St. Bernardus Witbier - Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV

Dukeofearl

California

4.4/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a cloudy horse-pee yellow with a surprise of yeast at the bottom. Some yeast got in the glass, but I avioded most of it. Vigorous carbonation keeps the yeast in suspension. A moderate white head collapses quickly into a thin covering of the beer. Aroma- very nice. Citrus (oranges and limes) and very fragrant blossoms. One of the best aromas I have ever smelled. Flavor- malty, grainy, bready beginning follows through to lemony yeasty earthy flavors. Some herbs/spices are present as well- the knids of things found on really good herb bread (whatever that is). A very drinkable beer, and one of the best of this style I have tried.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2004 00:08:02 | More by Dukeofearl

Skidz

Wisconsin

4.1/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours out almost completely clear and sits a hazy straw color in the glass. Small white head on tope that leaves a small skim after fading.

Smells of sweet malts and berries. Carrot cake came to mind. It's a sweet bready aroma mixed with citrus and figs. Nutmeg blending with alcohol produces a pumpkin pie/rum cake like subtlties. After warming, these aromas become increasingly intriguing. A very unique aroma for a Witbier.

Mild flavors hit your tongue; nothing to surprise or entice. Dry and lightly bitter with bitter orange and coriander. I can't help but be dissapointed with this flavor after having such a wonderful time with the aromas.

Smooth and clean in the mouth with mild carbonation that is simply refreshing. Unique nose, but blandish flavor. It still works for me.

Serving type: bottle

06-14-2004 05:53:57 | More by Skidz

Gueuzedude

Arizona

3.9/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a hazy straw color with a white head sitting atop the beer. An aroma of faint citrus, coriander, lemon, and an herbal spiciness are found in the nose. The beer itself is light bodied, and has a slightly acidic, refreshing character to it.. The taste has notes of lemon, grain, and a clean coriander note all mixed together. This is a fairly clean example with perhaps a hint of mustiness. This goes down as a simple, tasty, Summer refresher.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2004 22:05:31 | More by Gueuzedude

Wildman

Ohio

4.43/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

For some reason, we do not get this in Ohio. But on a vist to Michigan I finally found it. This beer poured a very cloudy yellow color and formed a foamy white head that retreated quickly coating the edges near the beer with lace. A large amount of carbonation is present. An aroma of corinander, citrus and bread. A flavor of citrus, corindar, and wheat/dough. The body is a bit sprite yet hints of the wheat in the beer. All in all, a refreshing wit.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2004 21:47:03 | More by Wildman

Trentonator

Kansas

4.5/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a cloudy yellow, leaves a nice bright white head and a good amount of lacing. Bubbles from the high carbonation were nice and active. Smell is quite good, there's a nice mix of orange peel, coriander, and wheatiness that is light and refreshing. Taste was exceptionally good, very flavorful, but still light on the palate and pleasant mouthfeel. An excellent summertime brew, albeit a bit pricey ($ 2.79 for a 12 oz. bottle).

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2004 22:39:48 | More by Trentonator

jvajda

Ohio

4.63/5  rDev +11%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Appearance: Two-finger head perched atop a dark yellow/light brown brew with big chunks of brown yeast dancing in carbination. A truly exceptional appearance.
Smell: Malty and fresh, this one made my mouth water.
Taste: Blissful! A healthy dose of malt begins this one, followed by light hops, wheat, orange peel, and coriander. The alcohol is non-existent. Talk about refreshing!
Mouthfeel: Well carbonated. The smooth maltiness blossoms in the mouth.
Drinkabilty: Super-refreshing and thirst quenching, this is the perfect warm-weather, everyday beer (if you can afford it).

Earthy and bold, yet still fresh and balanced, this witbier is near perfection in a bottle!

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2004 04:17:15 | More by jvajda

CRJMellor

Arkansas

3.78/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a hazy light amber with yellow and white highlights. No head or lace present.
Aroma of wheat, heavy grain and a light lemony hit.
Flavor was very heavy whet and grain flavor with some relatively spciy yeast and citurs lemon.
Mouthfeel was grainy and gritty to start and finished with a tingly, spicy sensation.
Drinkability was pretty good. Very refreshing. Heavy grain makes it somewhat one-dimensional but not bad overall.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2004 02:28:58 | More by CRJMellor

