A Belgium-syle Witbier
From Sigtuna Brygghus 4.7% ABV. Systembolaget Article Number TBC. SEK TBC (500ml bottle)
I think there's something honest and 'old world' about wheat beer, what with its unfiltered hazy body and yeasty sediment. It's a throwback to what I imagine beer once often looked like rather than the bright and sparkly liquid many breweries strive to achieve today. Pours a misty hay and honey colour with a bleached white head that doesn't foam up the glass quite as vigorously as other wheats I know.
The first thing that comes to mind is that this isn't a 'banana bonanza' beer. Instead there's some lovely creamy citrus action that reminds me of lemon cheesecake with grated lemon zest sprinkled over it. There's also some mild herbal notes coming through, most noticeably coriander seeds.
One word. BALANCE. Orangey fruit sweetness upfront, some fresh coconut milk and then in the mid palate things get herby, with lemongrass and more coriander followed by a gentle tickle of acidity to round things off. The acidity level is perfect; not too much that it makes you look like you're sucking on a lemon but enough to give the beer its high refreshment value. Clever stuff!
In my opinion Belgium wheat beers are more food-friendly than their German counterparts, where the banana and bubblegum yeasty flavours tend to confuse my palate when combined with food. The spicy herbal hit of coriander, coconut milk and lemony acidity make this beer a perfect match with Indian and Thai cuisine. Sigtuna recommends pairing it with shrimps and crayfish.
Nerd note
Sigtuna has created a beautifully balanced wheat beer here. A light, uplifting beer so summery that it just makes you want to put your swimming trunks on and head down to the beach. If the banana and band-aid beers you may have previously drunk put you off this style then this may just win you back over to wheat.
Rating
4.0 of 5
One Response to “Beer Review – Sigtuna Sommar Wit”
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
[...] Link: Beer Review – Sigtuna Sommar Wit | BeerSweden [...]