Witbier and Weizenbier
As soon as the sun starts to peak through the clouds in the UK, every beer and pub garden is amassed with sun-soakers. Despite this nationwide adoption, Belgians are still the godfathers of summer beer. Most of the best emulate Belgian styles. A very typical Belgian style Witbier is Wieckse Witte. You often see this style in a robust glass with a slice of lemon. However, we advise against this, it kills the beer head and in turn effects the quality. Beer foam, or rather too much of it, can be a contentious topic in the UK, but it’s there to protect your beer!

Do you also enjoy a good Witbier at home, in the garden or on the terrace? This a beer style that is brewed a lot in the Netherlands, but there are also some great examples in the UK too! For example, Watermelon Wheat Beer by Manchester brewers, The Seven Bro7hers. This Witbier is the taste of summer; a subtle infusion of fresh watermelon, mellow strawberry and pineapple aromas. Refreshingly fruity, you’re ultimate summer thirst quencher. If you’re familiar with Amsterdam, likelihood is you’ll have heard of the popular windmill Brewery ‘t IJ. Their IJwit, is easy to drink and has many notes of citrus fruit, banana and coriander. This flavoursome easy-drinker is on the firm side at 6.5%, but is incredibly tasty!

Witbier is often confused with the Weizen style. This is not entirely correct, the flavours of Weizen such as the slightly acidic touch of wheat and the aromas of banana and clove do very well in the sunshine. This means it’s delicious all year round! For example, why not try the Hefeweizen from Erdinger, which is an unfiltered cloudy beer with a distinctive full white head. In addition to the typical whey flavours there are distinctive tones of banana and clove. If you’re really into tropical flavours, especially banana, then try the Tropical Ralphie from Two Chefs Brewing. With the addition of banana there are hints of other tropical fruit and a light hoppy bitterness.
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