Blanche De Bruxelles / Manneken Pis Belgian White - Brasserie Lefèbvre SA

BeaBeerWife

Michigan

5/5  rDev +34%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A 24k gold beer in this chicks book. A smooth Belgium unfiltered wheat. Add a lemon or not, still great. Probably hard to find, but worth trying to find. Previous favorite was Hoogaerden. There are probably some even better Belgium wits but can't say enough good things about this one.

Serving type: on-tap

12-22-2007 19:17:32 | More by BeaBeerWife

Ryanm1

Pennsylvania

4.88/5  rDev +30.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Selection coming from a bottle chilled.

Crisp Belgian White where the taste exhibits the standard wheat beer flavors such as orange peel and coriander.

Light in color, like that of a pinot grigio. Light in taste as well. Moderately cloudy. Refreshing in taste.

Moderate in alcohol content. Excellent choice for those that love wheat beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2010 21:12:50 | More by Ryanm1

kaiserjulio

4.84/5  rDev +29.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

I love beer, i got to know the bartenders pretty well at my go to pub and one of them suggested Blanche to me...I immediately fell in love...hands down my favorite beer. No matter what time of year hot or cold climate...i've only ever had this beer on tap but would love to try it other ways...I highly suggest also trying this beer with a shot of a Strawberry Lambic...sooo good!!!!

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2013 00:30:07 | More by kaiserjulio

malty

Michigan

4.65/5  rDev +24.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Very fresh (this being THE KEY) 11.2 oz. brown bottle poured into my Lion tulip glass with a bit of the bottom dwelling yeast for good measure.

The color is spot-on cloudy murky yellow (similar to homemade lemonade) with a bright white 1 1/2" creamy dense head. Body too cloudy to spot any carbonation. Gorgeous thick rings and droplets of white clinging lace all the way down.

A few swirls of this lovely delicate stemmed glass emits a sour lemon citrus rind scent. Trying to detect something sweet, but I can't - soft, sour & yeasty in bountiful amounts. A couple more swirls proves this gem is going to be very quenching and lively...let's hope.

Just as I hoped...very soft and yeasty with a boatload of refreshing sour notes that don't overpower, but rather refresh and revive the mouth, body and spirit. The coriander is well placed and the orange peel is noticeably polite and unassuming. A nice touch of sweetness that adds dimension to the flavor experience, but doesn't detract from the overall character of this refreshing ale. There's not really any 'funk' in this sour(ish) wit bier as I was curious it might be. The flavors all dance playfully together like a small tight nit group of friends, without any hoopla or fanfare.

Mouthfeel is superb. Like any Belgian Wit worth its salt, it's very soft, fluffy and gentle with a superfine kinetic carbonation level that's just perfect. The medium body (because of the wonderful wheat malt and yeast) holds the fresh flavors together masterfully, but let's them fade away clean, making one eager to gulp once again.

Drinkability is also spectacular. The lovely soft & sour notes work so well together, I can't imagine a time or circumstance where I wouldn't welcome this likeable ale.

Overall a wonderful, gentle and lively Wit that I'm glad to be reunited with (formerly Mannekin Pis). So soft and lovely. So welcoming and playful. Its clean and upbeat flavors can either be stretched and savored, or quaffed and gulped. Whatever your pace or speed, this ale's got something for everybody. I very much feel 'at home' with this beer. OK, now I'm REALLY ready for spring!

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2008 01:39:32 | More by malty

willPS21

West Virginia

4.55/5  rDev +22%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

After seeing a bunch of negative reviews, I felt obliged to offset with my opinion. I liked it very much for the very reason many didn't: it is an absolutely unoffensive, bland, lightly spiced, lightly bodied carbonated drink (known as beer). Liking whites like Allagash and Hoegaarden, I know very well my threshold of tolerance before before being somewhat overwhelmed/perturbed by the spicing and fruit zest. It's like, 5. And after you hit the limit, I think the threshold goes down. This beer though, i feel like I could drink 8 without hating it by the end, or just drinking to drink. Also notable: I like the color. A nice golden haze, classic. Keep it away from children because in a glass it looks quite potable as a fluid. I think a caveman, given a choice between this and almost any other beer, would surely pick the Blanche.

