St. Bernardus Witbier - Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV

LambicKing

Virginia

4.22/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Belgian beer festival in Brussels Grand Place on 4 Sep 11. Served in St Bernardus chalice.

A: Poured a hazy straw yellow with 2 fingers of head with good retention and thick, clumpy lacing.

S: Just like a witbier should smell - nice and wheaty. Lots of orange and coriander in this one. Very fresh and refreshing smelling.

T: Crisp, light, coriander, orange, fresh wheat.

M: Slightly dry finish. Little to no coating.

O: Pure refreshment. A witbier done right...although Blanche de Namur remains my favorite in this style.

Serving type: on-tap

09-04-2011 22:31:22 | More by LambicKing

notchucknorris

California

4.18/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Toronados

A: Hazy straw color with a thin cap of white foam.

S: Lots of banana and wheat and a touch of clove. The banana doesn't smell artificial at all, which is nice.

T: Pear, banana and a big dose of cloves. The mouthfeel was a little thin for me, but the flavors were really great.

Serving type: on-tap

08-22-2011 16:44:39 | More by notchucknorris

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

4.6/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

First had: on tap at Monk's, Philly, PA

This is undoubtedly the smoothest and best witbier I've ever had. Poured into a chalice, a cloudy, pale, bronzed yellow-orange with a beautiful head of delicate white bubbles that retained pretty much throughout the session and left some nice lacing. Biscuity aroma, Belgian yeast, sugar and spice, and citrus zest. Very bready and earthy taste, and very complex and full-flavored for a witbier. Flavors of yeast, sugar, lemon, pear, banana, corriander, pepper, all wrapped in an incredibly smooth package that you just don't get from a typical wit. Probably the only wit that I've had that I'd call medium-bodied, with full flavor and rich texture, and definitely easily drinkable, but to be savored.

Serving type: on-tap

06-28-2011 11:29:53 | More by Rifugium

smakawhat

Maryland

3.93/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Poured on tap at Pizza Paradiso Dupont DC into a tulip glass.

Gorgeous uniform hard white head all foamy/soapy looking. Sits on a glowing orb of lemon yellow with gray hues, for a cloudy body. Leaves lots of sticky lacing while drinking and has lots of tiny carbs from the bottom hard to see though.

The first thing I get off this beer is a big grass, almost hoppy, and burnt clove sense. The nose finishes off with a little bit of lemon juice.

Taste is all light banana, some chewy wheat in the palate, with a a slow tasting finish of wet watered and clove sense in that order. The body seems a bit watery, but it's very balanced.

Overall though this really reminds me more of a Hefeweizen but it's almost like a cross hybrid, interesting. Easy drinking no problem.

Serving type: on-tap

06-20-2011 22:40:12 | More by smakawhat

jgasparine

Maryland

4.08/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A- Poured from the tap with 1/4" of white foam, with nice retention and gorgeous lacing. The body was a cloudy pale uncarbonated yellow color.

S- Faint wheat and other cereal grains comprise the bulk of the nose along with some faint notes of corriander.

T- Cereal grains really punch through on the palate along with some unanticipated esters, which are perceived as ripe banana and bubblegum. The corriander is now undetectable and the finish is a bit dry.

M- A nice medium, somewhat chewy body... chewiness seems to comes from unattenuated sugar and the wheat. The carbonation was silky soft. Impressive mouthfeel for a wit.

D- Goes down super smooth. Very hearty for a 5.5% ABV brew... and very drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

02-03-2010 03:14:19 | More by jgasparine

KickbacksSteve

Florida

4.58/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Kickbacks in Jax. Poured into a Unibroue tulip. Fluffy white head with interesting, soapy, sticky, sticky lacing. Aroma is of clove, banana and Belgian yeast. Taste follows suit and is smooth as a baby's bottom with absolutely no hint of alcohol. Brilliant, has to be one of the best wits in the world. Paired well with a gaggle of deviled eggs.

Serving type: on-tap

11-26-2009 23:28:42 | More by KickbacksSteve

Patrick999

Florida

3.85/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

You don't see too much St. Bernardus Wit in South Florida compared to St. B's other beers, so when I saw it on tap at Abraxas...

A - Poured into a dedicated glass an appropriate cloudy gold, decent head and retention.

S - Light banana-clove aroma.

T - Mostly a yeasty banana with a hint of sweetness. Seems "softer," less heavy on the coriander and/or citrus than other witbiers. Bananas and light rum.

F - Just a little too soft for my complete liking. Think I'd like this one a little more spiky.

D - A good, drinkable wit, but I think I prefer them sharper and more spicy.

Serving type: on-tap

05-10-2009 17:33:01 | More by Patrick999

iuhoosier336

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A pretty great beer. Poured from the tap into a wheat glass. Small head but it lasts with nice lacing on the glass. The color is a hazy and cloudy orangish yellow. The mouthfeel is great, good carbonation that lasts.

Taste is great as well, light and citrusy this is a beer I feel like I could drink all day.

