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Beer · Wheat Beer & Specialty

Hoegaarden White

Name: Hoegaarden White
Brand: AB InBev India

The original Belgian white beer — orange peel, coriander and 500 years of wheat beer tradition

AB InBev India

Distillery

Belgium

Country

4.90%

ABV

8.6/10

Rating

★★★★★

8.6/10

Hoegaarden, Belgium Est. 1966 4.90% ABV

Tasting Notes

Colour & Appearance

Hazy pale straw with a fluffy white head

Nose & Aroma

Orange peel, coriander, fresh wheat, vanilla and a light yeasty banana from the Belgian culture

Palate & Taste

Medium-bodied with a creamy wheat texture, orange peel sweetness, coriander spice and a refreshing slight tartness. This is the beer that defined the witbier style and it still tastes like the reference against which all Indian wheat beers are measured

Finish

Medium-long and dry with a pleasant spice note. Refreshing and clean

History & Background

Hoegaarden white beer was revived in 1966 by Pierre Celis in the Belgian village of Hoegaarden, where white beer had been brewed for centuries before the style nearly died out. Celis rebuilt the tradition using orange peel, coriander and unmalted wheat, creating the blueprint every witbier that followed has borrowed from. AB InBev acquired the brand and now brews it at facilities worldwide including India. In India, Hoegaarden introduced a generation of drinkers to the witbier style and remains the quality reference in the category.

Production & Maturation

Production Method

Made from malted barley and unmalted wheat with coriander seeds and dried Curaçao orange peel. Fermented with Belgian witbier yeast. Unfiltered.

Aging & Maturation

Short conditioning. No lagering.

Distillery

AB InBev India

Founded

1966

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hoegaarden brewed in India?

Yes. Hoegaarden sold in India is brewed locally by AB InBev India. The recipe uses the original Belgian ingredients including Curaçao orange peel and coriander. Local brewing keeps the price lower than an imported product while maintaining the core character.

Hoegaarden White price in India

Hoegaarden White 650ml costs around Rs 300 in Delhi, Rs 265 in Goa, Rs 320 in Karnataka and Rs 360 in Mumbai. The 330ml can costs around Rs 185 in Delhi and Rs 160 in Goa. Six-packs of the 330ml are available at select large format retail for around Rs 1050 in Delhi.

Hoegaarden vs Bira 91 White — which wheat beer is worth buying?

Hoegaarden is the superior beer. The original Belgian witbier has more complexity, a more defined orange peel character and the depth that comes from being the reference product for the style. Bira 91 White at Rs 200 is an excellent Indian interpretation at a notably lower price than Hoegaarden at Rs 300. For regular drinking, Bira 91 White is outstanding value. For the best wheat beer experience in India, Hoegaarden is worth the premium.

How should I serve Hoegaarden White?

Serve at 4 to 6 degrees Celsius in a wide-mouthed glass. Swirl the bottle or can gently before opening to redistribute the yeast. Pour slowly, leave a small amount, swirl and pour the final cloudy remainder into the glass. A slice of orange is the traditional garnish.

Is Hoegaarden White available for home delivery in India?

Yes. Hoegaarden 330ml cans are available for home delivery through Swiggy Instamart and Zomato in Maharashtra, Karnataka and other states with alcohol delivery permissions. The 650ml bottle is available at most premium off-licences in major cities.

Similar to Hoegaarden White

bira-91-white,white-rhino-hefeweizen,erdinger-weissbier

About the Author

Shivam Sharma

I am the founder and editor of The Spirit Atlas. With a deep appreciation for fine spirits, I built this platform to be the most helpful and honest spirits guide for Indian readers — covering everything from Scotch and Indian single malts to rum, gin and tequila, along with prices across every major Indian state. My goal is simple: to make the world of spirits a little more approachable for everyone.

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Last updated: June 2026