeks at 12°C (54°F).
- Bottle or keg: After conditioning, bottle or keg the beer and carbonate to your desired level.
- Enjoy: Chill the beer and serve cold. Enjoy your homemade Witbier!
| Makes 🍻 | Ready to Drink 🍺 | Estimated ABV | Bitterness Rating | Color Rating |
| 23 Litres (40 Pints) | 4 Weeks | 4.5% | 15.3 IBU | 7.8 EBC |
Classic Belgian-Style Witbier:
This recipe allows you to create a classic Belgian-style Witbier, known for its unique cloudy appearance and distinct flavors.
Refreshing and Zesty:
Witbier offers a refreshing taste with a zing of coriander, complex notes of banana, and a touch of citrus from the orange peel.
Easy-to-Follow:
The recipe provides clear instructions, making it suitable for both experienced brewers and beginners venturing into the world of homebrewing.
Authentic Belgian Experience:
By brewing this Witbier, you can capture the essence of traditional Belgian beer and indulge in its rich history and cultural significance.
Impress Your Tastebuds:
Craft your own batch of this delicious beer and savor its spicy and fruity profile that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate.
Brewing Adventure:
Embark on a brewing adventure with the Witbier recipe, and discover the joy of creating your own high-quality beer right in the comfort of your home.
FAQ on Making this Witbier Recipe
What is a Witbier?
Witbier is a classic Belgian-style wheat beer that has a hazy appearance and distinct spicy and fruity flavors.
How long does it take to make a Witbier using this recipe?
The recipe requires a mash time of 1 hour, a boil time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, and fermentation and conditioning for 4 weeks, making it a total of approximately 5 weeks to make.
Can I substitute the recommended yeast in this recipe with another strain?
While it is recommended to use Wyeast 3944 Belgian Witbier yeast, you can experiment with other yeast strains that are suitable for the style.
What food pairings go well with Witbier?
Witbier pairs well with light dishes such as salads, seafood, and poultry. It also complements spicy and tangy flavors.
What are the ingredients required for making a Witbier?
The ingredients required for making a Witbier using this recipe include wheat malt, pale malt, Saaz hops, Curaçao bitter orange peel, coriander seeds, and Wyeast 3944 Belgian Witbier yeast.
Can I adjust the amount of coriander seeds in the recipe according to my taste preferences?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of coriander seeds according to your taste preferences. However, keep in mind that the recipe provides a balanced proportion of ingredients to achieve
