Hoegaarden Original White Ale - Brouwerij van Hoegaarden

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

Cavanaghty

Maine

4.08/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a bottle into a sample glass.

Appearance: Clear Yellow color with about a finger of white head and a little lacing on the glass.

Smell: Wheat and citrus notes.

Mouthfeel/Taste: Light bodied and smooth, well balanced. Taste of citrus, wheat, and maybe some banana. Flavor was good but not overwhelming.

Overall: Very enjoyable beer. I have had it several times before and never really paid much attention to it until now. For a mainstream import, its pretty good. I will have this beer again.

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2012 19:08:40 | More by Cavanaghty

mscudder

Georgia

3.83/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had this beer a few times, most recently was well over a year ago. Poured into a pint.

A - A highly transparent, almost water infused urine hue. A finger sized fluffy white head sits on top. Some fair lacing.

S - Coriander is packing a punch with one. Citrus is also in attendance with some nice sweet malts to back it up.

T - Follows the nose with equal balance, too much so such that no flavor really grabs your attention. More spice than I anticipated which adds some nice character.

M - Light bodied, highly drinkable, yet the carbonation is high for my liking.

O - For the style, it does the things it must do for a witbier. Nothing stands out to make this beer exemplary, although drinking a few would rarely be a hindrance.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2012 05:08:50 | More by mscudder

DannyHartman

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

This is one of my favorite Weissbiers.... Unlike most wheat beers, this has a lighter (white) color to it.... Instead of citrusy notes, this beer has more of a berry note to it.... I've enjoyed it out of the bottle and even more so from the tap.... Even after having many beers overseas, this still remains amongst the top wheat beers in the world.... At least, from what I've tried.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2012 18:00:53 | More by DannyHartman

MattSweatshirt

Texas

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

Best before 30/06/13

Pours a hazy light golden yellow color with a white head.

Wasn’t expecting all the lemon, but it’s definitely there along with wheat and some spices. There is a little banana hanging in there as well.

Lemon and orange citrusyness along with wheat, spice, and a sour note. It’s got a malty sweetness to it but still ends with a slight bitter kick.

Lighter bodied refreshing and well carbonated.

A good beer for the summer rotation.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2012 06:25:46 | More by MattSweatshirt

Mojo

Alabama

3.3/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This beer pours up a very weak looking straw color with a three finger head and some lacing. The nose is oranges, and some bready notes. Mouthfeel would be kind of watery except for the carbonation. Taste is very typical wheat beer with some citrus. There just aren't enough hops as the dominant flavor is sweet malt. Just kind of average all the way around.

Serving type: bottle

08-24-2012 03:19:39 | More by Mojo

PancakeMcWaffles

Germany

3.9/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Has a cloudy straw like yellow colour, frothy white head that is about a finger thick and stays as a thin layer until the end, little lacing.

S: Citrusy, a very distinct wheat smell, a "typical" wheatbeer-smell, although very fresh and light.

T: As the smell suggests a rather citrusy hop flavour, a nice wheat flavour, not as strong as for example a german wheat. Little hop flavours, not very bitter, a small sour note, very fresh, a little bit spicey, but really just a tiny bit.

M: Very nice carbonation, thick and creamy mouthfeel.

O: A beautiful widely available Witbier, lacks some characteristics of the style, although very balanced taste which makes it very refreshing on a hot day. The lable on the bottle recommends drinking it at 2-3°C which I found a little cold, I let it warm up to about 10°C which really supports a broader flavour and brings out the citrusy-flavours more.

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2012 17:53:47 | More by PancakeMcWaffles

cfrances33

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Gingerman in NYC, served in a Hoegaarden hex glass.

Pour: Hazy yellow straw with a finger and a half white head.

Smell: Belgian yeast, clove, cardamom, lemon rind

Taste: Follows the nose with Belgian yeast, wheat sweetness, lemon, and lots of spice. Clove to the max. Almost too much in my opinion.

Mouthfeel: Really light and goes down smooth. Would say refreshing and very drinkable, but the spiciness makes this hard to drink quickly.

