My initial introduction to the Blanche de Bruxelles was close to ideal. I wasn't at the top of a massive cathedral in the beer's native Brussels homeland watching fireworks, but I was at a nice French/Cali bistro type restaurant on a warm summers day. Blanche de Bruxelles was served chilled in it's personalized glass with a fresh slice of lemon, highlighting the bright yellow unfiltered haze that sat in front my plate. The glass featured an image of a small cherubic boy whose angelic and metaphorical urine was the closest analogy to the liquid on hand. I quickly learned that this boy was actually Manneken Pis, the mascot of Brussels Belgium. Legend has it that a fire had started near the royal castle, which in turn awakened a heroic tot who unleashed a powerful stream on the flames, saving the king and the royal blood line.
The Blanche De Bruxelles from Brasserie Lefebvre is not a spin or interpretation of a classic blanche wheat ale, it is the classic. The beer's composition features a high percentage (40%) of wheat, and is re-fermented with yeast and brewing sugar after it reaches the bottle. During the brewing process coriander and orange peels are slowly added, creating a natural citrus and spice aroma. Overall the flavor is fresh and mellow and is dominated by lemon and bright citrus. Some might describe this beer as one dimensional, but that dimension is a good one to be in. If you like wheat beers and haven't had the Blanche De Bruxelles prepare for a treat worthy of Belgian boy-wonder full exposure.
Grade: B+
ALC:4.5%
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