Belgian Witbiers – also known stateside as Belgian white beers or Belgian white ales – are brewed with a combination of unmalted wheat and malted barley. Usually cloudy and very pale to almost-white, this generally light-bodied style is fruity and/or spicy and can exhibit aromas and flavors of orange peel and coriander from yeasty esters as well as brewery additions of these ingredients. Witbiers are usually bottle-conditioned.
Characteristics: Fruity, coriander, orange peel, light-bodied ABV range: 4.8-5.2% IBU: 10-17
Popular Belgian-style Witbier brands: Hoegaarden Wit Blanche, St. Bernardus Witbier, Wittekerke, Allagash White, Clown Shoes Clementine White Ale, Brewery Ommegang Witte, Avery White Rascal, Southampton Double White Ale, Unibroue Blanche de Chambly Serving Temperature: Cool, 46-54°
Cheese Pairing Ideas: Edam, Feta, Chèvre, Mascarpone, Mozzarella Food Pairing Ideas: Salads with light or vinaigrette dressings, mild seafood dishes including mussels and sushi, lightly seasoned poultry, apple-glazed pork
