It all began a few summers ago at FSU when my friend and I went in search of a six pack that would quench our thirst and distract us from the 104 degree Tallahassee heat. We wanted something we could drink in our bikinis (light) but we were tired of the typical college brew (see: Bud light, Miller Lite, and God forbid, Natural light). We wandered the very limited beer isle at the grocery store and finally found Hoegaarden.
At the time, I knew very little about Belgian beers but decided to give it a chance, and now, years later, it is still one of my favorite beers.
Belgian style white ales are unfiltered beers known for being smooth and refreshing, with hints of orange peel and coriander. Hoegaarden is a classic example of a Belgian witbier, which literally means "white beer". The "white" in this case does not refer to the beer's appearance, but rather to the wheat used in its fermentation.
I was amused that Hoegaarden has very specific pictorial instructions on the bottle for how it is to be served. It is meant to be poured into a Hoegaarden glass, (either a goblet shaped glass or a hexagonal glass tumbler) with a moderate amount of head, leaving a few sips in the bottle. The bottle is then to be stirred up a bit to get the natural sediment, then poured into the glass.
The result--deliciously divine.
Appearance: straw-colored, cloudy with a moderately thick white head.
Aroma: approachable, sweet with a mix of citrus fruits and honey
Taste: mildly carbonated, refreshing, malty-sweet beer with subtle hints of orange and coriander spice.
Alcohol: 4.9%
{*Interesting fact* --> coriander seeds are also used in gins and some vinegars; and the Curacao oranges used in Hoegaarden are named after the Island of Curacao, formerly a colony in the Netherlands. [During colonial times, Belgium and the Netherlands were considered one country] (Taken from Jackson's Ultimate Beer p. 78) Just one more reason to love the Netherlands! (; }
Hoegaarden is one of the most commercial and well recognized Belgian witbiers, but that does not detract from its taste or appeal. To me, it just means you are more likely to find it in grocery stores and on tap at decent bars. A six pack of this fantastic brew will run you around $8 to $9.
I highly recommend this beer to anyone who enjoys white ales or would like an introduction to the delicious world of Belgian beers.
