Belgian top-fermented wheat beer that appeared in the XNUMXth century and successfully ceased to exist in the middle of the XNUMXth. It has been restored and is now made by craft brewers and several major breweries. Belongs to the category of light and refreshing styles. Witbier can be spicy or sour, but these characteristics should be moderate. Blanche is drunk mostly young, as exposure does not benefit the taste and aroma of the drink.
In the bouquet, malt tones are felt, manifested by nuances of vanilla or honey, grain, spices, sourness, coriander, citruses. Hops can produce spicy-earthy, floral notes, but this profile is always in the background, never in the foreground.
Witbier is usually sweetish with sourness, hop bitterness, if present, is weak, the main feature of the taste is spices. The finish is dry.
The color of the ale is very light, only slightly yellow, slightly whitish due to the yeast cock. Forms a dense, stable foam in the glass. Blanche is drunk very easily, softly, leaving a creamy aftertaste on the tongue. This is a medium-bodied beer with a high carbonation, tart notes are prohibited by style standards.
The bill consists of equal parts unmalted wheat and pils, some producers may add a little bit of oats. Required ingredients: coriander, orange or orange zest. Depending on the manufacturer – other spices. The yeast is ale, enhancing the spicy profile. Sometimes malolactic fermentation is used.
The style is similar to the classic weissbier, but with the addition of spices.
Strength: 5.5-8.0%.
Density: initial 1.055-1.080, final 1.015-1.022.
Bitterness Index: 30-60 IBU.
Color: 8-22 SRM.