Belgian Independence Day Double White Ale
Brewery Ommegang

Beer Geek Stats | Print Shelf Talker
From:
Brewery Ommegang
 
New York, United States
Style:
Witbier
ABV:
6.6%
Score:
85
Avg:
3.73 | pDev: 9.12%
Reviews:
3
Ratings:
30
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Jul 10, 2015
Added:
Jul 15, 2013
Wants:
  0
Gots:
  0
2013

Belgian White or Wit beers area a traditional classic of Belgium. This iconic style was once almost completely forgotten until brewer Pierre Celis revitalized the style in the mid-1960s. Traditionally brewed with a moderate ABV and spiced with coriander, we have decided to put a twist on a classic for this special occasion.

Hazy, golden-yellow hue supports a rocky white head. Aroma offers balanced fruitiness and notes of clove with a backbone of pale malts. Body is enhanced by elevated ABV and raw and unmalted wheat, yet the beer remains light on the tongue. Taste is pleasantly sweet and refreshing with spicy yeast character and silky mouthfeel. Finish is crisp and slightly tart with lingering notes of spice.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by hayesjw:
Photo of hayesjw
Rated by hayesjw from California

3.75/5  rDev +0.5%

Jul 26, 2013
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.49 by BcOneSeven from Michigan

Jul 10, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by daryk77 from District of Columbia

Jul 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by DrinkSlurm from New York

Jul 15, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by smartassboiler from Illinois

Jun 30, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by JamesGWittel from New Jersey

Jun 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by jgunther71 from Illinois

May 15, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by krome from Illinois

May 13, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by SocalKicks from California

Jan 29, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by GrindFatherBob from New York

Dec 30, 2013
 
Rated: 4.5 by thudean from New York

Dec 29, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by Chugs13 from New Jersey

Oct 30, 2013
 
Rated: 3.5 by Texasfan549 from Texas

Aug 21, 2013
Photo of thecheapies
Reviewed by thecheapies from Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Ommegang Independence. In authentic glassware.

Hazy light blonde with a collar of coarse foam. The head retention is admirable.

Aromas of witte yeast, pilsner malts, wheaty tang, supple orange, coriander, and pale grassiness.

More apple-y for a wit with orange, coriander, chalky yeast, citrus rind, kiss of lemon, and kiss of banana. A little hefty in body with a viscous glaze feel. Carb has some perkiness, that I appreciate. Tastes are bold, and coated with a squeak of alcohol. Good for late summer drinking.
Aug 19, 2013
Photo of BEERchitect
Reviewed by BEERchitect from Kentucky

3.77/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Brewed in conjunction with Belgian Independence Day, 2013- Ommegang springs out of the shoot with ever-refreshing base style of Witbier, but with a twist. Fortified with higher strength in both its flavor and effects, the ale retains what's best about those historic wheat ales but with a little more gusto!

The pour shows something slightly different than typical Wits- its a denser, richer color that extends from pale yellow into goldenrod and with an overall bready haze. As the light doesn't penetrate the cloudiness as readily, so the ale appears a tinge darker- more like a Tripel or Strong Pale Ale. A rich lather of foam gathers to top the ale like a meringue of cream white color.

Its delicate aroma profile is a melange of light bread, yeast and cookie dough. Sprinkles with the always present coriander and dried orange peel, the ale takes a softly spicy and subtly fruity balance. A hint of clove, white pepper and vanilla casts a short shadow as the nose pulls away from the glass. All the while, a soft zinfindale apple, lemon, and white grape character rests just underneath.

Smoothly flavored and robustly firm, the ale starts with that bready sweetness that accented with powdered sugar and yeast extract. Its middle palate introduces white wine, coriander and citrus notes while its playful acidity begins to dissolve the sweetness. a spicy white pepper and herbal hop bitter array round out its finish as the sweetness continue to fade into a snappy aftertaste.

Medium bodied despite its built up base, the beer isn't a crazy syrupy mess- its just a little more than the light bodied originals. Lifted by creamy carbonation and mild champagne-like bubbly textures that lift the bread and yeast off of the tongue and ushers in a quick finish. Echoes of soft spice, tea-like herbs and white wine gives the ale a pleasant but short-lived linger on the tongue.

The ale is saved by only pushing to 6.6% abv. Any more and the beer is a mess, and less and its just a normal Witbier. But where it is, it stands up to an array of culinary acts. I enjoyed it with watermelon salad with feta, serrano and fresh cilantro at The Village Idiot, Lexington Ky.
Aug 14, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by pknyc from New York

Aug 10, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by JohnK17 from Pennsylvania

Aug 06, 2013
 
Rated: 3.25 by Rekrule from Massachusetts

Aug 05, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by mattyb85 from Ohio

Aug 03, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by RichD from Rhode Island

Aug 01, 2013
Belgian Independence Day Double White Ale from Brewery Ommegang
Beer rating: 85 out of 100 with 30 ratings