Overall: A good classic, but I prefer other wits

Serving type: on-tap

08-07-2012 12:42:25 | More by cfrances33

LiquidAmber

Washington

3.98/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Review from 7/2010 notes. Poured into a Gulden Draak tulip. Pours a pale, pale opaque amber. White ale is appropriate. Moderate snow white head and lacing, continuous bubble formation. Mild wheat aroma. Wheat and citrus, spicy pleasantly peppery carbonation. This carbonation is unusual and refreshing. Somewhat dry finish with lingering cardamon and bitter spices. Interesting and different.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2012 22:28:03 | More by LiquidAmber

darkstar12

Maryland

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

Served on draft into a 22-ounce "pint"-style glass at the Tilted Kilt, Atlanta

A: Very light straw color that remained cloudy after pour. No head to speak of, but good moderate lacing

S: Smelled like your typical Belgian witbier with cardamom and other spices

T: Spices, a little lemon, mild hops with some light sweetness in the aftertaste

M: Good feel to it with the right level of carbonation

O: Good witbier with the classic Belgian smell and taste to it. Worth having a few.

Serving type: on-tap

08-01-2012 02:23:57 | More by darkstar12

momoagogo14

Iowa

3.33/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Serving glass: poured from bottle into weizen glass
Appearance: Medium thick, white head, not a lot of retention, minimal lacing, foggy straw color
Smell: Not super aromatic, some light lemon and orange scents, slightest bit of banana, wheat
Taste: More lemon and orange with a slightly spicy finish, a bit of malt
Mouthfeel: light body and medium carbonation
Overall: Not bad for a wit, I’d take this over Blue Moon any day (not that that’s any great feat!)

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2012 01:52:00 | More by momoagogo14

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

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

Cloudy straw color with a lovely frothy head. Looks like frothed milk on chamomile tea. 4.0

Mostly coriander and wheat in the nose with a touch of sweet lemon. 3.5

Musty Belgian yeast with some chalkiness, lemon curd, wheat malts, subdued hops, and coriander spice. The quintessential witbier flavor. Touch of banana and fruit tartness. Finishes very, very clean. 4.0

Luggingly medium in body with a milky feel. Spicy and quenching. Seemingly sessionable. 4.0

A quality wit that gets thrown about in fruit beers or stouts as a mixer. Great as is. Tis the season. 4.0

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2012 01:06:36 | More by thecheapies

TheRealBigC

Nevada

3.28/5  rDev -13.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

To me, this is a largely overrated beer. Granted, I am not a big fan of wits, but I really don't think Hoegaarden has as much depth as some of the better beers in this style. It feels light, but that floral taste is just overwhelming. A little more lemon zest would be nice. Something.

Serving type: on-tap

07-28-2012 20:28:49 | More by TheRealBigC

TechTriumph

Virginia

3.95/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

From notes on 07/17/12:
Best before: 12/04/13; Poured in a pint glass.

A - Two inches of white, creamy/lightly fluffy head with good retention; Pale white/yellow in color with a cloudy appearance; Bits of lacing left around the glass

S - Bit of yeast and spice, with a bigger amount of lemon and orange citrus, floral and soapy notes; The level of spice seems to be about right

T - More spice in the flavor than the nose, which I like quite a bit; Has a floral, coriander, and pink bubble gum quality to it; Yeast, wheat, clove, and very light citrusy fruits also contribute to the flavor; Overall flavor is lightly sweet with hints of tartness as well

M - Carbonation is zesty, but still under moderate; Body leans more toward lighter bodied than medium; Finish is just a touch on the dry side

O - This Witbier seems to be the most popular of all offerings within the style, and for good reason. It showcases a pretty tasty flavor with a nice, enjoyable level of spice, and is just a good all-around Belgian ale. There's no doubt that I could enjoy a few more of these brews during this time of year and definitely look forward to having one again soon.

Serving type: bottle

07-20-2012 22:58:15 | More by TechTriumph

Mikala

Tennessee

4.45/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Great beer. Not really much more to say about it. If you've had a Blue Moon, Hoegaarden White is basically like it. The only difference is, when adding the lemon slice it has a bit more tart to it. A little bubblier mouth feel and a little harder to swallow. But overall a great beer. I accidentally poured from the bottle too fast so I had to wait for the beer to "un-fizz" in a sense to pour the rest in. But the head lasted nicely and the aroma was very lemon-y. Like I previously said, just a great beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-17-2012 16:48:29 | More by Mikala

soju6

Missouri

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

A: Pours a hazy pale golden color with a nice head that fades to some lacing.

S: Aroma of citrus, lemon zest with some spice and grain.

T: Taste has a mild malt sweetness with a sort of peppery flavor. The bitterness has a sort of sour nip with a fairly clean finish.

