Kronenbourg Blanc

Review Date 6/30/2016 By John Staradumsky

  Style: Witbier   Brewery: Kronenbourg   France   State: N/A   $ Per OZ: $.16 (B), $.30 (D)   ABV: 5%

Beer number two at Taco Mac for the Eurocup: Kronenbourg Blanc, a Belgian style witbier from this French megabrewer. Kronenbourg, now part of the Carlsberg brewing empire, dates back to 1664 and is best known for their 1664 lager. In fact, in all the years I’ve been drinking beer (and that’s quite a few) I’ve only ever come across the 1664 lager-until now.

Witbiers are refreshing in summer, and that’s my favorite time to drink them. The spicy orange peel and coriander add zest and zing, and the tart wheat refreshes eminently. While the French are much better known for their wine than their beer, they can brew very well indeed. And when they do, why not a witbier? Belgium borders France, after all.

From the Carlsberg website:

1664 Blanc is a fresh and fruity wheat beer dominated by aromas of citrus, lemon and coriander spices.

With its flavour and design, 1664 Blanc embodies the elegance and taste of France. The modern and elegant blue bottle makes it perfectly adapted to all moments of conviviality.

Kronenbourg Blanc has an alcohol content of 5% by volume and I paid $6 for a 20-ounce mug. Total Wine has it in six-packs for $10.49; I’ve never seen them though. Maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough, since the brewery says the beer has been brewed since 2006.

My mug of Kronenbourg Blanc arrived a hazy yellow white color with a thick unruly head and lemon citrus in the nose. Taking a sip, the beer has tart wheat up front with light citrus and lighter coriander. The finish is dry and tart from spice and wheat, and though I like my wits with a bit more pronounced spiciness than this one boasts, I did thoroughly enjoy the brew.

In fact, I enjoyed it enough that I’ll be chasing it down in the bottle. I’ll be back with further notes for your reading enjoyment and gustatory edification. Stay tuned.