Every type of beer is different and thank your chosen higher power for that. While there are pale ales and dark bitters, red and brown ales, stouts, pilsners, bocks, Kolsches, Lambics, and Saisons, Belgian Witbier remains one of the most pleasing styles of beer to be had. Why? Because of the taste, of course.
So, how does Witbier taste? What makes that taste so good? Why is it called Witbier? Where did it originate? How did it evolve? Which variety of glass is best for drinking Witbier? Which dishes best complement the brew? Let's delve into all these questions and possibly one or two more.
What Is Belgian Witbier?
Also known as Witte or Biere Blanche, Witbier can be classified as a wheat beer. Wheat, however, is not from whence the name is derived. The wit in Witbier translates into English as 'white' and refers to the beer's bright color, as well as, when properly poured, its thick, foamy head. Consequently, Witbier is also known in English-speaking countries as white beer.
Why Does Color Matter?
Color tends to be very indicative of a beer's nature. Although virtually every variety of beer features the same head of white foam atop the glass, lightly-colored brews, including pale ales, offer a brighter, crisper taste. Darker brews, such as stout, are usually thick and bitter. On the whole, reds are more robust than beers of lighter colors, but not as heavy as dark brews. As you'd expect, then, Witbiers are light on the palette, be they of the Belgian, German, Dutch, or other varieties.
Okay, What Color is Witbier?
While Witbier does translate as 'White Beer', only the frothy head is actually white. When held to the light, Witbiers are hazy with a distinctly golden background. This is due to the starchy cloud that results from the unfiltered process which contributes to Witbier's smooth, creamy flavor. The natural effervescence and brilliant gold color render Witbier as pleasing to the eye as to the palette.
Which Ingredients Give Witbier Its Unique Flavor?
As mentioned earlier, Witbier is a wheat beer. The classification refers to the large portion of wheat, as well as oats, in relation to the amount of barley in the brew. As the dominant ingredients in witbier, the wheat and oats do as you'd anticipate, delivering a distinct bready quality to the beer. It's an entirely different flavor than the more chocolatey stouts, malty German Dunkels, or spicy Saisons.
How Does Belgian Witbier Differ From German and Dutch Varieties?
More often than not, craft brewers label their Witbiers Belgian because that is where the variety originated. When comparing Witbiers from different regions, though, the nationalities can be next to impossible to distinguish. Belgian, German, and Dutch Witbiers all feature wheat and oats, as well as coriander and orange. Taste and appearance in the glass aren't reliable indicators. In the end, the only clue as to which is which might be the flag on the label.
For those unversed in flag etiquette, the Dutch flag's horizontal red, white, and blue is easily recognized, so long as its vertical French cousin isn't at the end of the bar. For those confused by Belgium and Germany's shared affinity for red, black, and gold, the former's tricolor runs across the flag and the latter's up and down. Hopefully, this will help you avoid a similar international incident.
How Does Witbier Differ From Other Types of Wheat Beer?
While there is little difference between Belgian, German, and Dutch Witbiers, each can be mistaken for the German Weizenbier. Also known as Weissbier or Hefeweizen, this brew is also a wheat beer. The key difference between Witbier and Weizenbier is that the latter is made with malted wheat, while Witbier features a blend of malted and unmalted wheat. Wezenbiers may also use yeasts that are cultured to produce the flavor of bananas and cloves.
What Is the History of Witbier?
Belgian white beers were first made in Leuven and Hoegaarden, respectively a city and smaller town in Flemish Brabant, a central Belgian province. Leuven and Hoegaarden brews earned wider fame as early as the 16th century and Leuven is now famous for its breweries. A rather large American brewery that many people will tell you is based in St Louis actually has its global headquarters in the Belgian city.
Witbier's original recipes featured oats and barley that, rather than being roasted in kilns, were placed on rooftops to dry in the wind. This process provided the lighter color and later inspired the blend of malted and unmalted wheat to which we're now accustomed.
When Was Wheat Added to the Recipe?
Noted Belgian brewmaster, Pierre Celis, sparked a Witbier renaissance at Hoegaarden Brewery before emigrating Stateside in the 1960s to open his own brewery in Austin, Texas. Celis' recipe featured 50% raw wheat rather than 100% malted. Also credited with developing Witbier's contemporary flavor by adding crushed coriander and orange peels, Celis produced a somewhat sourer version than exists today.
What Is the Typical Alcohol By Volume in Witbier?
Belgian Witbiers usually fall in the range of 4.5 to 5.5% ABV. In addition, the grain or malt bill (the list of primary ingredients) is much more rigid than other beers. The aforementioned 50/50 blend of malted and unmalted wheat is a distinctive property of Witbier. The Belgian style does not vary and shouldn't be confused with German variants such as Berliner Weisse (Berlin White), which is 2.5% ABV and tart as brewed, with sweet syrups added before drinking, or the stronger Leipziger Gose, brewed with coriander and salt and listed at 4% ABV.
Which Glasses Are Best Suited for Witbier?
The tall Weizen glass is ideally suited to Witbier. The large, open top of this pint glass allows for a large, frothy head. The Weizen's shape also presents the unique aroma of Witbier like no other glass or mug. If a Weizen isn't available, options include the shorter, wider, but more traditional French Jelly glass or the stemmed Tulip. Both will accommodate a good head and tickle your nostrils with the Witbier's fruity scent.
Which Foods Best Complement Witbier?
Due to its light nature, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Witbiers go best with lighter foods. Few beers, if any, complement salads as well as Witbier. The Belgian brew goes well with cheese, especially of the goat and sheep's milk varieties. Witbier is an excellent choice to accompany fish and seafood, particularly shrimp and mussels. If you're not a fan of sake, Witbier is also ideal for sushi.
Witbiers are excellent additions to any collection of craft brews. Its taste makes it a favorite of micro and craft brewery aficionados. The bright color and tall, foamy head attract the eye, while the brew's light nature is perfect for lunches where salads and sandwiches abound, as well as for seafood lovers. It won't weigh you down like a heavy stout or bitter. It is the ideal beer for indulging your taste buds while not unduly threatening an active, healthy lifestyle.
In the Seattle area, Lowercase Brewing features a wide array of brews, including a hazy Belgian Witbier brewed with orange and cardamom. Stop into Lowercase Brewing Wednesdays through Sundays for a taste.
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