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Belgian White
Lighthouse Brewing Company
- From:
- Lighthouse Brewing Company
- British Columbia, Canada
- Style:
- Witbier
- ABV:
- 7.5%
- Score:
- 87
- Avg:
- 3.89 | pDev: 11.05%
- Reviews:
- 10
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Nov 11, 2019
- Added:
- May 27, 2012
- Wants:
- 2
- Gots:
- 2
West Coast Witbier. Stronger and hoppier than regular wit with the spice, peel and fresh wheat characters that you'd expect in a wit.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by altstadt from Canada (BC)
2.4/5 rDev -38.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
2.4/5 rDev -38.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
Hazy orange-straw color. Very little head, even when poured high enough to put air bubbles into it. No lacing. Small flux of small bubbles rising from the bottom.
Slightly funky scent with a bit of sweet orange. Swirling the glass kicked up a light barnyard.
Surprisingly bitter orange flavor. Light malt. A bit of the barnyard shows up in the middle of the flavor. The aftertaste starts off bitter orange, then fades to bitter barnyard, and then just bitter.
Quickly foamed up despite the visual lack of carbonation. Fairly heavy body that could even be called oily.
The very bitter orange was a surprise. I don't think I have ever had any Belgian style beer that was that bitter, let alone a witbeer. Not true to style with this much bitterness. Unfortunately the barnyard really killed it for me. I thought that Vancouver Island breweries had escaped the barnyard infection that ruined many of the mainland beers.
Nov 11, 2019Slightly funky scent with a bit of sweet orange. Swirling the glass kicked up a light barnyard.
Surprisingly bitter orange flavor. Light malt. A bit of the barnyard shows up in the middle of the flavor. The aftertaste starts off bitter orange, then fades to bitter barnyard, and then just bitter.
Quickly foamed up despite the visual lack of carbonation. Fairly heavy body that could even be called oily.
The very bitter orange was a surprise. I don't think I have ever had any Belgian style beer that was that bitter, let alone a witbeer. Not true to style with this much bitterness. Unfortunately the barnyard really killed it for me. I thought that Vancouver Island breweries had escaped the barnyard infection that ruined many of the mainland beers.
Reviewed by ChrisCage from Canada (AB)
4.29/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.29/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Enjoying Jan 2019 after substantial cold aging....lets see how this one held up!
A- I absolutely love this bottle...I don't keep them but this one I may very well make an exception for! As for the brew, it pours a golden color that is cloudy from the yeast suspension...took some swirl action to get it to this point but to be expected....the carbonation is plentiful and aggressive looking, reminding me of a crisp ginger ale in terms of likeness and the lacing tries to do its job and cling to the inside of my glass, but like soap foam, it slides ever so slowly back into the liquid. The head starts out around 1 finger in thickness, and the puffy, slightly off white colored layer retains rather well, I'm guessing from the oats used in the boil. Very decent overall!
S- Very fruity right off the bat, with a mouth watering medley of various citrus zest (lemon, tangerine) blended with an assortment of orchard fruits, like apple, nectarine and apricot. Also noting a slightly spicy yeast, biscuit/bread, some dry grain/grassy aromas and a rather sweet wheaty aroma to finish things off.
T- Hmmmm, this is interesting, in a good way! I taste the presence of the hops right away....citrus peel and some oily bitterness hit my palate right up front, which eventually give way to some clean, crisp and somewhat malty sweetness. I also detect some of the Witbier yeast that was used, providing some spice to the mix (muted clove and corriander, which is also used). There is a certain smooth creaminess about it too that helps bridge things into the finish, which has a little more of the clean citrus like hop profile.
M/O- I find the body of this one to be smooth and solidly medium in nature....as for the carbonation, well it is actually quite pleasant on the palate and gently releases all of the flavors in steady fashion. As for the alcohol, I'd say that while I can taste its' astringency, I'm guessing the aging that I've given this (5+ years), it is very well blended into the beer and one would never know that this was 7.5%. I enjoyed this with some old cheddar slices and it paired very well.....too bad this isn't produced anymore, as I would re-visit this well done Belgian Wit! Maybe some day again....Cheers!
Jan 25, 2019A- I absolutely love this bottle...I don't keep them but this one I may very well make an exception for! As for the brew, it pours a golden color that is cloudy from the yeast suspension...took some swirl action to get it to this point but to be expected....the carbonation is plentiful and aggressive looking, reminding me of a crisp ginger ale in terms of likeness and the lacing tries to do its job and cling to the inside of my glass, but like soap foam, it slides ever so slowly back into the liquid. The head starts out around 1 finger in thickness, and the puffy, slightly off white colored layer retains rather well, I'm guessing from the oats used in the boil. Very decent overall!
