Brewery Ommegang built its name in Cooperstown, New York brewing Belgian styles the Belgian way, and Witte is its take on the classic wit. It is a hazy, unfiltered white ale seasoned with coriander and sweet orange peel, pouring smooth and pale with the citrus-and-clove aromatics the style lives on. It flies a little under the radar next to the big names, and it deserves more attention. Here is how it tastes and where it fits.
Ommegang Witte at a glance
| Style | Belgian-style white ale |
| ABV | 5.2% |
| Calories | Around 150 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 13g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, New York, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, malted and unmalted wheat, barley malt, coriander, sweet orange peel, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it contains wheat and barley |
| Typical price | Around $10 to $13 for a 4-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Witte leans into aroma and softness, with a clean, food-friendly finish rather than any real bitterness or bite.
The full review
It pours hazy pale gold with a bright white head. The aroma is textbook wit: sweet orange, fresh coriander and a little clove-like spice from the yeast, over a soft bready wheat note. It smells like a Belgian cafe.
The taste follows the nose. It is smooth and rounded, with orange citrus and a touch of spice up front, a soft wheat body through the middle and a clean, lightly zesty finish. It is a shade drier and crisper than Blue Moon, and it feels more authentically Belgian for it.
At 5.2% ABV it has enough presence to stand up to food, and it is a natural with lighter dishes and warm afternoons. The spicing is judged well, present but never soapy or overdone, which is a common trap for the style.
It does not have the reach of the macro wits, so you may have to hunt a little, but if you find it, it is one of the better American versions of the style and well worth the price.
A quietly excellent wit that brews the style the way Belgium intended.
- Authentic orange-and-clove Belgian character
- Smooth soft-wheat body with a clean finish
- Well-judged, natural spicing
- A cut above the supermarket wits
- Harder to find than Blue Moon or Shock Top
- Pricier than the macro options
- Craft haze will not suit everyone
Who it is for
Drinkers who want an authentic Belgian-style wit without flying to Belgium. If you like it, Allagash White and Hoegaarden are the two obvious next pours.
Ommegang Witte FAQs
What does Ommegang Witte taste like?
Smooth and rounded with sweet orange, gentle coriander and clove spice, a soft wheat body and a clean, lightly zesty finish. Drier and more authentic than the macro wits.
How strong is Ommegang Witte?
It is 5.2% ABV, standard strength for a Belgian-style white ale.
How many calories are in Ommegang Witte?
Around 150 per 12 fl oz. Ommegang does not publish an exact number, but that is typical for the style.
Is Ommegang Witte a witbier?
Yes. Witte is Flemish for white, and it is Ommegang’s version of the classic Belgian wit or white ale.
Is Ommegang Witte vegan?
Yes. It is brewed from water, wheat, barley malt, coriander, orange peel, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Ommegang Witte gluten free?
No. It is brewed with wheat and barley, so it contains gluten.
What food goes with Ommegang Witte?
It pairs well with seafood, salads, soft cheeses and lighter chicken or pork dishes.
Where is Ommegang Witte brewed?
In Cooperstown, New York, by Brewery Ommegang, which specialises in Belgian styles.
Where to buy Ommegang Witte
Ommegang Witte is sold across much of the US and can be delivered. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Ommegang Witte is an authentic, well-made Belgian-style wit that rewards anyone willing to look past the big supermarket names. The orange-and-clove aromatics and clean, soft finish put it near the top of the American field. A strong four point four out of five. See how it ranks in our best witbiers guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Ommegang Witte?
Ommegang Witte is a Belgian-style white ale, at 5.2% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Ommegang Witte?
Ommegang Witte has an ABV of 5.2%.
How many calories are in Ommegang Witte?
Ommegang Witte has Around 150 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Ommegang Witte gluten free?
Ommegang Witte: No, it contains wheat and barley.
Does Ommegang Witte have carbs?
Yes, Ommegang Witte has Around 13g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Ommegang Witte taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
What is a good alternative to Ommegang Witte?
If you can’t find Ommegang Witte, Avery White Rascal is a close alternative in the same Belgian-style white ale category.
How much does Ommegang Witte cost?
Ommegang Witte typically runs Around $10 to $13 for a 4-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Ommegang Witte without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Ommegang Witte?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Belgian-style white ale like Ommegang Witte. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