HiroProtagonist

Maryland

4.33/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

St. Bernardus Witbier was served from a 330ml bottle. In a Duvel tulip, this witbier was a soft and hazy peachy yellow color, and was topped by an erratic white head with good retention. The nose was quite a treat, with rich musky orange essence, and subtler notes of coriander and perhaps nutmeg. A beconing citric acidity pervaded thoughout. The taste was not as robust as I had hoped, but many excellent subtlties became apparent with some attention. The crisp, dry, orange-tinged wheaty-firm base quickly revealed a refreshing light acidity. This acidity carried with it a host of earthy spice notes...light coriander, orange peel, lime. These flavors were carried through the soft finish and lingered for several seconds afterwards. The body was silky yet light and frim, matching well with the crisp and refreshing nature of this beer. This witbier drank quite well due to the above propterties. Overall, a finely crafted and balanced witbier that aims to please with pleasant sublties rather than overt complexity and richness.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2004 06:43:54 | More by HiroProtagonist

WVbeergeek

Ohio

4.83/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Appearance: Golden orange cloudy hue with a pleasant off white creamy textured foamy head leaves behind thick evenly strung patches of lacing. Aroma: Sweet spicy notes flow through the air, swirling sharp malted wheat sweetness with peppery spice, coriander, cloves, and some juicy fruit tones not overly citrus but nice tones. Taste: Creamy uniform flavor with a bready sweentess, clove and spice finish with a touch of citrus and pear juice like tones, awesome. Mouthfeel: Light bodied very creamy texture, perfect carbonation levels. Drinkability: Amazingly good the best witbier I have tasted hands down, I fell in love could buy a case if the price was right.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2004 19:10:20 | More by WVbeergeek

nomad

Kansas

4.53/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Soft, pale, hazy, straw-yellow. Rocky, puffy head pops up right away, though fizzes and snaps down like Rice Crispies. Nice carbonation supporting underneath while sloppy string of lace and stain are about. Unfortunately, despite this full bill of hot looks, a lack of continuing carbonation let it slide into nothing fairly fast.

Smells of a thin, fluffy tart scent mingling with sweet lemon juice. Slowly creeping over is a sweet dough scent reminiscent of Angel-food cake. Also has notes of clove and coriander, but that sweet dough scent is strong and head spinning. Still very much a witbier, but different and nicely so.

The first most noticeable flavor is coriander and orange peel pricking the tongue with character, not a screaming braggadocio. Profile is bitingly acidic fruit and cutting wheat freshness that builds in grainy flavor and touch moving toward the end. This is the most impressive, as the wheat appears so well rounded and full of character. Thin mouthfeel but with that full body thanks to the quality wheat grains. My bottle could have used a little more carbonation.

So happy to see this new-find at my local store - not so happy with the import price, especially because I sucked it down so fast. Had a soft and careful touch with just enough witbier zip to it, making for a distinct beer amongst the competition, and an artisanal step up (or four) from Hoegaarden. Find this on tap and I'll be a fish in the sea.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2004 02:16:42 | More by nomad

TheLongBeachBum

California

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

Presentation: A 12 ounce bottle, just as the BA database picture shows, the label design is based on other beers in the St.Bernardus portfolio. The label has a metallic silver background with the familiar looking happy monk raising his chalice. Listed as 5.5%, with a Best Before ‘Phrase’ of End 2003.

Appearance: Once settled, this reminded me of a mix between a real Perry and a light Cider. The body of the beer is a hazy straw color that has a white head which sits atop and is never more, or less, than a thin covering that leaves some soapy lacing. During the pour though, the head builds furiously upwards as the dissolve carbonation rolls down into the beer. Light lacing remains as the beer is consumed; a slight tip of the glass also helps to dissociate more of the dissolved carbon dioxide which also helps to support the head throughout. Classic looks

Nose: Delicate malts with some yeasty hints mixed with a strong coriander, black pepper and a lemony zesty tingle, with some lime in the finish. This one has quite the enticing nose.

Taste: Talcum soft smooth wheaty malts. Oranges and Lemons with a Lime sharpness, the citric aspects are balanced and opposed by coriander, pepper and wheat. Had a little bit of a spearmint feel in the end sometimes? Overall, this is a very lemony witbier with a delicate but sharp bite to it that is nicely balanced by the spices.

Mouthfeel: Nicely poised, this one has the perfect body. The carbonation is solid but always smooth, and almost the gentle giant on the tongue. Captivating, it drinks well and feels perfect.

Drinkability: The little 12 ounce bottle of this new Wit was soon drained and sadly emptied. As much as I played with the empty bottle, the Beer Gods refused to magically refill it. Hmmm, that just means that I may have to get some more of this!

