Hoegaarden Original White Ale | Brouwerij van Hoegaarden
Brewed by:
Brouwerij van Hoegaarden
Belgium
hoegaarden.com
Style: Witbier
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 4.90%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by purplehops on 07-08-2001
Reviews: 1,728 | Ratings: 5,002
3.85/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Schooners Patio Grille in Santa Clarita, CA.
Pours a murky light orange with a 1/2 inch foamy white head that settles to a thin cap. Small chunks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of wheat, banana, spices, and some yeast aromas. Taste is of wheat, banana, and yeast. The spices come through on the aftertaste. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good witbier that is tasty and very easy drinking.
★ 480 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Schooners Patio Grille in Santa Clarita, CA.
Pours a murky light orange with a 1/2 inch foamy white head that settles to a thin cap. Small chunks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of wheat, banana, spices, and some yeast aromas. Taste is of wheat, banana, and yeast. The spices come through on the aftertaste. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good witbier that is tasty and very easy drinking.
★ 480 characters
3.85/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
everyone tries to copy this white ale, but it still stands distinctly alone as the original for me. cloudy and citrusy smelling, with a big pillowy head. has notes of spice and orange cream as well as a mellow floral hop profile. lighter body makes it a really easy session, but only when its super cold. i find this one gets a little bitter and funky yeasty when it warms up, so best to guzzle it down well its still chilly. too expensive for what it is, but a great white!
★ 474 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
everyone tries to copy this white ale, but it still stands distinctly alone as the original for me. cloudy and citrusy smelling, with a big pillowy head. has notes of spice and orange cream as well as a mellow floral hop profile. lighter body makes it a really easy session, but only when its super cold. i find this one gets a little bitter and funky yeasty when it warms up, so best to guzzle it down well its still chilly. too expensive for what it is, but a great white!
★ 474 characters
3.08/5 rDev -19.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
This beer was one of the first Wit beers I ever had. Purchased a bottle of it at the Laystone Pub in Bethlehem PA back in 2007. This beer was a hazy yellow with a bright white head. The beer smells very refreshing and citrusy. The beer was served with a lemon which I tried it without it first. It wasn't much better with or without. The mouthfeel is light and the beer is great for sometime.
★ 392 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
This beer was one of the first Wit beers I ever had. Purchased a bottle of it at the Laystone Pub in Bethlehem PA back in 2007. This beer was a hazy yellow with a bright white head. The beer smells very refreshing and citrusy. The beer was served with a lemon which I tried it without it first. It wasn't much better with or without. The mouthfeel is light and the beer is great for sometime.
★ 392 characters
4.01/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A: It poured cloudy light yellow in color with a bright white head. The head didn't last that long, but a high amount of carbonation is visible through the haze and preserves a thin layer of bubbles floating on the surface.
S: There are pleasant, light aromas of lemon and orange in the nose along with some hints of spices and sweetness.
T: The overall taste is well balanced between flavors of citrus and spices.
M: It feels light-bodied on the palate with lots of carbonation.
D: The beer is very refreshing and quite sessionable, particularly during the warm weather in the summer months.
★ 592 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A: It poured cloudy light yellow in color with a bright white head. The head didn't last that long, but a high amount of carbonation is visible through the haze and preserves a thin layer of bubbles floating on the surface.
S: There are pleasant, light aromas of lemon and orange in the nose along with some hints of spices and sweetness.
T: The overall taste is well balanced between flavors of citrus and spices.
M: It feels light-bodied on the palate with lots of carbonation.
D: The beer is very refreshing and quite sessionable, particularly during the warm weather in the summer months.
★ 592 characters
4.45/5 rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
There seems to always be a distinct pleasure when drinking a beer that basically defined the style. As originator of today's witbiers, it's hardly arguable that there are any better.
With a soft glow of canary yellow color, the haze of wheat protiens and yeast are evident. The protiens allow for a froathy, cotton head of mousse-like proportions. A very elegant and initing appearance.