The presentation of the lemon in this beer is the best I've had. It makes the beer have a refreshing quality, and it's fantastic for throwing in the middle of a beer session in between heavy stouts/tripels, a real palate cleanser. If you're looking for a beer thats "refreshing", where do you turn? Coors light? Ugh. No. Every other refreshing beer has distinctive flaws. Try Blanche de Bruxelles.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2010 01:06:02 | More by willPS21

NODAK

Tennessee

4.53/5  rDev +21.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Smell is of wheat, coriander and citrus. Rather tart for style, not much in the way of sweetness detected.

The taste has definite notes of orange in it, as well as a very good dose of coriander in it. The amount of spice in this is among the higher amount I've had in a wit. For me, this is very welcomed and delicious. A little bit of citrus shows up on the finish. Hops are absent. Carbonation is noticeably pretty high.

I love wits, and this one does it right. Love the orange, and really love the high amounts of coriander. This is one of the best I've had.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2011 04:24:57 | More by NODAK

cwcolby74

Indiana

4.53/5  rDev +21.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

First tried this on tap at Cooper Tavern in Madison, WI, and searched a long time to find it in bottle. Finally did so at a shop in Indianapolis. I was interested to see how it tasted bottled vs. on tap (ie less fresh, assumably).

Poured in a New Glarus weizen glass three days after purchase. The bottle, 1 pt, 9.4 oz., was corked, not capped.

App. - Pours light yellow, almost straw, with solid but not excessive carbonation. Leaves a thick head greater than an inch and a half wide, with moderate lacing as it recedes. Beer is cloudy in appearance, as a witbier should look.

Smell - Heavy coriander and light orange smell, with a touch of unidentified spices. Together it all gives it a nice but not overpowering nose. The whole presentation and smell make me want to drink it now.

Taste - Incredibly smooth, not overly citrusy. It has a mild yeast and wheat profile, but not anything I'd notice much. A tremendous fit for a witbier, which usually tend to leave me unimpressed because they seem so bland. I drank it without a lemon wedge, but have done so in the past and found it really superfluous.

Mouth - Good carbonation but not something I notice in abundance. It has a light, airy quality that leaves a mild aftertaste. I'd like that to be a bit stronger with this beer, perhaps with a tad more toned-up profile to the spices.

Drinkability - I like this beer a lot. It's a lighter, more refreshing take on a witbier than anything else I've tried. This tasted fresh and delicious.

It's not a beer with a lot of sizzle. Hop-heads should look elsewhere. But this does what a beer should - it satisfies and leaves me wanting more.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2011 01:22:01 | More by cwcolby74

hustlesworth

Ohio

4.45/5  rDev +19.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A- big expanding snow white head over a gorgeous hazy lemon juice colored body. high wheat content is apparant in the foam stability and retention. it builds high over the rim of the and wiggles like jello. some drips and spots of lace cling elegantly to the small weizen glass.

S- pleasant wheat aroma with some hints of bubblegum yeast and coriander. a bit of citric tartness lies in the background. a bit of banana and white pepper spice as well as mineral water. a very fresh and quiet overall smell. smells light and refreshing.

T- excellent balance between sweet/tart/malty with one of the cleanest finishes in memory. a bit lemony with delicate malt sweetness and fleeting coriander vapors sensed from the palate through the sinuses. not spicy or overly spiced, these are subtle flavors which play nicely with one another, having no joust for dominance. if there were a rumble however, phenolic bubblegum and banana flavors would most likely come out on top with unmalted wheat as a runner up. curacao orange lends a far off citric brightness, but not actual orange flavor, which for me is a good thing. ultra clean finish leaves nothing but the faint taste of white bread crust.

