The Gentse Stadsbrouwerij was established in 2009 by the daughter of a brewing family. Wanting to do something different, she decided upon brewing beers to an ancient recipe.
Gruit is an older beer style, from the time before hops were known. In the place of hops, local herbs and spices were used for the bittering and preservative properties.
They differed from region to region, and even village to village, depending on what was available locally. Juniper berries, heather, dandelion, caraway seed, yarrow and mugwort are examples.
The Gruut Wit displays characteristics of a standard Belgian wit, with a herbal citrus and banana aroma. Typically cloudy, with lemon citrus grainy malt and herbal spicing in the flavour.
A very easier drinker, and a good example of an uncommon style.
The 'Witteke' is a typical beer from the past; a cloudy unfiltered, aromatic witbier.
Great example of a Belgian Witbier, voted 'Worlds Best Wheat Only Wheat Beer' in 2009.
by Brasserie de l'Abbaye des Rocs
An intriguingly moreish Double Witbier from Abbaye des Rocs
A powerful yeast creates a sweet and dry wheat beer, technically classed as a 'Double White'.
A typical Belgian witbier with loads of orange and lemon citrus and a little coriander
A tasty little Witbier from the province of Limburg in north-east Belgium
A biggish witbier, with the typical aroma and flavours of banana, citrus and coriander
This traditional Witbier has been developed in cooperation with Master Brewer Pierre Celis, the Godfather of Hoegaarden.
A Belgian witbier made using 40% unsalted wheat, 60% barley, coriander, curaçao orange and a mix of spices
A traditional Witbier, from the 'Brewer's Town' of Watou; crisp, light and refreshing.
Brewed to a 1000-year old recipe, this is a great example of an almost-forgotten style.
Brewed without hops, using a mixture of herbs and spice; one of the best 'gruit' style beers you'll taste
