A White Beer You Can't Discriminate
Written: Jan 23 '01 (Updated Jan 23 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Delicious, light, and extremely enjoyable.
Cons: A bit TOO light when you're in a hardcore "beer" mood
The Bottom Line: It's the tastiest non-ale I've ever enjoyed; looks light but tastes solid. It's also an ideal introduction to non-beer drinkers.
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| adamldemarco's Full Review: Hoegaarden Original White Beer |
I'm a beer guy. More specifically, I'm an ale guy. But please keep in mind while reading this critique that I can't judge a beer by it's color, texture, complexity, elasticity, explosivity, or April-freshness any better than I can wines; I like good beers, I dislike bad beers, I've respectfully tasted at least seventy different kinds (and swilled a few too) by now, and "I knows what I like." But beer connoisseur or not, I think you deserve to check out this beer; with over a century of production and a Belgian origin, it's DEFINITELY at least worth a chance. And with that in mind, here come's a plain-old "beer guy's" critique...
I normally like my beers dark or amber, the taste slightly lighter than a mixture of barley, hops, and rust, and a dark aftertaste if any at all (or like Death's armpit if I'm in a Guinness mood). But now that I've been living so close to Belgium, I've discovered that not all beers have to be that dark to be tasty enough to beat the six-pack (minimum) challenge. Hoegaarden makes the grade easily. Whether straight from the bottle as I drank them most previously, or served from the tap with a thin, full slice of lemon floating on the top as they do here in France, it's surprisingly refreshing and tasty.
Though light in color (yet a little cloudy which is normal for Hoegaarden), it tastes nothing like typical "light beers." Frankly, I was completely biased against it due to my pro-ale stance but my Belgian girlfriend has been a fan for years and insisted I give it a shot. And I'm glad I agreed to.
It tastes like beer first and foremost (obviously) but with a definite hint of spiced citrus, almost like being the "Sprite" in a cola line-up. It can even be considered a bit sweet compared to most beers, but considering half of "most beers" chief flavor is "watery" this is a definite asset. But plenty of undeserving beers can garner a bit of appreciation if you only drink one. The question is: can you still stand it, let alone appreciate it, after a six-pack. Frankly, I didn't think it had a chance because it seemed like a "more-legitimate Zima" rather than a "real beer" and furthermore, I tend to avoid drinking sweeter potables repeatedly because it doesn't work for me or at all well with my stomach.
Hoegaareden works. It works well.
They are continuously enjoyable from Bottles 1 through 6 (tested during a co-worker's surprise birthday party last weekend), and don't fade into a slightly tainted, watery flavor like most domestic beers do after the third or so. (Anyone on a typical Bud-binge knows what I'm talking about and will most likely agree.) Hoegaarden is still only slightly sweet, tasty, and light enough that even any bilious encounters (i.e. wet burps) aren't awful. Another positive aspect is that some fruit-accompanied beers (i.e. Corona) lose a lot of appeal when there isn't any lime in the fridge (and how often does THAT happen?) whereas Hoegaarden tastes impressive either way; perhaps Americans will even merge the two by adding a small lemon wedge to a bottle... I may just have to try that...
And guys, this next benefit is KEY: if you've ever tried to get your lady to appreciate beer but they "just hate the taste," this is an ideal introduction. It's very non-threatening to a non-beer drinker when poured in a glass, and though it still tastes like beer (thankfully), it's more than authentic and appealing enough to be a legit educational tool. Hell- it's Belgian; it'll make any beer guy look more like a connoisseur!
Finally, a personal observation: Hoegaarden is pronounce virtually like it appears (if you're American) as "hoe garden," or "hoo-HHAHrden" by Belgians. (Trust me-it's even harder to pronounce than to spell phonetically if you haven't mastered Flemish). But it's a lot more fun to attempt proper pronunciation after you've had a few.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
adamldemarco
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Member: Adam DeMarco
Location: San Diego, CA
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 6 members
About Me:
I'm a consumer. I consume. I offer the results here for your consumption.
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