MF- slick and silky, perfectly carbonated with tight bubbles and clean on the palate and lips. light thirst quenching body. everything i'm lookin for when the mercury begins to rise.

D- a delightful offering welcomed at a time when blue moon is seeing a surge in popularity around here thanks to some artsy new television commercials. that's ok. this beer doesn't need an orange to enhance or accentuate it's flavor. it doesn't need viagra either. it's soft and timid and fantastically drinkable with a cool summery dryness. lovely brew all around.

Serving type: bottle

06-14-2010 03:45:35 | More by hustlesworth

Northsider

Illinois

4.45/5  rDev +19.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Fork Chicago.

This is one of my wife's favorites, in that it's low abv and very low on bitterness. Appearance is the cloudy yellow you see usually in unfiltered hefes. Nice THICK white head. Smell is VERY fruity and yeasty. The taste follows the smell and is of citrus and fruits, with nice wheat/yeast tastes. It's very light bodied and easy to drink...great session beer.

Overall a great beer here.

Serving type: on-tap

07-06-2011 13:34:41 | More by Northsider

flipper2gv

Quebec (Canada)

4.45/5  rDev +19.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: One of the palest beer I ever had. Very very pale yelow, with big white frothy head. Pretty good retention and lacing.

S: Somewhat reminiscent of "La Find du Monde". There is a good amount of green apple skin like tartness in this. There is also a good amount of coriander, cloves and pepper. Some fresh mint. Some orange juice. Very inviting.

T: Superbly juicy with lots of orange juice and green apple skin. Good coriander, cloves and pepper with the mint being still in there. I'd only add candi sugar to the list.

M: Very light feeling body with medium to strong carbonation. Very refreshing.

O: This might very well be the best witbier I ever had. I had this beer in the fridge for over 12 months, I don't know if it changed anything to the beer because it seems very awesome and the reviews seem to show it's more of a "meh" beer. Anyway...

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2012 03:17:27 | More by flipper2gv

Mortarforker

Texas

4.43/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Sat down with Sara and Landon at the flying saucer and tried this brew.

I would have to say this is my favorite of the Wit beers I've had here.The aroma of orange peel and spice was just right.I could honestly drink this all summer long.I would strongly suggest you give this brew a chance.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2008 19:48:02 | More by Mortarforker

RonaldTheriot

Louisiana

4.39/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Blanche de Bruxelles has an extremely thick, frothy, white head, lots of heavy lacing left behind on the glass, and a milky (or hazy), yellowish/gray-white appearance. When I swished the bottom contents of the bottle, I could see a gray cloud descending in the glass. Also, little tan chunks were visible, floating about the beer. The aroma is of pungent, sugary, bread, with just the slightest orange hint. Taste is of sugar, bread, a touch of coriander, a hint of orange peel, and essentially no bitterness. Mouthfeel is medium and fluffy, and Blanche de Bruxelles finishes semi-dry, sweet, and easy drinking. Overall, this is really good in the style, and I recommend it, especially for fans of wheat beers.

RJT

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2013 21:01:00 | More by RonaldTheriot

Bagman007

Texas

4.38/5  rDev +17.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served in a bottle in a pint glass with a lemon.

A- Pale yellow bubbly appearance.

S- Orange, wheat smell. Similar to that of a Blue Moon.

T- Very flavorful beer without being overpowering. I think a lemon really brings out the flavor in this beer. Not too sweet at all.

M- Smooth beer that isn't overly carbonated.

