Have you ever wondered which witbier is the best? After extensive blind taste tasting, I can reveal the best witbiers for you to try.
Best Witbiers: Top 10 Picks of the Best White Ales to Try
In blind testing and ranking, the best witbier is Hoegaarden White, closely followed by Blue Moon Belgian White Wheat Craft Beer.
Hoegaarden White is a top-notch choice with its cloudy light orange color, fruity aroma, and balanced taste with hints of orange and coriander.
However, if you’re looking for something different, Bell’s Oberon American Wheat Ale has a great taste.
And if you are new to the witbier style, the Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc is a fantastic option.
In order, here are the best witbiers;
- Best Witbier: Hoegaarden White
- Second Best Witbier: Blue Moon Belgian White
- Most Refreshing Witbier: Shock Top Belgian White
- Great Tasting Wheat Beer: Bell’s Oberon American Wheat Ale
- Best Witbier For New Drinkers: Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc
- Best Light Witbier: Allagash White
- Best Spicy Witbier: Cisco Brewers Grey Lady Wheat Ale
- Best Tropical Witbier: Blue Moon Light Sky Tropical Wheat
- Best Witbier Head: Avery Brewing White Rascal
- Best American Witbier: Three Nations American Wit
Best Witbier: Hoegaarden White
Best Witbier: Hoegaarden White
| Hoegaarden White | Witbier |
|---|---|
| 🌍 Region | Belgium |
| 🍶 ABV (Alcohol by Volume) | 4.2% |
| 📏 IBU (International Bitterness Units) | 15 |
| 👃 Tasting Notes | Yeasty, Biscuit, Bready, Citrus |
| 🍽️ Food Pairing | Nuts, Fish – White |
| 🍷 Suggested Glassware | Snifter/Goblet/Chalice |
| 🌡️ Suggested Serving Temperature | 45-50°F |
You should definitely try Hoegaarden White if you want to experience the best witbier out there.
This Belgian wheat beer has a rich history dating back almost 600 years. Inspired by the monks of Hoegaarden, who added unique botanicals to their traditional wheat beer, Hoegaarden White offers a refreshing flavor and captivating aroma that sets it apart from any other beer in the world.
This witbier is also visually appealing with its clear straw color that turns hazy when the yeast is added and a rocky head of snow-white foam.
The tart citrus aroma and wheat, green banana, and spices notes create a delightful drinking experience.
Hoegaarden White is fluffy, pillowy, and dry, making it incredibly drinkable. It’s regarded as a world-class witbier that’s loved by many.
Second Best Witbier: Blue Moon Belgian White Wheat Craft Beer
| 🍺 Category | Witbier |
|---|---|
| 🌎 Region | Colorado, United States |
| 🍻 Type | Craft |
| 📏 ABV | 5.4% |
| 🍺 IBU | 9 |
| 👃 Tasting Notes | Spicy, Floral, Citrus, Smooth |
| 🍽️ Food Pairing | Fish – White, Cheese – Fresh & Soft |
| 🥂 Suggested Glassware | Snifter/Goblet/Chalice |
| 🌡️ Suggested Serving Temperature | 45-50° F |
Blue Moon Belgian White Wheat Craft Beer is famous for those seeking a refreshing and flavorful witbier.
This beer has a distinct aroma of faint overripe bananas. When you take a sip, you’ll taste a delightful combination of floral orange blossom, coriander, anise, pumpkin seed, and white flowers. It has a cloudy light orange appearance with a short-lived, inch-thick head that leaves no lacing.
The beer is highly carbonated and has a fizzy texture and good viscosity.
It strikes a nice balance between sweetness and bitterness and finishes with a mildly dry note. Overall, Blue Moon Belgian White Wheat Craft Beer is a pleasant surprise.
Most Refreshing Witbier: Shock Top Belgian White
| 🍺 Category | Witbier |
|---|---|
| 🌎 Region | Missouri, United States |
| 📏 ABV | 35.5% |
| 🍺 IBU | 10 |
| 👃 Tasting Notes | Creamy, Fruity, Citrus |
| 🍽️ Food Pairing | Salads & Greens, Fruit – Citrus |
| 🥂 Suggested Glassware | Pint Glass |
| 🌡️ Suggested Serving Temperature | 45-50° F |
Poured from a 330ml bottle, this beer is very cloudy light orange, an inch thick tightly bubbled head forms bit is short-lived and leaves no lacing, highly carbonated looking.
