Vedett Extra White Review

"It’s Summertime and the Living is Easy”

Country: Belgium 

Brand: Vedett Extra White

Bottler: Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat, Puurs
Package: Bottle (33 cl) 

Type: Belgian Wheatbeer (Witbier)

Age: NAS

ABV: 4.8 %

Antioxidant: Not Indicated
Stabiliser: Not Indicated

Colour: Pale Straw. In the glass, the Vedett is Cloudy as it is unfiltered.

Foam: Thin White Foam that dissolves rather quickly. A very thin layer of foam lasts until you have finished the glass. Only Thin Laces remain afterwards.

Nose: Medium-Sweet and slightly Herbal. The main Aroma is Citrus Fruit with Orange, Tangerine and Lemon. Clear Barley and Wheat notes are accompanied by light Yeast and light Hops. I also find Tutti-Frutti Bubble Gum, Plums, Cloves and a distant hint of Fresh Coriander. No Off-Notes whatsoever.

Palate: Light, Dry and slightly Bitter with Wheat Crackers, light Hops, Malt, light Yeast, Dried Herbs, Tangerine, Lemon, White Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon and Nutmeg. It's a bit more Watery than I would have expected. The Coriander note is more clear on the Palate. The Carbonation is Medium. It's very drinkable and highly refreshing.  

Finish: Very Short, Dry and slightly Bitter with Citrus Peel, Tutti-Frutti Bubble Gum and a hint of Banana Ice Cream.

Rating: *******  (Seven out of Ten)

The Devil's Brewery!

General Remarks: Vedett Extra White is produced by the family owned Duvel Moortgat Brewery that was founded in 1871. The strong golden pale ale Duvel (Devil) is the best known beer of this Distillery. Over the years the Brewery had its ups and downs but since the 1980's Duvel grew stronger all the time. It went public in 1999 and since acquired various other Breweries in Belgium and the USA. The Vedett Brand was originally launched in 1945 (Pilsener) but made its come back in 2003 as a luxury Lager. Vedett has successfully introduced a quite original marketing scheme that gives consumers the possibility of having their pictures placed on the labels of the bottles. Vedett Extra White was introduced to the market in 2008. It is made using Water, Malted Barley, Wheat and Hops. It is spiced with Coriander and Dried Orange Peel. It is re-fermented in the keg or bottle for several weeks to maximise flavour.

Drinking Experience: Good.   

Conclusion: Vedett Extra White is an excellent Thirst-Quencher on a hot day after a long walk walk in the city. Few people would not like it as such. It's a well made Wheat Beer with no off-notes on the Nose and on the Palate. The Orange and, to a lesser extent, the Coriander give a little extra flavour. It's very drinkable and highly refreshing. But it's also very Light, Thin and even slightly Watery. The Finish is extremely short. So if you're looking for a strong beer that will leave a lasting impression you're at the wrong address here. Instead this is a perfect Summer Beer to enjoy outside with your (girl) friends. Should combine well with Sushi and Sashimi.

Jan van den Ende                                                                        May 6, 2015