Citrus, spice, and floral aromas are a careful blend of corriander, sweet orange peel, and a soft peppery scent; all of which rests on a wheaty scent of light breads or bread dough. Lemony esters and mild malted milk scent give a sturdiness to the nose with zeal and zest.
Lemon flavor with curaco take the early command with an assertive citrus taste. Fresh winter wheat and pilsner malt flavors give a soft bread impression along with mild powdered sugar sweetness and crisp grain flavor follow up and easily govern the middle palate. Crisp lemony notes close the flavor along with a refreshing lactic tartness and malted milk whimsy.
Creamy and somewhat expansive early with a fleeting, spicy finish that reduces to near-watery feel with semi-dry character.
Hoegaarden is the opidome of refreshment with high character and quality. Where the flavor and aroma profiles carry enough complexity with effortless ease, the body might make too quick of a transition and surpasses refreshment into a slight empty or watering ending. Still, nearly an ideal session.
★ 1,452 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
There seems to always be a distinct pleasure when drinking a beer that basically defined the style. As originator of today's witbiers, it's hardly arguable that there are any better.
With a soft glow of canary yellow color, the haze of wheat protiens and yeast are evident. The protiens allow for a froathy, cotton head of mousse-like proportions. A very elegant and initing appearance.
Citrus, spice, and floral aromas are a careful blend of corriander, sweet orange peel, and a soft peppery scent; all of which rests on a wheaty scent of light breads or bread dough. Lemony esters and mild malted milk scent give a sturdiness to the nose with zeal and zest.
Lemon flavor with curaco take the early command with an assertive citrus taste. Fresh winter wheat and pilsner malt flavors give a soft bread impression along with mild powdered sugar sweetness and crisp grain flavor follow up and easily govern the middle palate. Crisp lemony notes close the flavor along with a refreshing lactic tartness and malted milk whimsy.
Creamy and somewhat expansive early with a fleeting, spicy finish that reduces to near-watery feel with semi-dry character.
Hoegaarden is the opidome of refreshment with high character and quality. Where the flavor and aroma profiles carry enough complexity with effortless ease, the body might make too quick of a transition and surpasses refreshment into a slight empty or watering ending. Still, nearly an ideal session.
★ 1,452 characters
3.2/5 rDev -16.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Appearance: Nice presentation - the bottles and six pack holder look awesome. The beer itself is pale yellow and slightly hazy, though not as cloudy as many wits out there. Head retention could be better.
Smell: A mild aroma of coriander, wheat and citrus.
Taste: Dry and (very) lightly hopped, this beer has very little bitterness. A subtle malty sweetness is present amongst stronger flavors of orange peel and coriander. The spices give some character to what would otherwise be a rather ordinary and bland beer. It finishes clean, without lingering on the tongue too long.
Mouthfeel: Light-bodied, crisp, very easy on the palate.
Drinkability: A solid beer, and very sessionable. There are better wits around, but this is easy to find and it's really quite decent.
★ 772 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Appearance: Nice presentation - the bottles and six pack holder look awesome. The beer itself is pale yellow and slightly hazy, though not as cloudy as many wits out there. Head retention could be better.
Smell: A mild aroma of coriander, wheat and citrus.
Taste: Dry and (very) lightly hopped, this beer has very little bitterness. A subtle malty sweetness is present amongst stronger flavors of orange peel and coriander. The spices give some character to what would otherwise be a rather ordinary and bland beer. It finishes clean, without lingering on the tongue too long.
Mouthfeel: Light-bodied, crisp, very easy on the palate.
Drinkability: A solid beer, and very sessionable. There are better wits around, but this is easy to find and it's really quite decent.