The smell is of yeast, fruit, and light malt, and the taste follows this with the addition of the classic, for this style, addition of orange and coriander.
Its slightly sweet and bitter in a nicely rounded way and has a nice, mildly dry finish. Very fizzy with a good viscosity.
You’ll notice that this Witbier poured from a 330ml bottle, has a very cloudy light orange appearance with an inch-thick tightly bubbled head that forms but is short-lived and leaves no lacing, giving it a highly carbonated look.
The smell is of yeast, fruit, and light malt, and the taste follows suit with the addition of the classic, for this style, addition of orange and coriander.
It’s slightly sweet and bitter in a nicely rounded way and has a nice mildly dry finish. Very fizzy with a good viscosity.
Great Tasting Wheat Beer: Bell’s Oberon American Wheat Ale
| 🍺 Category | Wheat Ale |
|---|---|
| 🌎 Region | Michigan, United States |
| 🍻 Type | Craft, Independent Craft Brewer |
| 📏 ABV | 5.8% |
| 🍺 IBU | 25 |
| 🥂 Suggested Glassware | Weizen Glass |
| 🌡️ Suggested Serving Temperature | 45-50° F |
Enjoy the great taste of Bell’s Oberon American Wheat Ale, a refreshing and smooth summer beer with a spicy hop character and mildly fruity aromas.
This wheat ale is fermented with Bell’s signature house ale yeast, resulting in a unique blend of flavors.
The addition of wheat malt gives it a smooth mouthfeel, making it the perfect choice for a hot summer day.
Oberon is made with only four ingredients, without the use of any spices or fruit, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
The beer pours a beautiful deep yellow gold with a white foam head.
The aroma is a delightful mix of bread, grassy wheat, and light sweet floral notes.
On the palate, you’ll taste the malts and wheat, with a hint of sweetness and a slight phenolic touch.
The mouthfeel is silky smooth with just the right amount of carbonation.
Best Witbier For New Drinkers: Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc
| 🍺 Category | Witbier |
|---|---|
| 🌎 Region | Alsace, France |
| 📏 ABV | 5% |
| 🍺 IBU | 7 |
| 👃 Tasting Notes | Apricot, Citrus, Flavored, Floral, Fresh, Fruity, Light, Peach, Silky, Smooth, Velvety |
| 🍽️ Food Pairing | Cheese – Fresh & Soft, Fish – Meaty & Oily, Fish – White, Fruit – Sweet, Salads & Greens |
| 🥂 Suggested Glassware | Snifter/Goblet/Chalice |
| 🌡️ Suggested Serving Temperature | 45-50° F |
If you’re new to drinking withbiers, Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc is a great choice.
This witbier has a fresh and light flavor profile with hints of citrus and coriander. It pours a smooth and hazy golden color, with a thin, foamy white head.
Notes of malt, coriander, and banana follow the initial taste of lemon. The beer has a smooth and full feel, fruity and slightly dry finish.
While there may be better witbiers out there, Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc is a solid option for those new to this beer style.
Best Light Witbier: Allagash White
| 🍺 Category | Witbier |
|---|---|
| 🌎 Region | Maine, United States |
| 🍻 Type | Craft, Independent Craft Brewer |
| 📏 ABV | 5.2% |
| 🍺 IBU | 13 |
| 👃 Tasting Notes | Yeasty, Citrus, Spicy, Fresh |
| 🍽️ Food Pairing | Beef, Cheese – Blue, Cheese – Creamy & Bloomy, Cheese – Fresh & Soft, Cheese – Hard Aged, Cheese – Nutty & Semi-Firm, Cheese – Stinky, Chicken, Cured Meats, Dessert – Chocolate & Coffee, Dessert – Fruit, Dessert – Vanilla & Caramel, Duck & Game Bird, Fish – Meaty & Oily, Fish – White, Fruit – Citrus, Fruit – Dried, Fruit – Sweet, Lamb, Mushrooms, Nuts, Pasta, Pork, Root Vegetables, Salads & Greens, Shellfish, Tomatoes, Turkey |
| 🥂 Suggested Glassware | Snifter/Goblet/Chalice |
| 🌡️ Suggested Serving Temperature | 45-50° F |
You can’t go wrong with Allagash White, a refreshing and flavorful light witbier that will satisfy your taste buds.