D- Very drinkable for this style of beer. Even if you aren't a fan of this style give it a try. It is excellent.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2009 01:51:21 | More by Bagman007

hbis2gut

New Hampshire

4.38/5  rDev +17.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this on a tap at Toronado in San Francisco.
This is an excellent wit. Cloudy as expected. The color was lighter than I expected and is misleading of the flavor to come. I was shocked at the amount of flavor from such a light beer. There's a complex and fruity character with a hint of almost rye character with some sweetness. The nose is inviting, but subtle. Lacy head stayed with the beer to the bottom of the glass. Soft and silky mouth-feel with an almost dessert wine appeal.

Serving type: on-tap

05-13-2010 18:27:17 | More by hbis2gut

lunarhowl

Texas

4.35/5  rDev +16.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Perfect for a witbier
Smell: Fragrant yet light
Taste: Smooth, mellow clove, vague citrus notes and an ever-so-light hint of vanilla.
Mouthfeel: Quenching yet surprisingly full by witbier standards.
Drinkability: Immensely

Notes: What Hoegaarden used to be...I recall drinking Hoegaarden for the first time in 1995 and it was a revelation. Over a decade later, Hoegaarden is a shadow of its former self, watery and insipid. Its downfall is well documented, but I reminisce because this beer reminds me of what was good and right about Hoegaarden back then. Its floral and light, yet has surprising, thirst quenching depth for the style. Tasted on tap at the Gingerman in Austin, TX.

Serving type: on-tap

04-25-2007 01:20:25 | More by lunarhowl

JimmyK77

Delaware

4.35/5  rDev +16.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer has been waiting for me in the back of the beer fridge for quite a while - almost a year I'd guess. I've had several aged wit beers and I think they defy the idea that only high alcohol or highly hopped beers age well.

Blache de Bruxelles pours out a very pale straw color with good carbonation and a thick head. Its aroma is dominated by the herbal lemon of coriander, followed by some bitter orange and spicy, raw wheat. The flavor follows the aroma. With strong coriander that is very pleasing, not obnoxious. Tart, spicy wheat and yeast in the background. As with other aged wit beers - malt, wheat, hops, and yeast flavors have greatly faded leaving the coriander and citrus to dominate the profile. These flavors appear to intensify over time, but though they demand your attention, they do not ruin the experience, but rather become the experience.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2009 13:41:02 | More by JimmyK77

m1ked

California

4.35/5  rDev +16.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Picked up a couple of belgian bottles for a tasting while watching the cards-pack playoff.

A- Pours a slightly hazy bright yellow with an impressive bright snow white pure foam head...so much so its almost as if you can't discern any bubbles. No streamers seen. Looks so refreshing...I just wish it was a hot summers day instead of the dead of winter.

S- A light sweet wheaty aroma with a tinge of vinegar, light spiciness, and subtle citrus.

T- The first thing I get is light orange peel and the subtle coriander that blends into light vinegar and sweet wheatiness.

M- Oh so light but with plenty of flavors. Light carb, and kind of of dry.

D- I love this style...I could drink this all day. Preferably on a beautiful warm summer day. Great beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2010 21:55:25 | More by m1ked

PorterLambic

Florida

4.35/5  rDev +16.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Arrives a cloudy pale white. Small white head.
Smell is intriguing with notes of malt, vanilla, banana and maybe bubblegum.
Taste is malt, vanilla, citrus, banana and wheat. Nicely balanced. Good complexity, too.
Smooth for a wit and a bit fuller, this is a good brew. Afteraste is a really nice, mellow fade from the taste, no surprises.

Serving type: on-tap

07-19-2012 19:00:45 | More by PorterLambic

edbeered

Minnesota

4.33/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

According to the label, this is a Belgian Wit beer brewed with orange peel and coriander. How can something that sounds so simple taste so good? This is the brewer's art. This pours an opaque yellow with a fine white head that dissipates quickly. The smell is faintly citrussy. The taste is wheaty with some orange and lemon notes. I found it to be well balanced and highly drinkeable. As good a wit as I've ever had.

Serving type: bottle

07-19-2007 13:28:46 | More by edbeered

eewhiz

Georgia

4.33/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer had a very bright yellow (but cloudy) color and slight lacing on the glass.