S- Very fruity right off the bat, with a mouth watering medley of various citrus zest (lemon, tangerine) blended with an assortment of orchard fruits, like apple, nectarine and apricot. Also noting a slightly spicy yeast, biscuit/bread, some dry grain/grassy aromas and a rather sweet wheaty aroma to finish things off.
T- Hmmmm, this is interesting, in a good way! I taste the presence of the hops right away....citrus peel and some oily bitterness hit my palate right up front, which eventually give way to some clean, crisp and somewhat malty sweetness. I also detect some of the Witbier yeast that was used, providing some spice to the mix (muted clove and corriander, which is also used). There is a certain smooth creaminess about it too that helps bridge things into the finish, which has a little more of the clean citrus like hop profile.
M/O- I find the body of this one to be smooth and solidly medium in nature....as for the carbonation, well it is actually quite pleasant on the palate and gently releases all of the flavors in steady fashion. As for the alcohol, I'd say that while I can taste its' astringency, I'm guessing the aging that I've given this (5+ years), it is very well blended into the beer and one would never know that this was 7.5%. I enjoyed this with some old cheddar slices and it paired very well.....too bad this isn't produced anymore, as I would re-visit this well done Belgian Wit! Maybe some day again....Cheers!
Reviewed by Glycolysis
4.3/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.3/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Beautiful example of a Belgian white... on steroids.
Amazingly clean nose, but the yeast character still comes through. On the palate: peaches! Freshly pressed peach juice intermingles with the subtle spiciness of the hop blend. Lighthouse has some awesome beers - I am particularly fond of their bone-dry stout, but this beer is really world-class. There are a lot of wannabe "Belgian-style" ales out there, but this one really stands out based on its complex fruity flavour profile, which is clean without the harshness of higher alcohols that often plagues the style.
Jul 24, 2012Amazingly clean nose, but the yeast character still comes through. On the palate: peaches! Freshly pressed peach juice intermingles with the subtle spiciness of the hop blend. Lighthouse has some awesome beers - I am particularly fond of their bone-dry stout, but this beer is really world-class. There are a lot of wannabe "Belgian-style" ales out there, but this one really stands out based on its complex fruity flavour profile, which is clean without the harshness of higher alcohols that often plagues the style.
Reviewed by LampertLand from Canada (BC)
3.87/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.87/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Lighthouse Brewing's 'Belgian White' Imperial Witbier @ 7.5% served from a 650 ml bottle , now served from a twin 4pack 473 ml can's with Belgian Black summer 2019
A-pours a pale cloudy gold due to it being unfiltered and the high level of wheat and oats , smallish head with very little lacing along the pint glass
S-witbier yeast , clove , coriander
T-the galaxy and citra hops lend subtle citrus flavours , pleasant at first but alcohal dominates this beers taste
MF-ok carbonation , strong & boozy body ,
Ov-glad I tried it , try one again this new version is an improvement even in a can
prost LampertLand
Jul 07, 2012A-pours a pale cloudy gold due to it being unfiltered and the high level of wheat and oats , smallish head with very little lacing along the pint glass
S-witbier yeast , clove , coriander
T-the galaxy and citra hops lend subtle citrus flavours , pleasant at first but alcohal dominates this beers taste
MF-ok carbonation , strong & boozy body ,
Ov-glad I tried it , try one again this new version is an improvement even in a can
prost LampertLand
Reviewed by ericj551 from Canada (AB)
4.3/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.3/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Lighthouse Belgian White pours an ever so slightly hazy straw gold with a thin fluffy head. Some tart fruity esters pop up in the aroma, with a hint of coriander and dry spice. The flavor is dry but surprisingly hoppy, with a nice floral, herbal character. Some nice yeasty notes and a bit more corriander pair really well with the moderate bitterness. The fruitiness is restrained, and the finish is fairly dry and just the least bit tart.
I was skeptical of this beer, I've never had a strong wit beer that I really enjoyed, but this one manages to maintain all the positive attributes of the style, while pushing the boundaries with flavor and hops. The beer is crisp and refreshing and despite the higher alcohol content.
Jun 26, 2012I was skeptical of this beer, I've never had a strong wit beer that I really enjoyed, but this one manages to maintain all the positive attributes of the style, while pushing the boundaries with flavor and hops. The beer is crisp and refreshing and despite the higher alcohol content.
Reviewed by Rutager from Canada (BC)
3.88/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.88/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance. Pours slightly hazy straw-gold with a finger of frothy white head.
Smell. Spicy Belgian yeast, corriander and some citrus fruits ...and just a little bit of fresh skunky ganj. Hmmm
Taste. Spicy belgian yeast and grassy, spicy bitter hops, a little bit of citrus and maybe some apples and pears.