Overall: A real turn up for the books, the “new” Witbier/Biere Blanche from Sint Bernardus that I have not tried before. Like their other offerings, I was not disappointed. This is a very impressive and extremely drinkable classic version of the Belgium Witbier.

Well worth seeking out.
Oh and please, don’t put a f**king lemon in this one!!

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2004 04:12:11 | More by TheLongBeachBum

GCBrewingCo

North Carolina

4.7/5  rDev +12.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The beer poured hazy yellow to pale gold. The head was white and lasted to lace the glass.

The aroma was orange, citrus and coriander. Also present was soft round wheat aroma.

The flavor was subdued with a complex blend of orange and coriander that melded together in a very well accomplished balance. The soft wheat flavor is also present.

The finish was citrusy and well done. The body was medium.

11.2 ounce bottle.

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2004 01:35:14 | More by GCBrewingCo

ChimayMayDay

New Jersey

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

Knowing that Hoegaarden was my first Belgian experience and my first Wit experience, all others that follow will end up being compared to it in my mind, but I'll try and stay away from articulating those.

The pour is completely cloudy and orange/yellow, and the head is fizzy and white and eventually settles to a thin layer that stays with it all the way. The smell is difficult to explain. I didn't catch as much citrus or sweetness as I was expecting. I was getting more of the yeast and the spices.

The taste is clean, crisp, and sweeter than the smell. Refreshes thoroughly. I enjoy the malt. After I finished each sip, I wished that sip were longer. A very drinkable version of the style. Out of the bottle, I get no watery mouthfeel, which I am thankful for, and the aftertaste is minimal. If I were to compare this to Hoegaarden in the bottle, I would say this beats it. See, I still had to mention the Hoe.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2004 03:32:54 | More by ChimayMayDay

Gavage

New Jersey

4.1/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Pours a hazy pale ornage color with a thick 2 inch head. Light lacing developed through the drink. The aroma is mellower than some other witbiers, as some corinader and citrus tones are noticeable but not up front enough. The flavor is slightly tangy. Coriander, orange zest, light bitterness, and other spices are well balanced. Some yeast was also there but was barely detectable.

Mouthfeel is light and refreshing with a relatively clean aftertaste. Extremely drinkable as the flavors are not as overpowering as some other witbiers so several of these can be quaffed without getting tired of the style.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2004 21:14:55 | More by Gavage

Foxman

New Jersey

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

It pours a very cloudy pale yellow, almost bright like Mountain Dew, with a little white head that rapidly settles to spares nothingness. Some mild lacing slides away in no time.

At first whiff, a sour doughy yeastiness jousts with a fruit cup blend of orange, grapfruit, and banana. A peripheral sweetness dances roundly about the edge of the aura.

Upon sipping, a mellow sweetness of banana and citrus, bedecked with cloves, washes in. A biscuity grain undercurrent lurks beneath the initial flavor wave. A berry essence makes an especially brief cameo in the middle of things. A very understated doughy yeast sourness dwindles, then cedes ground totally to a distant dry, bitter finish.

It's light bodied, and feels round in the mouth, slipping in and away, but leaving its mark. A decent amount of carbonation cleans the tongue of any remarkable finish, which makes the memory of the fruit cocktail that much more poignant.

How does a distinctly German beer come off as tropical? Who cares, it does, and it's tasty! Fruity but never cloying, it refreshes and leaves a fun taste in your mouth. It dances playfully, but never forgets its beer roots. The carbonation and flavor make it not only drinkable, but demandingly so. It's a beer that grabs you, spins you around, and makes you smile. Not a thing in the world wrong with that.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2004 14:29:49 | More by Foxman

HappyHourHero

Indiana

4.2/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hazy, sunny wheat colored beer that you can't see through at all. Bright white head fades to a film. The aroma is incredible, but hard to describe. Citrus, coriander, zesty, tangy. I've never smelled anything like it. It's just awesome. Very light, clean, and smooth beer that tastes similar to the aroma. The taste is spring fresh (sounds like a soap commercial huh) Tangy, yet mellow lemon, maybe some peach, some coriander. Wasn't a big fan of witbier, but I like this one, and the smell is just incredible.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2004 05:07:13 | More by HappyHourHero

putnam

Michigan

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

potato-skin colored liquid (Schneider Weisse-like?)
Aromas are reminiscent of almond oil, milk and flowers.
Flavors are subtle with a dominant, dry pepper feature that subdues the fruit of banana, star fruit and melon.
The texture is generous and chewy.
Hard, dry, granite-like grip on the finish.
A little raw and rustic. Nothing is held back. Nice fundamentalist Wit bier.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2003 00:13:42 | More by putnam

RoyalT

Ohio

4.55/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance – Nice, light, hazy orange with a beautiful pure white head that went down slowly.