★ 772 characters
3.8/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Pours a cloudy pale yellow color with a frothy marshmallow head; some lacing
Smell: Wheat and lemon with a touch of coriander and banana
Taste: Starts out with a wheaty flavor on top of which various fruity esters and spices perform a tap dance; tart finish that doesn't linger as the flavor returns to its bready origin
Mouthfeel: Light bodied with plenty of carbonation
Drinkability: Refreshing and enjoyable, even if this is not my favorite style
★ 465 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Pours a cloudy pale yellow color with a frothy marshmallow head; some lacing
Smell: Wheat and lemon with a touch of coriander and banana
Taste: Starts out with a wheaty flavor on top of which various fruity esters and spices perform a tap dance; tart finish that doesn't linger as the flavor returns to its bready origin
Mouthfeel: Light bodied with plenty of carbonation
Drinkability: Refreshing and enjoyable, even if this is not my favorite style
★ 465 characters
3.7/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
On tap at one of the local 'see and be seen pretty people' places, the very same one at which I first sampled this beer many years ago. Appropriate, and consistent, at least.
This beer arrives on the bar in a monstrously solid broad rimmed 'pint' glass, the kind I would want in any kind of bar/street fight, for sho. The cute and earnest bartendress noted its heftiness by proclaiming that 'you know it's a German beer, when the glass is so big!' Anyways, it appears a rather cloudy medium golden yellow hue, with one finger (easily two on a standard vessel) of puffy, and pleasantly creamy dirty white head, which leaves no lacing as it recedes.
It smells of grainy pale malt, light unripe banana esters, mild muddled citrus, white pepper, and yeast. The taste is more gritty bananas, sort of marshmallow-esque in their bearing, plain pale wheat malt, aerosol creamy citrus, a hint of indistinct clove/coriander spice, and earthy, dry yeast.
The carbonation is quite soft and frothy, the body a decent medium weight, perhaps a touch mealy, but generally smooth. It finishes off-dry, moderately fruity, and yeasty, as ever was.
Quite refreshing, overall, and decently balanced for your summer drinking needs. Maybe more than a tad overpriced, but that may be more a function of the environment, than anything.
★ 1,317 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
On tap at one of the local 'see and be seen pretty people' places, the very same one at which I first sampled this beer many years ago. Appropriate, and consistent, at least.
This beer arrives on the bar in a monstrously solid broad rimmed 'pint' glass, the kind I would want in any kind of bar/street fight, for sho. The cute and earnest bartendress noted its heftiness by proclaiming that 'you know it's a German beer, when the glass is so big!' Anyways, it appears a rather cloudy medium golden yellow hue, with one finger (easily two on a standard vessel) of puffy, and pleasantly creamy dirty white head, which leaves no lacing as it recedes.
It smells of grainy pale malt, light unripe banana esters, mild muddled citrus, white pepper, and yeast. The taste is more gritty bananas, sort of marshmallow-esque in their bearing, plain pale wheat malt, aerosol creamy citrus, a hint of indistinct clove/coriander spice, and earthy, dry yeast.
The carbonation is quite soft and frothy, the body a decent medium weight, perhaps a touch mealy, but generally smooth. It finishes off-dry, moderately fruity, and yeasty, as ever was.
Quite refreshing, overall, and decently balanced for your summer drinking needs. Maybe more than a tad overpriced, but that may be more a function of the environment, than anything.
★ 1,317 characters
3.12/5 rDev -18.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Bottle - Hazy white brew with a nice white foamy head with good retention. Aroma of coriander is strong but pleasant. Body is medium and good have been a bit stronger. Very refreshing beer for those hot summer days. Wow, this is a good beer but I wouldn't have expected people to rate this one that high!
★ 304 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Bottle - Hazy white brew with a nice white foamy head with good retention. Aroma of coriander is strong but pleasant. Body is medium and good have been a bit stronger. Very refreshing beer for those hot summer days. Wow, this is a good beer but I wouldn't have expected people to rate this one that high!
★ 304 characters
3.75/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Large white head leaves a nice lacing above a clearish light golden colored beer.
Light yeast and wheat grain aroma.
Classic wheat beer taste with light wheat, light yeasts coming through.