Mouthfeel. Medium+ body, medium carbonation.
Overall. Big Wit with some nice hops. Nice and interesting.
Jun 21, 2012Smell. Spicy Belgian yeast, corriander and some citrus fruits ...and just a little bit of fresh skunky ganj. Hmmm
Taste. Spicy belgian yeast and grassy, spicy bitter hops, a little bit of citrus and maybe some apples and pears.
Mouthfeel. Medium+ body, medium carbonation.
Overall. Big Wit with some nice hops. Nice and interesting.
Reviewed by Derek from Canada (BC)
4.35/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.35/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A: Light yellow with a very slight haze, white head, ring of retention leaves a bit of lae.
S: Corriander is readily apparent, light lemon zest and hints of cloves.
T: The lemony hops really work with the yeast & corriander. Some dried tropical fruit, vanilla, biscuit, grassy hay, good bitterness, alcohol is subtle. Refreshing light tartness akin to a saison.
M: Well-attenuated moderate body has a hint of acidity and a dry finish.
O: Well-crafted, the flavours really work together. Good overall brew.
Kudo's for calling it an "Imperial Wit". This is exactly what I would envision for the style. Great drinker.It's not overloaded with hops & bitterness, like I would imagine a White IPA.
Jun 17, 2012S: Corriander is readily apparent, light lemon zest and hints of cloves.
T: The lemony hops really work with the yeast & corriander. Some dried tropical fruit, vanilla, biscuit, grassy hay, good bitterness, alcohol is subtle. Refreshing light tartness akin to a saison.
M: Well-attenuated moderate body has a hint of acidity and a dry finish.
O: Well-crafted, the flavours really work together. Good overall brew.
Kudo's for calling it an "Imperial Wit". This is exactly what I would envision for the style. Great drinker.It's not overloaded with hops & bitterness, like I would imagine a White IPA.
Reviewed by canucklehead from Canada (BC)
4.47/5 rDev +14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.47/5 rDev +14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Looks like a Duvel but tastes like a Tripel mixed with a Wit but smooth as Hell. The citrus notes are there but the beer is quite dry and finishes long with some hops. I guess an Imperial Wit is the best description. Great beer and another win in Lighthouse's growing reputation.
Jun 14, 2012Reviewed by DaftCaskBC from Canada (BC)
3.75/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
3.75/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A: 1/4" white head over golden straw coloured liquid with good clarity.
S: Alcohol, floral hops and citrus.
T: Alcohol, cereal tasting malt, as well as grassy and floral hops. A relatively sweet finish.
M: Drying from the alcohol, thin viscosity and a medium level of carbonation.
O: Unfortunately the alcohol is really present in this beer, but they nailed the hops as they are reminiscent of Piraat 9.
Jun 05, 2012S: Alcohol, floral hops and citrus.
T: Alcohol, cereal tasting malt, as well as grassy and floral hops. A relatively sweet finish.
M: Drying from the alcohol, thin viscosity and a medium level of carbonation.
O: Unfortunately the alcohol is really present in this beer, but they nailed the hops as they are reminiscent of Piraat 9.
Reviewed by FondueVoodoo from Canada (BC)
4.2/5 rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.2/5 rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Pours a golden straw with about 1 finger of head with lingers.
S: Wheat and grains, maybe brown rice, and yeasty bread notes together with citrus peel and eastern spices of clove and coriander.
T: Taste of yeasty bread with lemon peel with hints of spices, cloves and coriander. Sweet malts up from and finishes with a lingering but well rounded bitterness.
M: Medium mouthfeel with low carbonation and a pleasant dry finish.
O: This is a very complicated beer. There is a lot going on with the combination of a classic wit beer with west coast style hops, but it works very well and is not overpowering. The alcohol is very well hidden and I can see myself enjoying a few of these.
Like its dark brother, and the rest of their big bottle series, the artwork on the bottle complements the beer. I quite like the collaboration with local artists.
May 27, 2012S: Wheat and grains, maybe brown rice, and yeasty bread notes together with citrus peel and eastern spices of clove and coriander.
T: Taste of yeasty bread with lemon peel with hints of spices, cloves and coriander. Sweet malts up from and finishes with a lingering but well rounded bitterness.
M: Medium mouthfeel with low carbonation and a pleasant dry finish.
O: This is a very complicated beer. There is a lot going on with the combination of a classic wit beer with west coast style hops, but it works very well and is not overpowering. The alcohol is very well hidden and I can see myself enjoying a few of these.
Like its dark brother, and the rest of their big bottle series, the artwork on the bottle complements the beer. I quite like the collaboration with local artists.
Belgian White from Lighthouse Brewing Company
Beer rating:
87 out of
100 with
20 ratings
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