Notes were definitely lemon and coriander. Very clean finish...I enjoyed this beer, would make a great session beer...would recommend! if your're a Belgian White lover...

Serving type: on-tap

01-22-2009 19:01:52 | More by eewhiz

Gourmetcook

Florida

4.33/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A cloudy lemon color with a creamy thick white head. Served on draft in a cold pint glass Very slight undertones of corriander and sweet orange with a very robust tangy wheat flavor pushing through at the end. The beer is well balanced and has a nice smooth finish. I liked it because the herb and fruit tones were subtle compared to many of the witbiers and I really enjoyed the robust wheat flavor. I had mine with a slice of lemon which really seemed to being the corrainder taste out and enhanced the flavor.
On Tap at the new House of Brews.

Serving type: on-tap

10-26-2009 17:33:17 | More by Gourmetcook

rmolledo

Florida

4.33/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Hazy straw yellow with a giant soapy head. Intense Lacing.

S: Spicy Yeast Character. Citrus Fruit Essences. Peppery.

T: Deliciously Refreshing. Oranges and Lemons combined with a spicy tart finish makes this a thirst quencher. Black Pepper like finish.

MF: Highly Carbonated with a spicy sensation.

D: Perfect on a long hot day.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2010 21:50:43 | More by rmolledo

tubacharlie

Michigan

4.33/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A bright white head of substantial proportions tops this unrestrained pour. The beer is a faded, light lemon-yellow color of a uniformly hazy, translucent nature with a kind of whitewashed overall appearance.

Peppery aromas hit the nose, with a spicy scent similar to the taste of nasturtiums, enveloped in strong citrus notes of orange and grapefruit peel.

The sweet and sour quality of the flavor is accented with peppery coriander and just a hint of orange peel, with more grapefruit coming through and a short snap of hop bitterness after the swallow. The grassy, wheat infused essence of the brew is tempered in the mouth by ample carbonation and the slightly sweet citrus flavors.

A good summer standard, especially with fish.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2010 04:39:25 | More by tubacharlie

negroobserver

New York

4.33/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I've had this beer on tap and from the bottle. The bottle was terrible (skunky beer, i think). I drink it regularly on tap and it is remarkable. The color is a pale hazy yellow remeniscent of a wheat beer. The smell is floral and sweet. The taste is that of a nice summery hefewiezen. The carbonation is a little high, but it works well for the beer. The drinkability is very high. I love this beer on tap and drink it whenever I can find it.

GRADE (ON TAP): B+/A-
GRADE (BOTTLED): D

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2011 22:12:42 | More by negroobserver

plfahey

Minnesota

4.33/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz. bottle poured into a weissbier vase.

Appearance-Pale gold and cloudy with a gorgeous tall crop of snow-white foam on top. Head is super dense and looks like whipped cream with some lacing.

Aroma-Soft, herbal coriander, with no vegetal aromas blends seamlessly with a nice orange citrus aroma which is backed by a lemon note. Aroma is much fruitier than other witbiers, and almost exhibits a slight pear note. Background of white bread is sweet and pleasant.

Flavor-Pear and apple notes come through up front, with orange and lemon following. Coriander note is lighter, and comes through more on the back end of the palate. Bready wheat makes a quick showing up front, and reappears in the aftertaste, along with a touch of lemon and some herbal coriander notes. Finish is long and dry.

Mouthfeel-Medium light body, with extremely high, effervescent carbonation. Scrubs your palate clean. Excellent.

This is probably my favorite witbier, and is truly an exceptional beverage. The added fruitiness isn't exactly to style but it is pleasant nonetheless. My favorite thing about this beer compared with other members of the style is that it avoids vegetal coriander notes, which are common in most witbiers (but shouldn't be!). Delicious, refreshing, thirst-quenching, and near-perfect.

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2011 02:39:17 | More by plfahey