This beer is a crowd-pleaser with a lovely pale-white color and a velvety, creamy texture.
The nose offers a delightful combination of cloves, bananas, oranges, herbal citrus, and a hint of yeasty lemon pee and wheat sweetness.
You’ll find notes of grapefruit peel and yeast on the palate, with the banana taking a backseat. It’s no wonder that this is one of my favorite beers.
Best Spicy Witbier: Cisco Brewers Grey Lady Wheat Ale
| 🍺 Category | Witbier |
|---|---|
| 🌎 Region | Massachusetts, United States |
| 🍻 Type | Craft |
| 📏 ABV | 4% |
| 🍺 IBU | 7 |
| 👃 Tasting Notes | Earthy, Floral, Herbal, Spicy, Yeasty |
| 🍽️ Food Pairing | Cheese – Blue, Cheese – Creamy & Bloomy, Cured Meats, Dessert – Vanilla & Caramel, Fish – Meaty & Oily, Fish – White, Fruit – Citrus, Shellfish, Turkey |
| 🥂 Suggested Glassware | Snifter/Goblet/Chalice |
| 🌡️ Suggested Serving Temperature | 45-50° F |
The Cisco Brewers Grey Lady Wheat Ale is a spicy, witbier that will tantalize your taste buds.
This beer pours a hazy golden color with a small head and lots of lacing. It has a creamy and surprisingly thick texture with a higher level of carbonation.
The initial pour is clear and pale yellow, but it becomes hazy and opaque as the head settles. The carbonation and head eventually disappear, leaving a flavorful and satisfying beer.
Best Tropical Witbier: Blue Moon Light Sky Tropical Wheat
| 🍺 Category | Witbier |
|---|---|
| 🌎 Region | Colorado, United States |
| 📏 ABV | 4% |
| 🥂 Suggested Glassware | Snifter/Goblet/Chalice |
| 🌡️ Suggested Serving Temperature | 45-50° F |
Try the Blue Moon Light Sky Tropical Wheat for a refreshing and tropical twist on the classic witbier style.
This 95-calorie, light citrus wheat beer is brewed with real tangerine peel and dry hopped with Azacca, giving it a bright citrus aroma and a touch of malt sweetness.
It’s a low carb option, making it a great choice for those watching their carb intake.
The grainy aroma, combined with the tangerine fruit and peel notes, create a flavorful but not overpowering taste. It’s an interesting beer that keeps you engaged with its flavors.
Best Witbier Head: Avery Brewing White Rascal
| 🍺 Category | Witbier |
|---|---|
| 🌎 Region | Colorado, United States |
| 🍻 Type | Independent Craft Brewer, Craft |
| 📏 ABV | 5.6% |
| 🍺 IBU | 22 |
| 👃 Tasting Notes | Creamy, Citrus, Yeasty |
| 🍽️ Food Pairing | Duck & Game Bird, Salads & Greens |
| 🥂 Suggested Glassware | Snifter/Goblet/Chalice |
| 🌡️ Suggested Serving Temperature | 45-50° F |
Get ready to experience the creamy and impressive head of Avery Brewing White Rascal, the winner of the Best Witbier Head in our blind testing and ranking of the best white ales.
This authentic Belgian-style white ale is unfiltered and spiced with coriander and Curaçao orange peel, resulting in a refreshingly zesty classic ale.
White Rascal is visually appealing with its hazy golden appearance and a 3/4 inch head. The aroma offers upfront alcohol notes followed by citrus and subtle sourdough and green apple undertones.
The taste initially showcases carbonation but then transitions to a pleasant bitter-orange flavor with a hoppy and citrusy finish. As the beer warms, it becomes sweeter, revealing hints of mango, honey, and lemon.
