White wine and cocktails are great during the summer but they most likely will ensure a nap if enjoyed in the daytime sun or with breakfast or lunch.
This is where the Belgian Wit shines.
What is a Belgian Wit?
A Belgian Wit or “White Beer” is an unfiltered, top fermented ale made with unmalted wheat, spices, and sometimes oats.
The spices most often used in Witbier are coriander, orange peel, and secret brewers additions, like chamomile or white pepper.
Witbier is light, refreshing, and very food friendly.
History Of Witbier
Wheat beer has been enjoyed since the Babylonians, and Witbier has been popular since the early middle ages.
Belgium has long had wheat crop grown locally, and access to exotic fruits and spices from around the world via the global trading ports of the Netherlands.
Netherlands is where the orange wedge on a Witbier became popular due to the trade routes supplying oranges to this cold part of Northern Europe.
Witbiers were very popular until the twentieth century when they were drowned out by the Pilsner’s world wide wave.
By the middle of the 20th century the style had almost completely disappeared outside of Belgium.
The Resurrection Of Witbier
Witbier was all but extinct in 1966 when Belgian Pierre Celis sought to revive the style.
He reopened a closed brewery in his village of Hoegaarden and started De Kluis Brewing.
De Kluis would in time grow to massive popularity with it’s “Hoegaarden White,” and Pierre Celis would be credited with resurrecting the Wit.
In 1997 Coors Brewing created “Blue Moon” in what would prove a clever move in capturing part of the craft beer movement.
Blue Moon was packaged in a more “craft” way than other Coors beer, brewed with Valencia orange peels and garnished with an orange.
Simultaneously Allagash in Maine was brewing a superior Witbier, known as Allagash “White” that uses Curacao orange peels.
Characteristics Of Witbier:
- Hazy (Unfiltered)
- Citric
- Light Bodied
- Creamy
- Spritzy
- Tangy
- Tart
- Belgian Spice Aroma (Coriander/ Orange)
- Low Bitterness
- $1-$3 A 120z Bottle ($6-$7 On Tap)
- Refermented In The Bottle
Foods That Pair Wonderfully With Witbier:
- Gouda
- Goat Cheese (Try Goat Cheese Omelets)
- Salads (Especially With Vinaigrette)
- Salmon
- Lobster Roll (Famous Allagash Pairing Due To Maine Having Great Lobster)
- Sushi
- Mussels
- Pork
- Ham And Swiss Sandwiches
- Corned Beef
- Indian Cuisine
- Thai Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
So this summer as you head to your next pool-side BBQ or lazy Sunday brunch don’t forget the power (and value) of the Belgian Wit.
Allagash has now started making 16oz cans that are a steal at $12 for 4.
Remember to never drink a Witbier from the bottle or can if you can avoid it. A tremendous amount of the aroma and experience are lost when the beer has no delicious Belgian heady foam to enjoy.
Enjoy your summer and Witbier exploration!
Cheers!
