White Beer Buyer’s Guide: Top Picks for a Refreshing Sip

With its cloudy appearance and delicate aromas, white beer has become the star of happy hours and sunny days. But this simple name hides an incredible diversity: from spicy Belgian witbier and German Weissbier with notes of banana to the bold creations of microbreweries, it can be hard to choose. Don't worry, this guide is here to help you navigate the options and find the perfect bottle to elevate your moments of relaxation.

By the editors

How to Choose the Right White Beer: 3 Key Points

Before you check out, here are a few simple tips to help you find the perfect bottle, without the overwhelming jargon.

1. Style First: Belgian Witbier or German Weissbier?

Although they are both called "white beers," they fall into two main families with distinctly different profiles:

• Witbier (Belgian style): This is the most common style. Brewed with unmalted wheat, it is traditionally spiced with coriander and orange peel. The result is a light beer with pronounced citrus notes and a crisp, tart freshness.
• Weissbier (German style): Brewed with a majority of malted wheat, it gets its characteristic aromas from its specific yeast. Expect notes of banana and clove. It is generally rounder and less spicy than its Belgian cousin.

Identifying the style that appeals to you is the first step to making the right choice.

2. Scrutinise the Label: Ingredients and ABV

The character of a fruity white beer or a spicy one comes down to its recipe. A quick look at the label will tell you a lot:

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): A classic white beer typically has an ABV between 4.5% and 5.5%. A higher percentage often indicates a rounder, more complex beer (think "Imperial Witbier"), while a lower ABV is a sign of a lighter body.
• Aromatic Additions: Beyond the traditional orange peel and coriander, some breweries innovate with aromatic American hops (notes of tropical fruit, grapefruit) or other spices. These details transform the tasting experience.

3. Origin: A Clue to Character

The origin is often a good indicator of style. A Belgian white beer will almost always follow the Witbier tradition, focusing on freshness and citrus. A French white beer, on the other hand, might follow this lineage or reinterpret it in a more modern way, especially if it's a craft white beer. Don't hesitate to explore local breweries—that's often where the best surprises are found.

Recommended White Beers to Try

To put theory into practice, here are three white beers with very different profiles. There's something for every palate!

1. 1664 Blanche 5.0% 6 x 25 cl: The Refreshing French Benchmark

Why it stands out: 1664 Blanche is a true institution in France. Brewed in Alsace, it embodies a very approachable and crowd-pleasing version of white beer, with a distinct touch of citrus that makes it especially thirst-quenching.

• Flavour Profile: A beer with a pale, hazy yellow hue, topped with a creamy head. The nose and palate are dominated by citrus aromas (sweet orange, lemon) and a hint of spice (coriander). Its texture is round, and the finish is fresh with low bitterness.
• Key Features:
  • ABV: 5.0%
  • Key Ingredients: Barley malt, wheat, sweet orange peel, coriander.
  • Format: Available in a white beer 6-pack of 25 cl bottles, perfect for sharing.

Who is it for? This is a reliable choice for anyone new to white beer or for a light, hassle-free aperitif. It pairs very well with seafood, salads, or light dishes.

2. BBP Tripel Bertha 7.5% 33 cl: The Bold Belgian Indulgence

Why it stands out: Tripel Bertha from the Brussels Beer Project (BBP) shakes up the category. This isn't just a simple witbier, but a "White Tripel," combining the freshness of a white beer with the strength and complexity of a Belgian Tripel.

• Flavour Profile: This beer reveals a hazy, golden hue. On the nose and palate, you'll find the hallmarks of Belgian yeast: notes of banana, clove, and a hint reminiscent of bubblegum. The body is fuller, and the alcohol content provides a pleasant warmth on the finish.
• Key Features:
  • ABV: 7.5%
  • Style: Imperial Wheat Beer / White Tripel.
  • Origin: A craft Belgian white beer, brewed in Brussels.

Who is it for? It will delight fans of characterful beers and Belgian Tripels. If you're looking for a craft white beer that's off the beaten path for a more contemplative tasting session, Tripel Bertha is a gem worth discovering.

3. NINKASI Blanche 4.8% 75 cl: The Hoppy, Artisanal Interpretation

Why it stands out: The Lyon-based brewery Ninkasi offers a French white beer that bridges the gap between Belgian and German traditions and the expertise of the craft movement. The use of American hops gives it a unique aromatic signature.

• Flavour Profile: A fresh and velvety beer, thanks to the use of both malted and raw wheat. The yeast provides a banana note typical of the German style, while the Amarillo and Citra hops add aromas of white fruit and citrus. Its balance is its greatest strength.
• Key Features:
  • ABV: 4.8%
  • Key Ingredients: Malted and raw wheat, Amarillo and Citra hops.
  • Format: 75 cl bottle, ideal for sharing over a meal.

Who is it for? Perfect for the curious drinker looking to explore a modern take on white beer. Its lightness and fruity profile make it an excellent partner for poultry dishes, fresh goat cheese, or lightly spiced world cuisine.

Still Haven't Found Your Perfect Match?

Our selection is just a taste of the vast world of white beer. To discover other options, from timeless classics to the latest craft creations, explore our full collection.

Discover Our Entire White Beer Collection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the difference between a white beer and a blonde ale?

The main difference lies in the grains used. A blonde ale is brewed almost exclusively with barley malt. A white beer, or wheat beer, must contain a significant percentage of wheat (malted or unmalted), usually at least 30%. It's this protein-rich wheat that gives it its characteristic hazy appearance and softer texture.

How should you serve a white beer?

To fully appreciate its aromas, a white beer should be served chilled, ideally between 4 and 7°C (39-45°F). Use a tall, wide-mouthed glass. Pour slowly with the glass tilted, then straighten it at the end to create a nice head of foam. For unfiltered beers with yeast sediment at the bottom, you can gently roll the bottle before pouring the last third to mix in the yeast and enhance the cloudiness.

What foods pair well with white beer?

Thanks to its freshness and often tart profile, white beer is very versatile. It's excellent as an aperitif, on its own or with tapas. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Seafood (oysters, mussels, shrimp).
• Grilled or en papillote white fish.
• Complex salads, especially those with citrus or goat cheese.
• Lightly spiced Asian cuisine (Thai, Vietnamese).
• Fresh cheeses (goat cheese, fromage frais).