The mouthfeel is seltzer-like, which may be a personal preference.
White Rascal is a refreshing beer that pairs well with summer barbecues.
Best American Witbier: Three Nations American Wit
| 🍺 Category | Witbier |
|---|---|
| 🌎 Region | Texas, United States |
| 📏 ABV | 5.5% |
| 🥂 Suggested Glassware | Snifter/Goblet/Chalice |
| 🌡️ Suggested Serving Temperature | 45-50° F |
You’ll love the refreshing and flavorful Three Nations American Wit, the top-ranked American witbier in our blind testing and ranking of the best white ales.
This witbier pours a nice golden color and although it lacks a significant head, it makes up for it in taste. Perfect for a hot Texas day, this beer is a solid representation of the witbier style.
The flavor has a nice spice to it, adding some complexity while still remaining refreshing. It’s a beer that you’ll want to buy and drink again, especially if you enjoy a good witbier.
How The Best Witbiers Were Selected
A blind-tasting method was employed to select the best Witbiers, ensuring an unbiased evaluation.
Each Witbier was assessed based on specific criteria, including aroma, flavor, appearance, and mouthfeel.
This rigorous process allowed for an objective ranking of the Witbiers, ensuring that only the finest examples made it to the top.
Blind-Tasting
You should try blind-tasting all the different Witbiers to determine the best one. Blind-tasting is a great way to evaluate the true quality of a beer without any bias or preconceived notions. By removing the labels and brands from the equation, you can focus solely on the taste, aroma, and overall experience of each Witbier.
It allows you to judge each beer objectively and compare them side by side. This method ensures that your decision is based solely on the beer’s characteristics, rather than its reputation or marketing. Blind-tasting also adds an element of excitement and mystery, as you don’t know which beer you’re drinking until the end.
Witbier Review Criteria
Try using a ranking system with specific criteria to evaluate and select the top three Witbiers. When it comes to choosing the best Witbier, it can be overwhelming with so many options available. To make your decision easier, consider these key criteria for evaluating and ranking Witbiers:
- Aroma: The aroma should be inviting, with hints of citrus, coriander, and other spices.
- Appearance: Look for a hazy, pale golden color with a fluffy white head.
- Taste: The flavor should be balanced, with a refreshing blend of wheat, citrus, and spices.
- Mouthfeel: Witbiers should have a light to medium body and a smooth, creamy texture.
- Finish: A clean and crisp finish is essential for a great Witbier.
- Overall impression: Consider the overall enjoyment and drinkability of the beer.
By using these criteria, you can confidently select the top three Witbiers that meet your taste preferences and expectations.
Cheers to finding your new favorite Witbier!
How to Enjoy Your Witbier: Pairing and Serving Suggestions
To fully enjoy your witbier, it’s important to consider the best foods to pair with it. From light and fresh salads to seafood and spicy dishes, the crisp and citrusy flavors of a witbier complement a wide range of flavors.
Additionally, serving your witbier in the appropriate glassware, such as a tall and slender beer glass, and at the recommended temperature of around 45°F (7°C), will enhance your overall drinking experience.
Best Foods to Pair with Your Witbier
Pair your witbier with a refreshing seafood salad for a perfect summer meal. This light and citrusy beer is a fabulous match for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a Belgian-style witbier or a German hefeweizen, there are plenty of options.
For witbiers, pair them with dishes like asparagus risotto, seafood, pizza, fish and chips, or sheep cheese. These flavors will complement the cloudy and aromatic characteristics of the beer.
If you’re more of a fan of German hefeweizens, try pairing them with Thai food, goat cheese, Mexican food, sushi, or dim sum. The richer banana-and-clove flavors of the beer will enhance these dishes perfectly.
And don’t forget about other food pairings for wheat beers, such as smoked salmon, fishcakes, clams, mussels, or oysters.
These options will bring out the best in your beer and create a delightful dining experience.
Best Glassware And Temperature Serving Suggestions
You can enhance your witbier experience by serving it in the appropriate glassware and at the ideal temperature.