A lightly bitter dry aftertaste with a bit of the wheat beer tastes remaining with this light bodied ale.
This is the classic wheat beer taste, if that is what you are looking for look right here.
★ 389 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Large white head leaves a nice lacing above a clearish light golden colored beer.
Light yeast and wheat grain aroma.
Classic wheat beer taste with light wheat, light yeasts coming through.
A lightly bitter dry aftertaste with a bit of the wheat beer tastes remaining with this light bodied ale.
This is the classic wheat beer taste, if that is what you are looking for look right here.
★ 389 characters
3.15/5 rDev -18%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Hoegaarden bottle into Hoegaarden pint glass in low altitude Galway, Ireland.
A: A three finger head of fair cream, thickness, and retention. Clear hazy yellow colour.
Sm: Lemony esters abound, backed by other fringe citrus notes.
T: Lemony body; maybe too much zest. The citrusy notes do come through on the climax, though not like they do in the draught version. Built simply but well. Kind of defines the style.
Mf: Fizzy but smooth, and wet and refreshing. I don't like the finish texture, which is sort of dryly irritating and almost choking. You'll taste what I mean.
Dr: Priced fairly by Irish standards, but not a fantastic beer.
★ 647 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Hoegaarden bottle into Hoegaarden pint glass in low altitude Galway, Ireland.
A: A three finger head of fair cream, thickness, and retention. Clear hazy yellow colour.
Sm: Lemony esters abound, backed by other fringe citrus notes.
T: Lemony body; maybe too much zest. The citrusy notes do come through on the climax, though not like they do in the draught version. Built simply but well. Kind of defines the style.
Mf: Fizzy but smooth, and wet and refreshing. I don't like the finish texture, which is sort of dryly irritating and almost choking. You'll taste what I mean.
Dr: Priced fairly by Irish standards, but not a fantastic beer.
★ 647 characters
4.24/5 rDev +10.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
I always saw this at the store and saw it was one of the original "Belgian Wit's" so I thought I'd give it a try after having numerous of its American versions.
I was pleasantly surprised.. this is a great beer. Pours a nice cloudy yellow as expected but this taste of it is just. unique. Very full in body and has a nice spicy kick to it while going down smooth. Very easy to drink and enjoyable all the way thru... would buy a sixer of this in future for sure.
★ 463 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
I always saw this at the store and saw it was one of the original "Belgian Wit's" so I thought I'd give it a try after having numerous of its American versions.
I was pleasantly surprised.. this is a great beer. Pours a nice cloudy yellow as expected but this taste of it is just. unique. Very full in body and has a nice spicy kick to it while going down smooth. Very easy to drink and enjoyable all the way thru... would buy a sixer of this in future for sure.
★ 463 characters
3.9/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
A - Poured out a pale, golden color with a fluffy, white, one-finger head. Left very small amounts of lacing.
S - It smelled strongly of yeast and wheat. Also, a good bit of citrus aromas.
T - It tasted of clove and wheat. The citrusy flavors reminded me of corriander.
M - It was relatively crisp and sharp. A light-bodied beer.
D - This is a nice wit. Good wheat and citrus flavors.
★ 388 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
A - Poured out a pale, golden color with a fluffy, white, one-finger head. Left very small amounts of lacing.
S - It smelled strongly of yeast and wheat. Also, a good bit of citrus aromas.
T - It tasted of clove and wheat. The citrusy flavors reminded me of corriander.
M - It was relatively crisp and sharp. A light-bodied beer.
D - This is a nice wit. Good wheat and citrus flavors.
★ 388 characters
3.43/5 rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Reviewed from notes.
Pours a very cloudy yellow color with a nice white head and quite a bit of lacing. Nose brings forward some citrus and a bit of wheat. The taste is orange, citrus, slight spice, wheat, and a bit of grain. Definitely a fairly light mouthfeel with a bit of creaminess. Drinks fairly well, although not super flavorful.
