Blanche De Bruxelles

Blanche De Bruxelles

Style: Wit Beer

Alcohol Content: 4.4%

From: Quenast, Rebecq, Belgium

Purchased from: Beer Wall, Bruges, Belgium
http://www.brasserielefebvre.be/en/page/3/home

If you live in the UK, no doubt that you would of heard that the river Thames broke its banks last night and flooded the surrounding area. Whilst this is no surprise given the amount of rain we have had over the previous months, it does however impact the lives of people living in the area. My office has been noticeably quieter today, as more and more employees choose to work from home. It times like these that make me feel grateful that my friends and family are safe. For those that know me well, I live close to Staines Upon Thames and my grandparents live in rural Somerset. Both these areas have been greatly affected by the recent floods, but luckily they are far enough away for the water to cause any meaningful damage. But with this in mind, I dedicate this blog entry to those that are not so fortunate. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

The origins of the Lefebvre brewery, located at Quenast (in the Brabant region of Wallonia, the French speaking district of Belgium) in the valley of the Senne, goes back to 1876. In this year, Jules Lefebvre, gamekeeper, farmer, inn keeper and brewer, inaugurated his new brewery. Pubs were opened around the neighbouring porphyry quarries so that the numerous workmen, made thirsty by stone working, could come to refresh themselves. Even in 2014, the brewery is still a family affair with no less than six generations have passed though the brewery over time. They have expanded and diversified to include lines such as Belgian Framboises and the subject of this review, the famous Blanche De Bruxelles.

Colour: Pours a bright yellow will a dense brilliant white head. The head will slowly dissipate down to a heavy dusting of foam in the glass. It looks like a Classic Belgian wit beer, good start!

Aroma: A beautifully sweet, lemon meringue like nose with underlying biscuit and a little floral touch from the Styrian Goldings and Hallertauer hops. Coriander and orange peel added during wort boiling lends a slight but unobtrusive spiced nose. As the drink warms, the tart lemon intensifies followed up by hints of creamed wheat.

Body: A smooth medium body that will slightly clog the back of your throat. This is due to the addition of wheat, curaçao orange peel and coriander during the creation of this beer. The mouthfeel is one of pure silk which leaves you wanting more and more.

Taste: The initial flavour is almost like lavender, until the citrus re-asserts itself. The flavours of tart lemon can initially overpower the palate until the creamed wheat finish silkily washes the mouth. The additional curaçao orange peel and coriander blends perfectly with the mild hops to round of this drink. Perfect for any fish much like these salmon noodles Emma cooked for me. Yum yum!

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/nogne-o-blonde.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/tiny-rebel-full-nelson.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery