Blanche De Namur - Brasserie Du Bocq

augustgarage

California

4/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had the pleasure of sampling this witbier in Amsterdam. It was served as a draught beer in a Blanche de Namur stange, and arrived with a moderate pale ivory head supported by a slightly cloudy straw colored body. Bringing it to my nose revealed a bit of coriander and orange peel, along with a hint of malt. The complexity disappears upon the taste buds, and is replaced by yeast, cream, and the faintest suggestion of citrus - a refreshing touch that brings me back to take a proper gulp. The mouthfeel is pillowy with neither excessive or insufficient carbonation, and very smooth. Wonderful on its own, but also versatile as a pallet cleanser in between samplings of more complex/forward beer styles or as a compliment to poultry or vegetable dishes. Overall, for me this is a real Hoegaarden killer!

Serving type: on-tap

05-19-2007 20:01:53 | More by augustgarage

Sigmund

Norway

4.1/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Draught in Aarhus, Denmark. Pale golden milky colour, low head. Typical witbier aroma and flavour of orange peel and coriander, but there’s also a sufficient base of wheat malts and hops to support it. Well balanced, smooth and very pleasant and refreshing to drink. Not a beer that pops up and says BOOH! - but a very nice one all the same.

Serving type: on-tap

08-03-2005 20:14:44 | More by Sigmund

truthbrew

Minnesota

3.78/5  rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Typical Witbier appearance, light yellow and hazy. Very light and spritzy in the mouth. Evident black pepper aroma. A bit too dry, lacks malt to balance the spicing. Some citrusy notes. Would be an excellent beer to enjoy on the beach in hot conditions.

Enjoyed on tap at Beer Weekend in Grand Place, Sept 4, 2004.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2004 18:33:18 | More by truthbrew

Misanthropy_Sipping

Nebraska

5/5  rDev +30.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Another startling rate for a startling beer. 86? Really? My palate is a strange one...

I really enjoy this, excellent summer beer! Well accomplished and interesting.

Pours a very beautiful cream white, to cream of wheat, to slightly hazy gold color. A beauty to look at in the glass. Lives up to the 'Blanche' in the name. It has a great white shade that I have rarely seen. Even in other witbiers I've not seen often! Has a lively white head and puts off wonderful smells.

Man... the smell of this beer is great! There is cream and dry wheat in the nose, a little earthy, dustiness with the wheat. It is intriguingly floral, I smell some sweet honey, sugar and vanilla as well. This smell really rises and is pronounced. You get a bit of the coriander and licorice as well... but just a bit. I think the licorice makes it smell a bit soapy, but there is something about that and the flower garden scent that gives it a huge shining depth.

This tastes great too, certainly VERY delicate through and through. Begins with a hint of lemon and then launches into the cream. There is a very interesting combination of cream and orange peel and wheat that occurs. Kind of dry when it reaches the middle. And then it cuts back with the coriander and finally just a pinch of licorice that calls from the back of the mouth. Really interesting and, as mentioned, really delicate.

Mouthfeel is pretty spot on for me. After a long hot spring/summer day. It is a bit dry but at the same time refreshing and interesting enough I am glad the whether is warming up and with this I am not missing the heavy hitters that I love so well on cold winter nights. It's pillowy and effervescent and just really clean. It is a bit tacky on the edges, but I kind of feel like that bit of coating is okay and right as it should be with the dryness in the beer.

This was a good decision... after almost two years since having it last, I'm glad I found another and did it again. The only thing is, now I am kicking myself for not buying at least one more bottle while I had the chance. Overall, a really great witbier.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 02:38:32 | More by Misanthropy_Sipping

ryan1788a5

Massachusetts

4.13/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

11.2oz bottle poured into a Unibroue chalice.

A: Hazy meringue color with an ultra-creamy three finger white head. Great retention. Lacing is foamy and clumpy. This is textbook for the style.

S: Highly aromatic and purfumey nose. Incense. Lemon zest, coriander, orange peel, black pepper, hints of black licorice, wheat. Slight chalky and spicy yeast.

T: Zesty citrus up front. Lemony, big rush of orange peel and coriander. Slight peppery bite. Wheaty tastes and chalky yeast provide a nice baseline. Spike of black licorice at the back end rides it out into a spicy finish.

M: Frothy, creamy mouthfeel. Light body. Ample prickling carbonation adds a refreshing bite and accentuates the spicy notes. Excellent feel.

