About this beer

The village of Hoegaarden, east of Brussels, was brewing cloudy white beers in the 1400s, but by the 1950s the last brewery had closed. In 1966 a local milkman, Pierre Celis, revived the recipe in a small brewhouse, and Hoegaarden went on to inspire wheat beers around the world. Today it belongs to AB InBev, and the Hoegaarden sold in India is brewed locally under licence.

It pours a hazy, pale straw with a soft white head, because it is left unfiltered. Wheat gives a smooth, light body, while coriander seed and dried Curaçao orange peel bring a gently spiced, citrusy character. It is refreshing without being thin, and its lower bitterness makes it a good choice for people who usually find beer too harsh. Serve it in the hexagonal glass if you have one, and offer it at brunches, lunches and summer gatherings.

Key facts

• Named after the Belgian village whose white beer tradition dates back to the 15th century
• Style revived in 1966 by milkman Pierre Celis after the last local brewery closed
• Unfiltered wheat beer spiced with coriander and Curaçao orange peel
• Traditionally served in a heavy hexagonal glass

Tasting notes

Aroma:

orange peel, coriander and soft wheat

Taste:

smooth and creamy, citrus and light spice, a little sweetness

Finish:

crisp, fresh and lightly tart

Serve

Serve at 3-5°C. Pour two-thirds, swirl the bottle to lift the yeast, then top up; a slice of orange is optional.

Food pairing

Perfect with Chinese-Bengali chilli fish or steamed prawn momos, and with a Caesar salad or moules marinière.