★ 338 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Reviewed from notes.
Pours a very cloudy yellow color with a nice white head and quite a bit of lacing. Nose brings forward some citrus and a bit of wheat. The taste is orange, citrus, slight spice, wheat, and a bit of grain. Definitely a fairly light mouthfeel with a bit of creaminess. Drinks fairly well, although not super flavorful.
★ 338 characters
3.98/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A true Belgian classic that is very easy to find,pours an extremely pale/hazy yellow with usually a nice big fluffy head.Smell is tart with a spicey background,the taste is alot like the aroma but a little more spiciness comes thru along with a tart citruis flavor.Incredibly easy to drink,still a classic.
★ 306 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A true Belgian classic that is very easy to find,pours an extremely pale/hazy yellow with usually a nice big fluffy head.Smell is tart with a spicey background,the taste is alot like the aroma but a little more spiciness comes thru along with a tart citruis flavor.Incredibly easy to drink,still a classic.
★ 306 characters
4.07/5 rDev +6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
12 oz bottle into a tumbler.
Pours a fairly clear gold (bit of a faint haze to it) with a finger of bright-white head. Retains with a thin layer of creamy froth, leaving a foamy cascade of lacing behind, which quickly slides the sides of the glass. The aroma smells of sweet grains, a smack of lemon and orange, and a dusty yeast presence. A good bit of coriander and clove float along the back, giving this a strong spicy character.
The taste is a combo of wheat, fruit, clove, and coriander, combining to give this a lightly toasted sweet tang. Lower bitterness to this, with plenty of spice and dryness lingering on the palate for a good long while. The mouthfeel is light bodied, with a very smooth and easygoing nature to it, yet this still stays fairly crisp and lively in the mouth. That sub 5% ABV works just perfectly here.
It's no wonder that this is a popular summertime quaff. Flavorful, crisp, and very easy drinking, this is some refreshing stuff!
★ 967 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
12 oz bottle into a tumbler.
Pours a fairly clear gold (bit of a faint haze to it) with a finger of bright-white head. Retains with a thin layer of creamy froth, leaving a foamy cascade of lacing behind, which quickly slides the sides of the glass. The aroma smells of sweet grains, a smack of lemon and orange, and a dusty yeast presence. A good bit of coriander and clove float along the back, giving this a strong spicy character.
The taste is a combo of wheat, fruit, clove, and coriander, combining to give this a lightly toasted sweet tang. Lower bitterness to this, with plenty of spice and dryness lingering on the palate for a good long while. The mouthfeel is light bodied, with a very smooth and easygoing nature to it, yet this still stays fairly crisp and lively in the mouth. That sub 5% ABV works just perfectly here.
It's no wonder that this is a popular summertime quaff. Flavorful, crisp, and very easy drinking, this is some refreshing stuff!
★ 967 characters
4.45/5 rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Cloudy, yellowish in color with a thick and foamy, bright white head that holds well and leaves some nice lace. Very nice, and somewhat unique, in appearance. The aroma is quite lemony with some gentle spice in the background. The body is light with a zesty carbonation that gives a pillowy soft mouthfeel. The flavor is sweetly malty and gently clovey. Very well balanced. It finishes gently, semi-dry, with a lightly mouth-coating malt and spice that leaves a tingle on the tongue. An exceptional, somewhat delicate, beer with alot of character that's refreshing and enjoyable.
★ 579 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Cloudy, yellowish in color with a thick and foamy, bright white head that holds well and leaves some nice lace. Very nice, and somewhat unique, in appearance. The aroma is quite lemony with some gentle spice in the background. The body is light with a zesty carbonation that gives a pillowy soft mouthfeel. The flavor is sweetly malty and gently clovey. Very well balanced. It finishes gently, semi-dry, with a lightly mouth-coating malt and spice that leaves a tingle on the tongue. An exceptional, somewhat delicate, beer with alot of character that's refreshing and enjoyable.