O: This really hits the spot as a great summer quaff. There's more at play here than you'll find in the average witbier, and that extra spicy zing makes it that much more refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2013 19:37:30 | More by ryan1788a5

tonton

Hong Kong

4.45/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This is nice, noble wheat beer that can really make one appreciate the category to its fullest.

Poured from a 33cl bottle into a large burgundy wine glass - excellent for this brew.

Beautiful white head, hazy yellow brew with plenty of suspension.

The taste is clear and crisp for a wheat, not a lot of citrus, but what hits you is the beautiful effervescence, like a fine champagne. It doesn't seem like forced carbonation, and it fits the flavor perfectly, to provide a sharp mouth and a fine finish.

My favorite wheat beer so far.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2013 10:23:53 | More by tonton

LiquidAmber

Washington

3.9/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a Gulden Draak tulip. Pours a cloudy, almost milky, pale golden amber. Massive fine white head taking up half the glass with an easy pour. Amazing aromtatic aroma of light fruit, coriander, clove, wheat; floral. Flavor is more subdued, with floral light fruit, orange, Belgian yeast, wheat and Belgian spicing. Flavor is light, but leaves a pleasant aftertaste of spicy wheat and fruit juice. Light bodied, as expected, but nice peppery active carbonation. I kind of wanted as intense a flavor experience as the aroma, but very nice for a low ABV beer. Nicely made witbier I will try again.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2013 04:07:24 | More by LiquidAmber

superspak

Michigan

4.28/5  rDev +12%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750 ml bottle into tulip glass, best before 2/28/2014. Pours extremely hazy golden straw color with a nice 2-3 finger dense and fluffy bright white head with fantastic retention, that reduces to a nice cap that lasts. Thick foamy lacing clings around the glass, with a plenty of streaming carbonation. Aromas of lemon, pear, pepper, orange peel, coriander, clove, wheat, floral, light licorice, and yeast earthiness. Very nice aromas with good balance, strength, and complexity of spice and yeast notes. Taste of lemon, pear, pepper, clove, wheat, orange zest, coriander, floral, and yeast earthiness. Lingering notes of citrus, pear, pepper, clove, wheat, coriander, and yeast earthiness on the finish for a short bit. Fantastic balance and complexity of yeast fruitiness and spice; with a nice amount of flavor for 4.5%; and zero cloying flavors present after the finish as expected. Medium-high carbonation and light-medium bodied; with a lightly creamy, crisp, and very smooth mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with zero warming noticed after the finish. Overall this is a fantastic witbier! Great balance and complexity of fruity esters with spiciness; and extremely smooth to drink. A highly enjoyable offering.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2013 03:48:05 | More by superspak

MattSweatshirt

Texas

3.48/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Found this at a SPAR in Nantes.

Pours a hazy yellow with a thick persistent white foam.

Started sweeter but dissipated with a more coriander, wheat, citrus, funky hay and floral aromas. Very interesting and evolving.

The flavor is a little dull. Wheat, spice, citrus, but a big floral component. It seems like flower petals are in my mouth.

Based on the initial look I was expecting more carbonation. It's middle of the road with a light easy drinking body.

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2013 06:33:26 | More by MattSweatshirt

ForcaLodi

Italy

2.88/5  rDev -24.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

The color is a pale yellow topped by a copious, white foam with good persistence. Its aroma isn't very intense: fruity such as orange, yeast and spicy tones. The palate is immediately spiced, unfortunately attenuated by the second fermenatazione in the bottle, followed by hints of yeast and concludes with a final acidity that makes it extremely refreshing and drinkable, this quality is also helped by the slight body. A "classic" bier blanche.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2013 11:21:43 | More by ForcaLodi

Huffs

New York

3.48/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a tulip glass, nice white creamy head developed which dissipated quickly. Appearance was very hazy with a lemon / orange color. Aroma was strong of citrus, mostly lemon, with a slight sour note. Taste was light with hints of citrus and bread. Mouthfeel was more watery than creamy and had a mild aftertaste, also with hints of citrus.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2013 01:47:19 | More by Huffs

Liquoric3

Germany

3.66/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

A yellow golden colour with a big white head with small thin bubbles, which disappeard quite fast.

Smell is mostly lemon and citrus. I don`t get much spiciness or wheat compared to the Hoegaarden.

You get a little bit of the spiciness in the taste but again mostly lemon and citrus and some wheat. Mouthfeel is thin but not watery, light body. Really suited for a light summer beer. Somehow I prefer this one over the Hoegaarden, because it is less spicey and dry and has more citrus and lemon flavours.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2012 21:31:21 | More by Liquoric3

bark

Sweden

2.88/5  rDev -24.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

The colour is cool orange-yellow (10 EBC), the liquid is hazy. The high head is white and very airy. It sinks slowly leaving some lacing.

The smell is sweet and fruity with quite a lot of lemons. Almost like a lemonade. Some phelonic yeas flavours. Distinct notes of orange syrup.

The taste is not as sweet as the bouquet. Some wheat flour flavours, mild spicy-fruity notes of coriander, oranges and lemons. Low levels of wheat sourness. Medium body. The aftertaste is mild and sweet with wheat flavours, some fruity esters and a touch of yeast. Oranges and salt in the finish.

The carbonation is medium strong, the many small bubbles very fresh. The liquid is somewhat sticky with some flourness.

An OK summer beer. A bit too much orange flavours, though.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2012 20:09:49 | More by bark

rarbring

Sweden

3.03/5  rDev -20.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A clouded pale straw colored brew, a white high head that settles leaving good lacing but small curtains.

Smelling of yeast, spices, boiled asparagus and some lemon curd.

Starting with sweet dough, lemon marmalade, some spices, and boiled pork.

Medium carbonation, small bubbles, soft and slightly oily, a medium body.

A bit thin, but rather clean, sweet overtones.

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2012 18:20:22 | More by rarbring

Augustiner719

Connecticut

3.68/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Poured from a 25cl bottle into a tulip glass.

Pours a very yellow, very hazy color, sort of like a yellow starburst candy like color. Has almost a faint glow to it also. Huge 3 finger head that came out of nowhere but dwindled down very very fast. This is a bit more hazy than your typical wittier. The aroma is very lemony, lemon pith and zest, mixed with fresh cut grass and coriander seeds. Also has a very prominent yeasty bready quality to it that reminds me of german hefeweizens. Taste is very clean, crisp and finishes dry. Flavors of lemon peel, wheat malt, and some green grassy flavors come through. Super refreshing, a little simple and forgettable for me, but refreshing for sure. Overcarbonated for the style IMO but to each their own. Once this flattens out after its been in the glass for a while the flavors get lost and thin. I think the carbonation helps this beer out a lot, but for me there is too much carbonation. overall this is a solid choice especially on a hot sunny day. Great size to in the 25cl bottles. Really like this beer for a picnic or outdoor activity.

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2012 15:57:04 | More by Augustiner719

dansmcd

Australia

3.65/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - Massive foamy head and spotty lacing. Typical cloudy wit colour.

S - Yeast, wheat and a fairly heavy hit of coriander.

T - Sweet banana, yeast, herbal notes and coriander.

M - Creamy medium body, low carbonation.

O - Pretty solid wit, reasonably affordable and widely available.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2012 12:21:41 | More by dansmcd

crnipeter

Slovenia

3.55/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pale straw hazed body gets topped by enormous dense meringue-white head that lasts.
Intense aroma is pleasantly sweet with powerful zesty orange-like fruitiness, coriander, mild wheat and faint spiciness in the background.
Slightly tart flavor is dominated by coriander - perhaps overly so - and has an unpleasant soapy touch. Mouthfeel is crispy yet still retains creaminess of an unmalted wheat, finish is dry and lightly bitter in addition to the tartness.

Overall, a decent zesty Witbier with a bit overpowering coriander.
(330 ml, BB date 04-23-2013, into tulip.)

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2012 00:38:36 | More by crnipeter

Sunnanek

Sweden

4.47/5  rDev +17%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A: Pour is great, much darker than most; pale orange - murky. The white whipped-cream-like head is insanly tall, takes forever to set and leaves nice lacings. Me like!

S: Coriander, and loads of citric bitter notes - sezt. Ripe bananas from wheat, but not too sweet. Yeasty.

T: Again lots of citirc notes, but here the balance between citrus, spices and malt/wheat is much better. Bready. A faint candy-like sweetness, together with cherries.

M: Body is light and refreshing while carbonation is rich - just what you could expect. But the aftertaste is the best ever; long and bready with bitterness.

O: This is by far the best Witbier I've ever had. Man, I'm gonna by more!

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2011 19:04:15 | More by Sunnanek

skypup

Germany

4.22/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

One bottle purchased in Belgium.

.75L bottle served in my Saison duPont glass.

A- Slightly cloudy Deep Straw, about two ingers of head with mild retention and some patchy lacing.

S- Obvious yeast, very light hops, and distinct citrus/orange odor. Earthy herbs.

T- Complexity with tart yeast followed by a surge of bitter herbs and orange. Mellows relatively bitter, with some remntnat hops.

M- Mild body, a lot of carbonation.

D- I really enjoy this beer. This fits the "White beer" style right on the head. This is a beer that gives the impression that other witbeirs could be styled after it.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2011 17:14:32 | More by skypup

whiterabbit

Ohio

4.72/5  rDev +23.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured a light straw color, very light. Smell of citrus, maybe lemony, very light and nice. Flavor and taste had a lot going on for such a lightly colored offering. Definitely pleasant citrus, coriander....very good. Tasty brew, light, yet full flavored, very smooth and delicious. Darn good Belgian, would definitely recommend, a great summer beer. Wonderful and very refreshing on a hot day.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2011 00:32:09 | More by whiterabbit

OutFox

New York

3.6/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Corked and caged 750ml.

A - Poured into a Brother Thelonious glass. 'Straight no chaser' Pours a hazy light gold in color with a huge white head. Not all that great retention or lacing for as large as it was.

S - Smells a sort of musty spicey Belgian white. Hints or coriander, orange peal, an this sort of liquorice and things of that nature.

T - Tastes sort of musty. In a pleasant way though. Spices and things of that nature are prevalent. Good stuff.

M - A little watery I could have used a little for unfiltered characteristic.

O - Good beer. This was a gift from a friend. I told her to get something I hadn't had and this was it. Good beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2011 21:02:03 | More by OutFox

KDawg

Illinois

3.85/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

pours a nice light yellow color. The head disappears pretty fast.

Fairly lighter aromas of lemon peels, citrus', and some spice tones. Lighter feel but lacking a slight bit along with mostly lemon tones. Not the most complex wit, but nice and refreshing and pretty good overall

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2011 02:33:20 | More by KDawg

LambicKing

Virginia

4.43/5  rDev +16%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle purchased at Dranken Geers and poured into my Oud Zottegems glass.

A: Pours a pale golden yellow with 3 fingers of persistent snow-white head that finally dissipate to surfacing and solid lacing.

S: Lemony esters, orange zest, sweet wheat and heavy on the coriander. Smells very refreshing.

T: Just like it smells...love the coriander in this brew. Refreshing it is!

M: Very light...fairly wet finish. Not as much carbonation as I remember, wish there was a bit more. Perhaps because this bottle wasn't the freshest.

O: Not much to say except this is my favorite wit...followed closely by Celis White and Blanche of Bruxelles. I will buy this beer as often as I can find it. Can't think of a better summer brew (even though great IPAs come close).

Serving type: bottle

08-30-2011 21:38:01 | More by LambicKing

cagocubs

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from stubby brown 11.2 bottle into glass.

A: Pours a pale hazy gold, simple color with very little transparency. A nice 1 finger white bubbly head accompanies the pour and sticks around without clinging to the glass.

S: Citrus accompanied by a complex spice blend. You can nose coriander, orange/citrus, and slight licorice. Some wheat scent.

T: The spice blend, wheat, and citrus hit you up front. The most unique characteristic of this brew is the licorice that comes through mid taste and lingers on the palate.

M: Very crisp, to a point where it may be a little over-carbonated. Great mouth coating and drinkability.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2011 01:22:55 | More by cagocubs

Filosoof

Netherlands

2.65/5  rDev -30.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Strange to taste this beer, knowing about all the prices it has won, and not being impressed at all.

L: Very good, nice promising top;
S: I don't smell much. A little vanilla and citrus;
T: a real disappointment. I dont't taste anything but the far echo of real whitebeer; tastes like soda water (Spa Red).
M: too much carbonation; even more than Spa Red.

Maybe I served it too cold. Maybe something went wrong with the bottle. I'll try it another time. A big question mark. How could this Spa Red win prices?

Serving type: bottle

07-24-2011 20:15:42 | More by Filosoof