Beer Galaxy
Witbier — The Belgian White Beer with Coriander and Orange
Witbier — literally “white beer” in Flemish — is the Belgian wheat-beer tradition, distinct from German Hefeweizen by its signature spicing. Brewed with unmalted wheat and flavoured with coriander and bitter orange peel, it nearly disappeared in the mid-20th century before being revived in 1966 by Pierre Celis, a Hoegaarden milkman, who brought this centuries-old style back into fashion. Today, Witbier is the most consumed white beer in the world.
Style characteristics
| Abv | 4.5% – 5.5% |
|---|---|
| Ibu | 8 – 20 (very soft) |
| Ebc | 4 – 8 (hazy straw yellow) |
| Appearance | Milky haze, dense white head |
| Grains | Unmalted wheat (50–60%), barley malt, sometimes oats |
| Signature_spices | Coriander, bitter orange peel (dried curaçao) |
| Serving_temperature | 4 – 7 °C |
| Glass | Tulip or balloon glass |
| Aromas | Coriander, citrus, orange blossom, soft yeast, lightly spicy |
Sub-styles
- Classic Witbier (Hoegaarden) The canonical style: Hoegaarden, Blanche de Bruxelles, Blanche de Namur (Du Bocq).
- Modern Belgian White Contemporary craft versions, sometimes with fruit additions or modern hopping.
- Fruit Wit Witbier infused with fruit (raspberry, peach, red berries), a modern trend.
- French Witbier French adaptation of the style, brewed by domestic microbreweries.
- White IPA (cousin) Witbier + IPA hybrid: modern hopping built on the traditional spiced base.
All Witbiers in our catalogue
5 beers in this family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Witbier?
A Witbier (“white beer” in Flemish) is a Belgian wheat beer traditionally brewed with unmalted wheat, coriander and bitter orange peel. It is recognisable by its very pale hazy colour, its softness and its spicy citrus notes. It is one of the emblematic beers of the Belgian brewing tradition.
What is the difference between Witbier and Hefeweizen?
Witbier is Belgian, uses unmalted wheat and is spiced with coriander + orange. Hefeweizen is German, uses malted wheat and contains no added spices — its banana and clove aromas come purely from the yeast. Visually, Witbier is paler and milkier, Hefeweizen more golden.
What are the origins of Witbier?
Witbier was born in the 15th century in the Hoegaarden region (Flemish Brabant). The style had nearly disappeared by the early 1950s when the last local brewery closed. In 1966, Pierre Celis, a Hoegaarden milkman, relaunched production at his Kluis brewery, reviving the style which went on to become world-famous.
Which Witbier should I try to discover the style?
Hoegaarden Original (the absolute reference), Blanche de Bruxelles (Lefebvre), Blanche de Namur (Du Bocq). For modern craft: Allagash White (USA — often considered to surpass the original), Hitachino Nest White Ale (Japan). In France, many microbreweries offer their own version.
What food pairs with a Witbier?
Witbier loves fish and seafood (mussels, oysters, ceviche), summer salads, fresh cheeses (goat, mozzarella) and mildly spiced cuisine (Thai, Vietnamese). Its softness and citrus profile contrast perfectly with these flavours.