★ 579 characters
3.58/5 rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Lovely clouds of foam in the Gulpener tulip. Golden and hazy. Sheets of lacing. Big creamy mouthfeel is much of the pleasure of this stuff.
This is really sweet. I suppose someone could be forgiven for thinking this was some kind of Hefeweizen. Moderately yeasty, but there is virtually none of the Belgian dry and bitter finish. Tangy and fragrant with spice.
As a Anheuser-Busch InBev product, this is well made, though I could not detect any sediment in the 12 oz bottle. Plenty drinkable, though I imagine the atmosphere of a tavern in Europe would do this a lot of good. Another oldie I"ve never managed to review. On sale for five bucks a sixer at a grocery store in northern Washington.
★ 695 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Lovely clouds of foam in the Gulpener tulip. Golden and hazy. Sheets of lacing. Big creamy mouthfeel is much of the pleasure of this stuff.
This is really sweet. I suppose someone could be forgiven for thinking this was some kind of Hefeweizen. Moderately yeasty, but there is virtually none of the Belgian dry and bitter finish. Tangy and fragrant with spice.
As a Anheuser-Busch InBev product, this is well made, though I could not detect any sediment in the 12 oz bottle. Plenty drinkable, though I imagine the atmosphere of a tavern in Europe would do this a lot of good. Another oldie I"ve never managed to review. On sale for five bucks a sixer at a grocery store in northern Washington.
★ 695 characters
3.97/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Blurry, almost milky, pale straw that is as clear as a bell when viewed through direct sunlight. Indirect light truly does give it a 'white' look. The head is white as well: bright, bleached white devoid of even a hint of color. It's also impressively large after the pour, although its inherent softness keeps it from maintaining its size for long. It also prevents much lace from sticking to the glass.
The nose is wonderful, with all of the witbier essentials. You have your sweet orange zestiness, your spicy coriander and your tangy wheatiness that holds it all together and binds it up into a neat little package. It could be a mite stronger, but it's still pretty snazzy.
Hoegaarden is a good wit, not a great one. As in the nose, everything that should be present is present (more or less), but nothing really stands out and demands to be noticed. Coriander is probably the most prominent. Orange peel is now in the background, despite the fact that I'd prefer it to be in the foreground. Subtle is the operative word here.
The beer isn't all that sweet, it isn't hoppy bitter and it isn't wheaty sour. I guess that means it's balanced. The finish leans toward dry without even approaching arid. The same spunky carbonation that created the massive head keeps the mouthfeel hoppin' and is a good fit for the beer as a whole.
Hoegaarden ('The Original Belgian White Beer' according to the label) isn't the best of this style that I've ever tasted, but it's pretty good all the same. While it's a little too laid back for me, I did enjoy all twelve ounces.
★ 1,574 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Blurry, almost milky, pale straw that is as clear as a bell when viewed through direct sunlight. Indirect light truly does give it a 'white' look. The head is white as well: bright, bleached white devoid of even a hint of color. It's also impressively large after the pour, although its inherent softness keeps it from maintaining its size for long. It also prevents much lace from sticking to the glass.
The nose is wonderful, with all of the witbier essentials. You have your sweet orange zestiness, your spicy coriander and your tangy wheatiness that holds it all together and binds it up into a neat little package. It could be a mite stronger, but it's still pretty snazzy.
Hoegaarden is a good wit, not a great one. As in the nose, everything that should be present is present (more or less), but nothing really stands out and demands to be noticed. Coriander is probably the most prominent. Orange peel is now in the background, despite the fact that I'd prefer it to be in the foreground. Subtle is the operative word here.
The beer isn't all that sweet, it isn't hoppy bitter and it isn't wheaty sour. I guess that means it's balanced. The finish leans toward dry without even approaching arid. The same spunky carbonation that created the massive head keeps the mouthfeel hoppin' and is a good fit for the beer as a whole.
