Beers Like Hoegaarden

If, like me, you love Hoegaarden’s taste and its unique take on the Belgian witbier style, then you probably would like to know what other beers are out there that are similar to Hoegaarden. Well, you’re in the right place! Below, you’ll find our top picks for beers like Hoegaarden that witbier lovers are guaranteed to enjoy.

What Kind Of Beer Is Hoegaarden?

Before we look at the list of beers like Hoegaarden, first we must establish what kind of beer Hoegaarden is.

Hoegaarden is a Belgian-style witbier (white beer) known for its pale, cloudy appearance and refreshing, complex flavor profile. Brewed with a mix of wheat and barley, it features distinctive notes of coriander and orange peel, delivering a lightly sweet, citrusy taste.

Hoegaarden has a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with a moderate carbonation that enhances its refreshing qualities. It typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 4.9%, making it relatively light and easy to drink.

With that out of the way, here are our top picks for beers like Hoegaarden that you witbier lovers would almost certainly enjoy.

Blue Moon Belgian White

Blue Moon Belgian White is an American craft beer that pays homage to the Belgian witbier style. Known for its cloudiness and orange-amber hue, Blue Moon features a smooth, creamy texture with a lively carbonation. It’s brewed with Valencia orange peel and a touch of coriander, creating a zesty, slightly sweet profile that mirrors the refreshing characteristics of Hoegaarden.

Allagash White

Allagash White is an American take on the classic Belgian witbier. With subtle hints of coriander and orange peel, this beer offers a balanced complexity that Hoegaarden fans will appreciate. Its smooth, medium-bodied mouthfeel and lingering citrus aftertaste make it a refreshing alternative.

St. Bernardus Wit

St. Bernardus Wit is a traditional Belgian witbier that offers a balanced flavor profile of citrus and spices. Brewed in the heart of Belgium, it features the authentic flavors of coriander and orange peel. Its cloudiness and smooth mouthfeel make it quite comparable to Hoegaarden, making it an ideal choice for purists seeking an old-world experience.

Shock Top Belgian White

Shock Top Belgian White is an American beer that aims to capture the spirit of Belgian witbiers. It features a clouded, golden color and delivers flavors of orange, lemon, and lime, accented by a subtle spice mix. Its light, effervescent mouthfeel and citrusy notes make it a close cousin to Hoegaarden, perfect for those looking for a domestic alternative.

Blanche de Bruxelles

Blanche de Bruxelles is a Belgian witbier that embodies the traditional elements of this style. With a hazy, pale-yellow appearance and a delicate balance of citrus and spice, it is a quintessential example of a Belgian witbier. The beer’s light and airy mouthfeel coupled with its slightly peppery finish make it a refreshing stand-in for Hoegaarden.

Wittekerke

Wittekerke is another authentic Belgian witbier, recognized for its pale, hazy appearance and a flavor profile that incorporates notes of citrus and coriander. The beer is light-bodied and offers a smooth, creamy texture, similar to Hoegaarden, making it a suitable option for those who want to stick to the Belgian classics.

Avery White Rascal

Brewed in Colorado, Avery White Rascal is an American Belgian-style witbier that stays true to traditional flavors. With notes of orange peel and coriander, this unfiltered beer offers a complexity that Hoegaarden aficionados will enjoy. Its medium-bodied, smooth mouthfeel and slight peppery finish provide a unique yet familiar drinking experience.

Ommegang Witte

Ommegang Witte is an American take on the Belgian witbier style, crafted in Cooperstown, New York. This beer features a blend of wheat, oats, and malted barley, delivering a smooth and balanced mouthfeel. The added hints of orange peel and spices make it a worthy companion to Hoegaarden, capturing the essence of a well-loved classic while adding its own American twist.

Drinking Witbiers: Tips For Optimal Enjoyment

So, you’ve learned which beers are like Hoegaarden and are ready to head out and buy some witbiers to enjoy. Well, before you crack open one of these beers, check out these useful tips that will help you maximize your enjoyment of drinking witbiers.

The Perfect Pour

Believe it or not, the way you pour your witbier can dramatically affect its aroma and taste. Tilt your glass at a 45-degree angle and gently pour the beer, straightening the glass as it fills. This method ensures you get a good head of foam, which can intensify the beer’s aroma and enhance its complex flavors.

The Ideal Glass

There’s a reason beers like Hoegaarden often come in a special glass. This is because the type of glass you use can make a significant difference in your drinking experience. For witbiers, a wide-mouthed glass like a tulip or a weizen glass is usually recommended. The broad top allows the beer to breathe, letting you fully appreciate its aromatic spices and fruitiness.

Food Pairings

When it comes to food, witbiers are quite versatile. Their light, refreshing nature makes them perfect for pairing with seafood, especially dishes like ceviche or grilled shrimp. The beer’s citrusy notes can also complement spicier foods, balancing out heat and offering a refreshing palate cleanse. For a classic Belgian experience, consider pairing your witbier with mussels cooked in a light, beer-based broth. Read our easy guide to beer food pairing.

Temperature Matters

Witbiers are best enjoyed slightly chilled, but not too cold – somewhere between 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal. Serving it too cold can mute the complex flavors and aromas that make witbiers so captivating.

Wrapping Up

Thanks for reading! As we’ve seen, there are many Belgian-style witbiers like Hoegaarden that you can try. Remember to follow the tips above and you’ll almost certainly enjoy these beers just as much as Hoegaarden. Cheers!