Witbier vs. Weizenbier

It is often thought that a witbier is the same as a weizen, but why is that so? In addition, several questions will come to mind, such as:

• Where do witbier and weizen come from?
• Do both beers have a white colour?
• How are these beers brewed?
• What are the different properties of a wit- en weizen?

These are all questions that you have, which we hope to answer for you with this blog post.

Is a witbier the same as a weizen?

It is often thought that a witbier is the same as a weizen, but is this really the case? No it is not! Except perhaps for the colour, the beer is completely different. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between these two types of beer and we will enjoy some pre-summer fun!

The witbier has its origins in Belgium, while the weizen has its roots in Germany. There is often a misconception about the names of the beers. We in the Netherlands translate the German word ''weiß'' to white. As a result, it is often thought that a weizen means the same as a witbier. The word ''weiß'' has a different meaning in German and Dutch, namely wheat. Weizen beer is primarily brewed with malted wheat. So we won't forget that one any more!

If one looks at the colours of the beers, one can certainly see a difference. People often think that a weizen is a white beer. This is just a myth! Most weizen have a dark yellow/orange colour. The colour of a white beer is also not what you would think. A witbier often has a pale yellow colour.

There is also a difference in the alcohol content between the two types of beer. A witbier has an alcohol content between 4.5 - 5%. For a weizen this can vary between 6 - 8%. The weizen and witbier of the Alcohol-free beer house are of course all less than 0.5% alcohol.

There is also a difference in rules regarding the brewing of the beer types. When brewing the German weizen, only yeast, hops, water and barley and wheat malt may be used (reinheitsgebot). When brewing a wheat beer, it is permitted to add additives to the product. Because of this, there is a clear difference in taste by adding spices, such as coriander. So if you are looking for a slightly spicier beer in combination, a witbier is the most suitable!

Finally, there is a similarity between these types of beer: The use of wheat in the brewing process. If we look at the brewing process, the brewer makes use of barley malt and unmalted wheat when brewing white beer. There is approximately 50% unmalted wheat present in white beer. On the other hand, for a weizen, barley malt and wheat malt are used, and thus no un-malted grains. The proportion of wheat malt in a weizen can vary between 60 and 70%.

Enjoy a white or weizenbier!

We are slowly coming out of the winter period and the sun is shining more often. With the sunny forecasts in mind, it is becoming more and more enjoyable to drink a white or a weizenbier. Take a look at our assortment and be surprised by one of these delicious non-alcoholic beers! Don't you want to enjoy the sun with a delicious non-alcoholic beer? Take a look at our assortment of wheat beer and weizen.