Hoegaarden Original White Ale - Brouwerij van Hoegaarden

jazzyjeff13

United Kingdom (England)

3.78/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

A 330ml bottle with a BB of March 2013. Picked up as part of a 4-pack from a supermarket. This is a Belgian classic that I've been meaning to review for ages (AB-Inbev ownership notwithstanding).

Poured into a straight pint glass - the closest thing I've got to the chunky Hoegaarden glass. Swirled to resuspend the yeast. A very hazy pale straw colour with low carbonation. Yields a massive head of creamy white foam that lasts for a while before subsiding to a surface layer. Aroma of light, grainy malt with notes of banana, coriander, orange peel, faint clove, earthy yeast esters and mild spice. Nicely balanced - it smells great.

Tastes of yeast esters with a subtle fruity/spicy character and a dry finish. Notes of banana, coriander, spice, orange peel, mild clove, earthy yeast and light malt. Slightly sweet. A mild finish upon swallowing - no bitterness to speak of. Mouthfeel is smooth, light and tingly, with faint spiciness and good body for the style. Undercarbonated and rather flat; I was hoping this would be spritzier. Slightly astringent, with an aftertaste of fruity yeast esters and spice.

Nice - a decent Belgian wit that I find to be highly drinkable. It looks good, and the aroma/flavour have well-judged notes of fruit and spice. Was expecting higher carbonation, but this is a fairly trivial point. It is possible that Hoegaarden has become somewhat muted through AB-Inbev ownership, but it still comes across as well crafted. Would be perfect on a hot day, and deserves to be sampled.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2013 22:21:30 | More by jazzyjeff13

FLima

Brazil

3.71/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Hazy pale yellow color. Made a nice thick head with medium retention.
Nice banana yeasty aroma and notes of herbs, wheat and citrus.
Zesty flavor with hints of coriander and orange peel. A bit dry, sour and condimented aftertaste.
Light body and good carbonation.
Reliable beer. I always like the fact that this beer is not overly sweet, flavorful and still refreshing. And now it is easily available in Brazil at a decent price given Ambev distribution.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2013 22:57:50 | More by FLima

kangarooAdam59

Pennsylvania

2.48/5  rDev -34.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 3

Into a pint glass:

A: pale yellow colored body leaving a decent sized white head

S: yeast up front but wasn't exactly balanced with the hops and malt

T: exactly the same as the smell, yet coming through in a bland way

M: medium with harshness pounding my tongue in every sort of way known to mankind, wow!

O: average for the style, but I never thought I'd ever come back to this, but it was free recently, so here's a better take on it since the last time I had it. I'm still not a fan.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2013 01:03:03 | More by kangarooAdam59

NovoAleMan

3.68/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

A: Pale yellow, one finger foam head. Almost lemonade like in appearance. I was not a big fan of it. 3.5/5

S: Lemony scent. Hoppy, but pleasant. Not bad. 4.25/5

Taste: Not a big fan of taste either. Up front, a bit watery, but hoppy. Lemon-y aftertaste however, which was decent. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Feels fizzy and foamy in mouth, but drinkable. Not swill, but not a rich, complex beer.

I feel this beer is a bit overrated.

3.5/5

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2013 20:36:29 | More by NovoAleMan

MickeyBeer

Illinois

3.24/5  rDev -15%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25

11.2 oz bottle poured into a pint glass

A- Pours a cloudy whitish yellow color with about one and a half fingers of frothy white head.

S- Smell is sweet and primarily of wheat and citrus.

T- Taste is wheaty and citrusy. More of a sweet citrus flavor like that of an orange. No real hop presence.

M- Light mouthfeel that is frothy and medium in carbonation. Leaves almost no aftertaste.

O- A tasty witbier that is smooth and refreshing. I enjoy having this beer in warm summer weather, but it's lack of complexity does not leave me craving more. I will certainly have it again, but not one of my go-to beers.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 22:36:24 | More by MickeyBeer

BeerDocT

Georgia

3.58/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into ye old chilled tulip.

Appearance 4.0: Pours out a hazy, opaque, whitish yellow. Large head (1/2") quickly fizzed down to pleasing foaminess on top.

Smell 3.75: Very nice bouquet. Yeasty, light with honey undertones and also some pleasing malt.

-Taste 3.5: Front is very slightly sweet with a middle that is washed out but strangely refreshing. Finish is juicy and refreshing, but almost has no real taste. Strange, but good.

-Mouthfeel 3.5: Complementary carbonation to the style and the taste.

-Overall 3.5: Good witbier. Nothing fantastic, but absolutely nothing wrong. This is a classic, and rightly so, but there are bigger and better wits and wheats out there to be had. Watch the price, though. A friend of mine picked up a six-pack of these at Publix and paid almost $10 for them, which is insane; you could buy a "brew your own" kit for wheats for $25 and make 50 or so beers that would taste as good as this Hoe.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2013 05:22:31 | More by BeerDocT

tviz33

New York

3.94/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Poured from a 330 mL bottle in to weizen glass.

A- Pours a slightly hazy, pale yellow body with nearly three fingers worth of fluffy white head.

S- Orange and lemon mostly, with a good bit a spice. I'm drooling.

T- Taste is mostly orange amongst other citrus flavors, as well wheat with a faint spiciness.

M- Very light and crisp. Plenty of carbonation.

O- This is extremely clean and refreshing. I wish I was drinking this on a hot summer day, but I could drink this anytime for some refreshment.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2013 02:32:33 | More by tviz33

Dodt

Pennsylvania

3.23/5  rDev -15.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

another one of the mix six beers i am going to review . a odd color reminds me of hazy pear or pineapple juice with a wispy head . a nice aroma of citrus and bananas. taste is typical to the style and is well balanced . it is a nice beer that for me would have been better on a warmer day . will have again.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2013 00:32:16 | More by Dodt

Treyliff

West Virginia

3.93/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A- pours a bright and pale, hazy yellow color with a foamy medium white head that reduces to a thin layer floating on top, with some short-lasting lace

S- crisp wheat with coriander and tart lemon. Some pepper and pear, a bit of skunk.

T- slightly tart citrus fruits with a hint if coriander and clove, mid palate provides a wheat crispness which is slightly peppery. Finish is bone dry with a fruit and citrus linger.

M- light bodied, medium carbonation, thick and chewy mouthfeel with a foamy-yet-dry finish, high drinkability

O- this one is highly drinkable and well balanced, would make a great summer time option. Mouthfeel was almost perfect.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 22:46:13 | More by Treyliff

Mxslms

3.6/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Drank from a bottle poured into a glass. Good appearance. A murky yellow color. Thick white head that lasted the entire drinking time. The smell is decent with a strong lemon and mild touch of banana. Mild carbonation with a smooth feel. Tastes like it smells. I agree with others that this would be a good ale to drop an orange slice in and drink on a hot summer day.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2012 22:16:27 | More by Mxslms

bnes09

Illinois

3.78/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Whitish orange color and semi-hazy. White head with good retention. Visible bubbles.

Fresh floral and citric aroma. Wheat and yeast character.

Malt flavor of fresh baked wheat bread with live yeast. Orange and coriander spice compliments the citric hop character. HInt of honey sweetness.

Light bodied and highly carbonated. Weak yeast and wheat texture. Light bodied for the style but refreshing, nonetheless.

Descent witbier. Easy drinking and good flavor.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 17:20:51 | More by bnes09

NilocRellim

Minnesota

3.45/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from the tap.

This beer is a cloudy, yellow/light gold colour, with a very white head. The smell is very sweet and fruity, with a hint of malt. The taste is similar to the smell... sweet, fruity, light and not too carbonated. Very nice drink-ability, especially with a meal.

Would I buy it again? Yes.

Serving type: on-tap

12-19-2012 04:22:57 | More by NilocRellim

IPA35

Netherlands

3.88/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A 33cl can from a sampler box. Poured in a chalice (I know, I know).
Drinking this fridge cold.

A pale yellowish, hazy beer with a white head. Bad retention (because of the glass).

Smells like a wheatbeer that is for certain. Less intense than a German hefeweizen though. Still, wheat, some citrus and a tiny hint of spices.

Tastes pleasant. A nice fruity, hoppy flavour with a nice light grainy malt (wheat) profile.
Not a flavourbomb of course but that's not the purpose of this beer.

Nicely carbonated and it has a thin to medium mouthfeel.

This is a true summer's beer. At the moment it is not summer but it is nice regardless. Would love to have this ice cold on a terrace outside when it is really hot though.

Serving type: can

12-15-2012 19:43:45 | More by IPA35

Dusty6467

Texas

3.4/5  rDev -10.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: cloudy greenish-yellow, 2 finger head that dissipates quickly

S: strong lemon, metallic, can tell its a wheat beer, but not overwhelming

T: great crisp taste, lemon, bannana, grassy, taste like it smells - would taste good with an orange slice

M: decent balance, finishes dry, high carbonation (though i could use more), light, sessionable, would be a good summer beer

O: decent, but nothing to seek out, for the style I'd much prefer Ayinger's wheat beers

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2012 23:53:34 | More by Dusty6467

BrownAleMale

Wisconsin

2.58/5  rDev -32.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

12oz bottle poured into a Kasteel chalice glass

Appearance- The color is a hazy straw yellow with very little white head that dissipates almost completely.

Smell- A distinct European malt with a lemon hop also shining through.

Taste- Lots of grassy malt flavor with a quick appearance by some citrus hop.

Mouthfeel- Definitly on the watery side.

Overall- This ia a beer that definitly needs the help of some citrus fruit.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2012 22:02:08 | More by BrownAleMale

Liquoric3

Germany

3.58/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Light golden colour with a one finger white head, which disappears very fast. Medium carbonation.

Smell is citrus, lemon, coriander, wheat malt and some spiciness.

Taste is wheat and coriander and the finish is pretty spicey and dry. Body is on the lighter side of medium. Drinkability is quite high, although compared to german Hefeweizen the tastes are more rough in this one, but still a good session beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2012 21:30:37 | More by Liquoric3

His_Royal_Hoppiness

United Kingdom (England)

3.5/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Pale cloudy yellow colour with a frothy white head.

S: Wheat, lemon, some breadiness.

T: Lots of lemon and clove, some pepper and coriander - slightly tart.

M: Thin-bodied, but very refreshing thanks to the active carbonation.

I always enjoy this, though it's slightly reminiscent of drinking lemonade - simple and pleasing, but nothing outstanding.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2012 23:20:44 | More by His_Royal_Hoppiness

tectactoe

Michigan

3.61/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 2.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a pale straw color, nearly clear with a haze and murkiness that makes it slightly opaque. Wispy white head forms and quickly dissipates into nothing but a small ring around the edge of the beer. Smell hits first with apple skins, wheat, peppery notes, VERY slight kitchen spices (oregano?), pears, lemons, and some earthy notes. The taste follows through with a heavy clove and banana taste which surprisingly went nearly undetected on the nose. The pepper is noticeable all the way through, and it finishes with some apple skins, lemon zest, and wheat. A bit watery and very light on the body. Lots of carbonation, with a refreshing, crisp finish.

Decent witbier, refreshing and easy on the palate, this is something that would be very sessionable. Surprising complexity on the nose with a nice finish.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2012 01:43:00 | More by tectactoe

gabedivision

New York

3.85/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured to a pint glass from a 12 oz bottle

A- hazy straw yellow with a 2 finger frothy white head

S- Nice fruity esters, banana, oranges, faint clove, some spice mixed around with some grain found all throughout.

T- Fruit again on the tongue, banana, lemon, spice, grain.

M- Light bodied, thin, high carbonation, dry finish

O- available pretty much everywhere, good light easy drinking beer. how can you go wrong.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2012 01:32:14 | More by gabedivision

facundoCNB

New Jersey

3.43/5  rDev -10%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

a cloudy light yellow pour, half inch of head.
smells like your typical wheat beer - coriander, orange peel, bready yeast tones.
tastes just like it smells with a slight hint of sourness. nothing really special about this one.

light body, high carbonation makes this very refreshing.

it's hard to honestly be impressed by a beer that's taken me so long to actually try. my brother in law left half a 12pk here, so i figured why not! not very unique, and not that different from most witbiers.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2012 19:16:09 | More by facundoCNB

leprechaunandfatman

Illinois

3.85/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Cloudy golden color out of the bottle. Good head for a wheat beer.

Subtle smell, but very sweet and citrusy with a hint of spice.

Like the smell, the taste is extremely sweet. Lemon, wheat, very smooth. Finishes with a tiny hint of spice. Very traditional Belgian.

Very good beer, exactly what it is supposed to be as a Belgian wheat. Highly recommend as an easy drinking, lighter beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 19:25:59 | More by leprechaunandfatman

Willytee3

New York

3.9/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a cloudy straw golden color with a big 2 finger white foam head, great lacing.

Smells of wheat and spice, clove coriander with slight banana, clean.

Tastes of spicey wheat with coriander, slighty metalic on the palet with nice bannana finish. tiny bitter lemon.

Mouth feel full of frothy bubbles.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 04:11:54 | More by Willytee3

Jetulio

Spain

3.88/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

33 cl bottle poured into a Tumbler glass
App/ hazy golden colour with a white head (2 fingers)
S/ barley and a little bit of grass and spices, but not too strong
T/ malty taste with lemon, very refreshing
P/ medium/high body with medium carbonation. Aftertaste is not too much long but you have a nice refreshing feeling in mouth.
O/ well balanced, the touch of lemon adds personality. Classic.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2012 20:12:57 | More by Jetulio

UKBeerDrinker

1.5/5  rDev -60.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1

looks like a wheat beer cloudy, straw coloured but tasted sickly sweet. no bitterness just nasty there's light refreshing beers and there's nasty beers this one was nasty.

I know I didn't give it a full review but this is one of the only beers out of hundreds I didn't like.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2012 19:07:09 | More by UKBeerDrinker

Joelj09

4.2/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured out of bottle into a wheat beer glass with a very frothy head containing very small bubbles.

Appearance-very light color as expected for a Belgian Wheat, but i was hoping for something with a little more color.

Smell-traditional wheat type smell, had a slightly sweeter smell than one would expect for a beer but overall satisfying.

Taste-a nice crisp wheat taste to begin with a very smooth middle that was quite satisfying, you get a small, light bit of orange and malt on the end into a very subtle aftertaste.

mouthfeel-tasted a little flat on the carbonation (probably due to the fact that that it was not a chilled glass) overall very full giving off the different types of flavors as it moves through the mouth and throat.

overall-very nice beer, extremely satisfied considering the price (paid about $8.50 for a six-pack)

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2012 05:31:07 | More by Joelj09