F: Fairly moderate body, quite smooth and somewhat refreshing.

O: Very drinkable. Can't really argue with a classic witbier.

Serving type: bottle

07-12-2012 21:31:02 | More by soju6

Rhettroactive

Virginia

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

From 11.2oz bottle to Due South pint glass on 6/27/12
*From notes

A: Unfiltered lemon to a tee. A standard pour yields a loose two finger white head.

S: Smokehouse banana and lots of clove.

T: As expected. Banana mash, plenty of smoke and a touch of warm caramel.

M: Kinda champagne like. Bubbly and easy to drink. The feel makes this a lot easier to get down.

O: This may not my thing, but it's certainly decent for the style. Not a expressive as some, but I'd down one of these in a pinch if I was a Wit guy, I suppose.

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2012 04:16:03 | More by Rhettroactive

keithmurray

New York

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

Appearance - cloudy, hazy straw color with fluffy white head

smell - wheat, citrus, lemon peel, coriander, ginger

taste - lots of citrus upfront, lemon, limes, wheat, coriander, ginger

mouthfeel - refreshing, light, light bodied, light carbonation, good flavor on the finish on this

overall - solid representation of the style, refreshing for those summer days, recommended

Price Point - $8.59/6pk

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2012 23:27:33 | More by keithmurray

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.68/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Starts with a decent head but it dies to a single layer of minute bubbles. Leaves some modest, streaky lace. Not as cloudy as most wits. Green-yellow color.

Classic wheat smell.

Spicy and peppery upfront flavor. Smooth feel but thin. I'm not a fan of wheats, but this one seems to fit the profile very well.

Serving type: bottle

06-30-2012 20:16:29 | More by smcolw

shigg85

Japan

3.53/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had a bottle of this at Ginza Aster in Ginza, Tokyo. Poured into a Hoegaarden wide-mouthed pint glass. Pours a beautiful cloudy wheat hue with a thick white tasty head on it. Strong presence of hops, wheat, and other florals as well as some orange and bitters. The mouthfeel is smooth enough, leaving me with the sense that this was a quality Belgian witbier. I could drink a few of these before I started to get tired of the wheat flavor. Overall, a great ubiquitous option for brews.

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2012 06:19:26 | More by shigg85

Douberd

Netherlands

3.53/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

300 ml bottle at home. ABV 4.9%. Poured into a weizen glass.
Colour is pale, chamomile like, only very hazy. Huge head of three fingers, creamy and white in colour. Average activity in the glass. The foam very slowly dissipates to one finger.
Strong aroma of citrus fruits and bubblegum..
Taste is sweet and fruity, the taste of koriander very discreet but much more obvious on the aftertaste.
Thick and full on the body. Carbonatiion is average.
Overall good and very refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

06-19-2012 08:51:08 | More by Douberd

estlinska

Arkansas

4.3/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Kreegans. Poured into a standard pint glass. Pours a hazy straw color with little head (more of a bad pour than a characteristic of the beer). Also served with a lemon that I discarded The nose was a pleasant lemony, zesty coriander. Very nice, quite spicy. The taste followed suit with lots of lemon peel and spiciness; coriander and kind of white pepper. The mouthfeel was a little thin but finished quite crisp and refreshing. The spiciness really makes the beer and complements the fruit well. Great beer for the summertime

Serving type: on-tap

06-18-2012 23:35:07 | More by estlinska

Tresha

3/5  rDev -21.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Absolutely delicious! With a delicious fruity aromas this beer has a definite citrus and tangy flavour that cannot be missed. It is a great summer quencher and looks cloudy on appearance. I thought it was supposed to be drunk with a slice of lime, but it tasted nice even without it. Definitely would try it again!

Serving type: bottle

06-18-2012 11:52:14 | More by Tresha

Chiefy770

Illinois

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

Served from a bottle into a hexagonal glass as recommended on the back of the bottle.

A: Cloudy and gold. A solid foam head formed after the poor and disappeared after the first few sips.

S: Light musty aroma with hints of citrus.

T: On the initial sip you get a strong hit of tart, citrus flavor. The taste turns sweet with notes of spice. Very drinkable.

M: A good amount of carbonation, yet very smooth.

Overall: I have had a number of Belgian white ales and this is certainly a step above many of the typical contenders. This beer fits right in the middle of mediocre and excellent. It does not disappoint but it is good to keep trying other white ales as well.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2012 22:16:01 | More by Chiefy770