Hoegaarden ('The Original Belgian White Beer' according to the label) isn't the best of this style that I've ever tasted, but it's pretty good all the same. While it's a little too laid back for me, I did enjoy all twelve ounces.
★ 1,574 characters
4/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
330 ml bottle into pint glass, best before 8/11/2014. Pours hazy golden straw color with a 2 finger dense and rocky white head with good retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Nice soapy lacing clings on the glass, with a moderate amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of lemon, pear, orange peel, light banana, coriander, clove, wheat, bread, herbal, grass, and yeast earthiness. Very nice aromas with good balance and complexity of fruity/earthy yeast, spice, and pale malt notes; with good strength. Taste of lemon, pear, orange peel, light banana, coriander, clove, wheat, bread, herbal, grass, and yeast earthiness. Minimal bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of lemon zest, pear, orange peel, light banana, coriander, clove, wheat, bread, herbal, grass, and yeast earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Very nice balance and complexity of fruity/earthy yeast, spice, and pale malt notes; with good robustness and zero cloying flavors after the finish. Medium carbonation and light-medium bodied; with a very smooth, crisp, and lightly bready mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is well hidden with no warming present after the finish as expected of 4.9%, Overall this is a damn nice witbier. All around well balanced and robust flavors of fruity/earthy yeast, spice, and pale malt; and very smooth and crisp to drink. A very enjoyable offering.
★ 1,375 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
330 ml bottle into pint glass, best before 8/11/2014. Pours hazy golden straw color with a 2 finger dense and rocky white head with good retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Nice soapy lacing clings on the glass, with a moderate amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of lemon, pear, orange peel, light banana, coriander, clove, wheat, bread, herbal, grass, and yeast earthiness. Very nice aromas with good balance and complexity of fruity/earthy yeast, spice, and pale malt notes; with good strength. Taste of lemon, pear, orange peel, light banana, coriander, clove, wheat, bread, herbal, grass, and yeast earthiness. Minimal bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of lemon zest, pear, orange peel, light banana, coriander, clove, wheat, bread, herbal, grass, and yeast earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Very nice balance and complexity of fruity/earthy yeast, spice, and pale malt notes; with good robustness and zero cloying flavors after the finish. Medium carbonation and light-medium bodied; with a very smooth, crisp, and lightly bready mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is well hidden with no warming present after the finish as expected of 4.9%, Overall this is a damn nice witbier. All around well balanced and robust flavors of fruity/earthy yeast, spice, and pale malt; and very smooth and crisp to drink. A very enjoyable offering.
★ 1,375 characters
3.3/5 rDev -14.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
Appearance: Pours a lightly hazed, pale yellow body with a fizzy, short-lived white head.
Smell: Fairly reserved aroma of malted wheat, lemon juice, coriander, and a faint, far-off yeastiness.
Taste: Doughy wheat flavor with a subtle sweetness. Sour lemons. Hint of coriander and a pinch of celery salt. Theres a light acidity on the quick finish.
Mouthfeel: Light-bodied. Light, fizzy carbonation.
Drinkability: A suitable witbier, but the flavors are so light as to bypass refreshing and wind up being bland.
★ 516 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
Appearance: Pours a lightly hazed, pale yellow body with a fizzy, short-lived white head.
Smell: Fairly reserved aroma of malted wheat, lemon juice, coriander, and a faint, far-off yeastiness.
Taste: Doughy wheat flavor with a subtle sweetness. Sour lemons. Hint of coriander and a pinch of celery salt. Theres a light acidity on the quick finish.
Mouthfeel: Light-bodied. Light, fizzy carbonation.
Drinkability: A suitable witbier, but the flavors are so light as to bypass refreshing and wind up being bland.
★ 516 characters
3.37/5 rDev -12.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3
Poured into my New Belgium Globe Glass. Best before 6-12-09.
Color is a really hazy dull yellow. Thin white head that fizzles down quickly. Little lace observed.