Serving type: on-tap

04-18-2009 21:05:55 | More by iuhoosier336

soupyman10

District of Columbia

3.88/5  rDev -7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this on tap at Pizza-P's, one of the few well-known wits I haven't yet tried. Honestly, I wasn't impressed. Poured a light yellow color with fairly weak white head and no real lacing. Nose was light citrus fruitiness. Flavor was similar, fairly mild citrus and a touch of wheat. Body is nice, with busy fun carbonation. Overall, it's a good example of the style, but lacks the punch of some of my favorite wits. Given the price, I probably wouldn't get this again in the face of most other wits (give me a Hoegarden (sp?) any day).

Birreria Paradiso/$8.50/Goblet

Serving type: on-tap

04-11-2009 18:45:41 | More by soupyman10

whitehouse50

New Jersey

4.3/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Had this on tap at Andy's in a pint glass. Pours a lite hazy yellow color with a small white head.

Aromas of lemons, maybe bananas, hints of tartness with a little bite to it.

On the first sip I can taste a slight fruity sweetness with a little tartness in it similar to the aroma. Overall its not overpowering, it's a solid wheat beer nothing more nothing less. A perfect example.

M & D is very nice. This is medium bodied and goes down very smooth. I could sit and drink this all day during the summer.

Serving type: on-tap

03-26-2009 13:14:28 | More by whitehouse50

Halcyondays

California

3.63/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at the Beachwood BBQ,

A: Pours a cloudy dark yellow, seems a shade darker than an average white beer. Small white head leaving extensive lacing.

S: Orange peel tends to dominate the sweet smell, rose petals, hint of pepper.

T: Contradictory to the smell, the taste is much more yeasty and bitter. Coriander and pepper is quite evident, similar to Allagash White. A solid flavour and true to style though I like my wits a bit sweeter with orange or sugar.

M: Soft mouthfeel with a strong bite of carbonation. Light-bodied, mild acidity.

D: A good wit from the St. Bernardus guys. Pricey for what it is, but a beer I could definitely have again. Quite easy to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

12-11-2008 00:24:54 | More by Halcyondays

Hojaminbag

Colorado

4.5/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Cloudy yellow body with a big creamy white head. Good retention, some nice lacing left on the glass.

Smells of lemon and coriander.

Some nice pale malt with tons of lemon and coriander. Spicy, citrusy, well-balanced. A great witbier.

A fairly thick, creamy body.

Really drinkable beer.

Serving type: on-tap

08-29-2008 18:50:45 | More by Hojaminbag

ljbrisson

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Monk's in Philadelphia. Poured into a St. Bernardus glass which looked like a miniature weizen glass. Finger-wide white head shrank quickly to a cap and left little recognizable lacing. Color was a pretty, opaque yellow.

Aroma was of citrus, spice (clove, coriander?), fruit. Taste was yeast, citrus, apple, and lots of spiciness. Mouthfeel was good - carbonation was balanced well with a light body, yet the beer felt solid, not watery. There was no bitter finish that I have been accustomed to from recent beer tasting. Overall this was a great beer to start the night with.

Serving type: on-tap

08-20-2008 13:18:22 | More by ljbrisson

bonbini26

New Jersey

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

On Tap @ monks cafe 08/15/2008

Such a well balanced Wit beer. A bit of orange in nose and taste. Medium body from the wheat. Coriander is very well integrated into flavor - not overwhelming like most versions. A lot better mouthfeel and flavor than hoegarrden. Very drinkable

Serving type: on-tap

08-18-2008 15:04:03 | More by bonbini26

TheMistler

District of Columbia

4.3/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Draft, pouring exceptionally cloudy yellow settling to a slightly hazy gold. A touch of white, bubbly head disappeared nearly as soon as it reached the top.

Smells of a spiced maple-banana bread. A potpourri, adding some citrus zest and other spices to the sweet bready base.

Well rounded. A full-bodied, bready and chewy beer that tasted initially of banana and clove and a bit of nutty brown sugar. All that yeasty goodness is complimented by the clove and coriander and spices and the beer finishes very crisply and refreshingly.

Serving type: on-tap

08-05-2008 22:47:07 | More by TheMistler

DoubleJ

California

4.18/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at Back Abbey, on to the beer:

A creamy and bubbly head rests on top this morning sunrise colored beer. Body is mildly cloudy. It's a soft beer to the nose and palate; spices are minor and melded in nicely to the fruity taste of orange and pear. Hints of yeast too. Light on the palate with low carbonation; a good choice for a warm summer day.

Serving type: on-tap

07-11-2008 01:45:33 | More by DoubleJ

rtratzlaff

North Carolina

4.75/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Poured into a shaped St. Bernardus glass.
A cloudy light peach hues with a small but decent white head. Decent lacing.

Smells are citrus fruit, lemon, coriander, banana, very very pleasing smell.

Taste is full and amazing. Nothing plays its part too loudly, but all the flavor profiles which match the nose, blend in perfect harmonious song. This is the best flavor for a hot summer day. Very crisp and refreshing while providing a ton of flavor. Mouthfeel is medium. Good carbonation.

Man, what a great, easy drinking beer.

