1001 BEERS: #36. HOEGAARDEN

 

# 36: HOEGAARDEN

Brouwerij Van Hoegaarden - Belgium (Est.1967)

4.9% ABV - Wit (Belgian) 
IBU's - 13

Ingredients:


Malts: Pale, Wheat, Oats (5%) 
Hops: Saaz (Unspecified)
Other: Curacao Orange Peel, Coriander

Tasting Notes

E: Pale yellow, with a cloudy haze, big foamy white head

N: Lots of pear drops, with a subtle aromas of banana esters.  Citrus / orange aromas are present with a hint of peppery spiciness.

P: The initial flavour is citrus with orange zesty tones, followed by a sprinkling of coriander.

M: Very insipid, almost watery, with a drying lingering aftertaste of coriander and cloves.

Other comments: First brewed in the 1960's by Pierre Celis (Celis White fame).  He wanted to reignite the Belgian Wheat (Wit) beer style that has existed since as early as the 15th century (hence the 1445 date on the label).  The town of Hoegaarden was to be the birth place of this re-birth, using all the classic flavours and ingredients such as orange peel and coriander which were once imported by Dutch seafarers in the early days. Hoegaarden follows those traditions with a 60/40 barley malt and unmalted wheat split in the brew, with spicy citrus aromas.

Food Pairings: Hoegaarden has lots of adjuncts to work with, as well as enough bitterness and acidity that it will cut through oily fish such as sardines.  Alternatively, utilise the spice and orange and complement a blood orange salad with a mild goats cheese, or simply enjoy as an aperitif!

SCORE: 3.1/5

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