Smell – Terrific! The yeast is there, but not overpowering. The fruits lead off strongly with orange followed by melons, very light banana, light cherries, and a red apple. The spices are significant; mostly coriander and white pepper.

Taste – This is a heavy-hitting Witbier (if there’s such a thing). The orange, yeast, and spices from the nose combine for an extraordinary experience. This is my idea of an incredible Witbier flavor.

Mouthfeel – Big carbonation and medium-bodied, this one will fill your cheeks. It is the perfect example of big malt, primo carbonation, and smooth, fluffy character.

Drinkability – An amazing offering by this fabulous brewery. I think they hit the nail on the head. This is Witbier on steroids (or maybe nowadays, Viagra).

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2003 03:12:58 | More by RoyalT

DESTRO

Nevada

3.68/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

pours a nice deep cloudy yellow with a nice white lace. smells of light yeast with lemony overtones. lightly malty, slightly bready and def. lemony. very light with extremely lively carbonation. finishes crisp and dry. pretty damn drinkable and resfreshing, a bit expensive for 11 ounces, but one of the best wits ive ever had.

$1.99 for 11oz.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2003 03:38:54 | More by DESTRO

francisweizen

Australia

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

This brew was a wolrd-class wheat beer. Sampled at the Twickenham beer festival at the import-beer booth. This poured a nice white colour with an ample white colour. The aromas were heavily spicy, yeasty, sweet, and complex. The taste was the same as the aroma. The mouthfeel was crisp and lovely as was the drinkability....great stuff!

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2003 05:57:05 | More by francisweizen

Ave

Iowa

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

A magnificent example of the hefe style. Pours a cloudy satin gold yellow into the glass, a lush cascade churns up a respectable head of bright white fizzy fluff that hangs around decently well through the (short) life span of the pint. A noticeably Belgian nose of wheat & lemon translates very well to the tongue. A lightly yeasty malt profile with just enough tart finish to make you want more. A supremely drinkable beer by any measure.

Ave

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2003 00:39:30 | More by Ave

packetknife

Idaho

3.93/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Very hazy, very thick, pale yellow/orange colog. Off-white head, very foamy, heald the whole way down. Smells slighly musty, not overpowering. Sweet on the tip of the tongue quickly showing its spice across and on the finish. Lots of yeast. Not heavy, feels good, could use a couple.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2003 17:32:45 | More by packetknife

BierReise

Florida

3.65/5  rDev -12.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Not the best I've had of this style but not that bad overall. Cloudy gold ale with white head and minimal lacing. Big wheat aroma that's on the spicy side like a Hefe. Flavor is of malted wheat with a subtle hint of citrus. They do a better job with their Belgian Ales.

Serving type: bottle

10-13-2003 00:37:43 | More by BierReise

SheepNutz

Kentucky

4.1/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

11.2oz. bottle poured into a tulip-style glass. It pours a deep hazy yellow with two fingers of fluffy white head. There is a good amount of lace left on the glass. The smell is slightly yeasty with tiny hints of orange, lemon, and wheat on the nose. The taste is light citrus with fruity esters. Only a hint of hops and yeast in the finish. The mouthfeel is fairly smooth, very crisp. The drinkability is very good for this great summer session brew.

Serving type: bottle

10-07-2003 03:05:38 | More by SheepNutz

Bighuge

Minnesota

4.5/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This beer has low transparancy. One of the murkiest looking brews I've had. But fitting, yes. Dull gold color. Creamy eggshell colored head with good retention. Nice looking brew. This beer smells like the forest after a quick downpour. Fresh. Musty. Green. Earthy. Spices work nicely on the nose as well. Almost like a sweet orange curacoa and/or nutmeg. Taste reminds me of wet leaves. Musty and herbal. But also sweet and spicy. Sweet orange peel. Lemondrop. A little pepper. Yeasty and bready as well. WOW! The cacophony of flavors here works great. Mouthfeel is nicely carbonated. Body is about medium. Drinkability gets a 5. This beer lasted all of 5 minutes.
This one would challenge Gray's Witbier as my personal favorite.

I've been wanting to try this one for a while. And I thought I'd give it a go today on what might be our last 80+ day here in MN. Thanks Marc77.

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2003 01:20:16 | More by Bighuge