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2008 20:01:11 | More by rtratzlaff

beerbutcher

Maine

4.15/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

beautiful, on tap at the bear in portland.

one finger bright white, ultrafine head over a very hazy pale gold beer.

aromas are sweet and slightly vanilla, with usual banana, and clove. more on the fruity side.

taste, rich and delish. aromas carry over to the palate, with a slight lactic tang on the finish.

mouthfeel is the best part. probably one of the most viscous witbiers i've had. just lush, the acidity holds it together. a treat, with fluffy carbonation.

all in all, lush and delicious. one of my favorites. there's a nice amount of spice and richness. full but not heavy. love the acid finish, refreshing drink for a patio.

Serving type: on-tap

04-28-2008 18:38:55 | More by beerbutcher

PhillyStyle

Georgia

4.88/5  rDev +17%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Arrived in a pint glass with about a 1 finger head. The appearance is classic witbier...I found the color to be a hazy yellow and almost a little orange, but that could have been the light in the restaurant.

The smell was distinct: lemon, orange and yeast

I have yet to find a beer that tastes or feels better. It is very smooth to drink, full-bodied, full-flavored, heavy and creamy, yet I also found it somewhat sweet. The aroma really came through on my palate.

I ordered it with pizza one night and really wanted to savor it, bit it is so smooth and refreshing that I finished long before the pizza and had to order a second. This is one of the best beers that I have had and order it or buy it when possible.

Serving type: on-tap

04-14-2008 18:58:49 | More by PhillyStyle

illidurit

California

4.3/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at The Red in Santa Cruz. Peachy lemon in color with a big white head that leaves fantastic Belgian lacing. The foam never seems to die down to the liquid.

Aroma is spicy and citrusy: coriander and lemon respectively. Classic.

Flavor is pretty much unrivaled in the witbier world. Not a touch of wateriness yet still so refreshing. Tangy lemon with a sweet wheat maltiness, accented by coriander and clove.

Mouthfeel is unreally smooth from the wheat. A bit too full-flavored to be supremely drinkable like some of the lighter versions of the style out there, but this is quite easily the best as far as overall quality.

Serving type: on-tap

03-31-2008 08:47:30 | More by illidurit

errantnight

California

4.3/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I have to admit to enjoying this more in my little sampler at Stone 11th than I did at Lucky Baldwin's.... but daaamn is it a delicious easy drinker.

Pours hazy and gold, slightly cloudy, with a rich, if thin, head, with lil clumps o' bubbles sticking around the whole way. Nice lacing.

Tastes vaguely lemony, bready, perfect balance of wheat malt... pleasantly dry.

Smooth, creamy, and light on the tongue with enough crispness on the back end to keep you reaching back for more. Perfect.

I know we should be scoring to style, so perhaps my tasting scores should be higher, and maybe someday I'll rethink/revisit this rating, but to me what really excels here is the way this drinks... even if its flavor profile is nothing more than "good."

Wish this was available in 6 packs instead of Hoegaarden.

Serving type: on-tap

09-27-2007 03:22:46 | More by errantnight

sstackho

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -10.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On draft at Sunset Grill in Allston, MA. Pours very pale and cloudy with no head. Rich wheaty aroma. Nice wheat flavour that gets more interesting as it developes. This one started off not very strong, but seems to grow in stature as it goes down. Nice.

Serving type: on-tap

08-30-2007 04:19:55 | More by sstackho

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.47/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

On-tap 8/26/07 at Track 84 in Warwick, RI, served in an over-sized wine glass.

A: The beer is a light yellow color, with a large white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is of Belgian yeast, lemon and spices.

T: The taste is very well-balanced with flavors of lemon, coriander, light malts and strong Belgian yeast. There is a very mild hops presence but it is not necessarily missed. The after-taste is slightly bready and a little sweet.

M: Crisp and very smooth, light body, medium carbonation, clean finish.

D: Very tasty, goes down quite easily, not filling at all, excellent representation of style and one of the best Witbiers that I have had, it is a nice beer to drink a lot of in an evening.

Serving type: on-tap

08-27-2007 16:01:21 | More by TheManiacalOne

mrasskicktastic

New Jersey

3.4/5  rDev -18.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Cloudy white brew with a peach tint. Small foamy head with dense smatterings of lacing.

S - Fragrant flowers, strawberries, pineapples and oranges.

T - A light malt, some floral flavor and a bitter finish.

M - High carbonation, astringent, a little refreshing.

D - Okay. Not terribly worth the effort. If you are a fan of St. Bernardus's other offerings (I am not), then this might be enjoyed more.

Serving type: on-tap

08-03-2007 16:21:53 | More by mrasskicktastic

Billolick

New York

4.03/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I was glad to find this one on tap at the new lower NYC spot, Villedge Public House. Poured cloudy light staw. Leaves classy looking Belgian lacing, left behind from the light fluffy white head. Nose is of powdered sugar and wheat. This a fruity, slightly sweet beer,"creamcicle" notes, light spice, more fresh fruit. Tasty and refreshing, nice to enjoy fresh on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

10-01-2006 16:33:01 | More by Billolick