When it comes to glassware, a tulip-shaped glass is recommended for witbiers.
Its wide bowl and narrow top help capture the beer’s aromas, while the stem prevents your hands from warming the beer. This allows you to fully appreciate the delicate flavors and aromas of the witbier.
As for temperature, it’s best to serve witbiers between 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit (4-7 degrees Celsius).
This slightly chilled temperature accentuates the refreshing and citrusy character of the beer. Serving it too cold can mask its intricate flavors, while serving it too warm can make it taste flat.
By following these guidelines, you can elevate your witbier experience and fully enjoy its unique qualities.
Questions You May Have About Witbier?
Curious about Witbier?
You may be wondering what kind of beer it is, how it tastes, or how it differs from other wheat beers like Hefeweizen.
Another common question is whether Witbier is an ale or a lager.
Let’s dive into these questions and uncover the delicious world of Witbier together.
What kind of beer is a Witbier?
Have you ever wondered about the unique characteristics and flavors of a Witbier? Well, let’s dive into the world of this refreshing beer style and discover what makes it so special.
Witbier, also known as White Ale, is a Belgian beer style that’s brewed with a significant portion of wheat. It’s often spiced with coriander and orange peel, giving it a distinct citrusy and spicy flavor profile.
Witbier is unfiltered, which gives it a hazy appearance and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
If you’re a fan of light, crisp beers with a touch of fruitiness and a hint of spice, then Witbier might be your new favorite. Its refreshing nature makes it a perfect choice for warm summer days or any time you want a bright and flavorful beer.
What does Witbier taste like?
Wondering what Witbier tastes like? Well, it’s a delightful combination of fruity and spicy flavors that come together to create a refreshing and unique drinking experience.
When you take your first sip of a Witbier, you’ll notice a bright and zesty citrus flavor, like oranges or lemons, dancing on your taste buds. This fruity note is complemented by a subtle spiciness, usually from the addition of coriander or other spices, which adds depth and complexity to the beer.
The overall taste is light and crisp, with a slightly creamy mouthfeel that makes it incredibly easy to drink. Witbier is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something flavorful and refreshing.
Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved style among beer enthusiasts. Cheers!
What is the difference between Witbier, Hefeweizen, and wheat beer?
Let me break it down if you’re trying to understand the difference between Witbier, Hefeweizen, and wheat beer. These three beer styles may seem similar, but distinct characteristics set them apart. Here’s what you need to know:
- Witbier:
- Originated in Belgium
- Brewed with unmalted wheat and spiced with coriander and orange peel
- Hefeweizen:
- Originated in Germany
- Brewed with a large proportion of malted wheat and fermented with specific yeast strains that produce unique flavors of banana and clove
- Wheat Beer:
- A broad term that encompasses any beer made with a significant amount of wheat
- Can include both Witbier and Hefeweizen, as well as other styles like American Wheat Ale
Is Witbier an ale or lager?
Let me tell you, there are a number of factors that determine whether Witbier is an ale or lager.
Witbier, which translates to ‘white beer’ in Dutch, is traditionally brewed with a combination of malted barley, wheat, and spices like coriander and orange peel.
The yeast used in the fermentation process is what sets it apart. Ales are typically fermented at higher temperatures, around 68-72°F, while lagers are fermented at cooler temperatures, around 45-55°F.
Witbier falls into the ale category because it’s fermented at warmer temperatures. This higher fermentation temperature allows the yeast to produce fruity and spicy flavors, characteristic of ales.
Final Note on Choosing the Best Wibiers to Try
You should definitely consider trying the Belgian witbier with hints of citrus and coriander for a refreshing taste. It’s a popular choice among beer enthusiasts for its unique flavor profile.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best witbier:
- Look for a witbier with a light and hazy appearance, indicating the presence of wheat in the brew.
- Consider the level of citrus and coriander flavors. Some witbiers have a subtle hint, while others have a more pronounced taste.
- If you prefer a more citrusy witbier, look for ones that use orange peel or lemon zest during brewing.
- For those who enjoy coriander, seek out witbiers with a noticeable coriander kick.
By considering these factors, you can find the best witbier that suits your taste preferences.