Smell is very fruit. Main smell is bananas. Taste is similiar, but there is more of a hoppy taste involved.
Mouthfeel isn't very pleasent. Starts out bitter and then eventually ends smooth after a while.
Overall, it is a decent brew for something so popular. I could probably enjoy this at a bar or have this for a session beer.
★ 494 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3
Poured into my New Belgium Globe Glass. Best before 6-12-09.
Color is a really hazy dull yellow. Thin white head that fizzles down quickly. Little lace observed.
Smell is very fruit. Main smell is bananas. Taste is similiar, but there is more of a hoppy taste involved.
Mouthfeel isn't very pleasent. Starts out bitter and then eventually ends smooth after a while.
Overall, it is a decent brew for something so popular. I could probably enjoy this at a bar or have this for a session beer.
★ 494 characters
4.32/5 rDev +12.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On-tap 2/8/07 at Cattail's Restaurant in East Providence, RI, served in a Becker pint glass.
A: The beer is a slightly cloudy and very light yellow color, with a thin white head that fades quickly and leaves a thin lace on the glass.
S: The aroma is very lemony along with some wheat and a little bit of hops and spice.
T: Flavors of lemon and wheat dominate the taste, but the flavors are not over powering. There is some clove spice mixed in and a faint bit of hops in the background. After-taste is mildly bready with a touch of sweetness.
M: Crisp and very smooth, light-to-medium body, medium-to-heavy carbonation, finish is clean.
D: Tasty, goes down very easily, not very filling at all, nice representation of style, I was at the restaurant for only about an hour and put away 3 pints. The only thing that would keep me from sticking with this beer for an evening would be that I might drink it too quickly.
★ 920 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On-tap 2/8/07 at Cattail's Restaurant in East Providence, RI, served in a Becker pint glass.
A: The beer is a slightly cloudy and very light yellow color, with a thin white head that fades quickly and leaves a thin lace on the glass.
S: The aroma is very lemony along with some wheat and a little bit of hops and spice.
T: Flavors of lemon and wheat dominate the taste, but the flavors are not over powering. There is some clove spice mixed in and a faint bit of hops in the background. After-taste is mildly bready with a touch of sweetness.
M: Crisp and very smooth, light-to-medium body, medium-to-heavy carbonation, finish is clean.
D: Tasty, goes down very easily, not very filling at all, nice representation of style, I was at the restaurant for only about an hour and put away 3 pints. The only thing that would keep me from sticking with this beer for an evening would be that I might drink it too quickly.
★ 920 characters
3.38/5 rDev -12%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
First had: on tap at Tuscan Tavern, Blackwood, NJ
A nice wit, that I guess is the standard for witbiers. If you're a Blue Moon drinker, try this instead, because it's better. Pour a hazy, pale yellow with a nice white head that retains rather well. Light wheat aroma with citrus notes. Light orange and lemon zest taste, with smooth bready malts that are somewhat overcome by the general wheat beer harshness; acidic, with a bitter aftertaste. Light body and easily drinkable.
★ 477 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
First had: on tap at Tuscan Tavern, Blackwood, NJ
A nice wit, that I guess is the standard for witbiers. If you're a Blue Moon drinker, try this instead, because it's better. Pour a hazy, pale yellow with a nice white head that retains rather well. Light wheat aroma with citrus notes. Light orange and lemon zest taste, with smooth bready malts that are somewhat overcome by the general wheat beer harshness; acidic, with a bitter aftertaste. Light body and easily drinkable.
★ 477 characters
Hoegaarden Original White Ale from Brouwerij van Hoegaarden
3.84
out of 5
based on 5,002 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Smells like a White beer, looks like it. Taste is some carbonation and some of that fruit. Also honey and citrus. Could be apple, grapefruit, even spearmint. Couldn't finish so it was good that it was popular with my mates. Would be refreshing summer ale. Had on-tap in March 2005 and was terrible, again in May 2005 and was marginal again.
★ 340 characters