{"id":615460,"date":"2025-07-28T16:54:58","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T14:54:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fermentis.com\/?p=615460"},"modified":"2025-08-08T15:30:24","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T13:30:24","slug":"belgian-style-witbier-yeast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fermentis.com\/en\/news\/testimonials\/belgian-style-witbier-yeast\/","title":{"rendered":"Brewer Stories: Belgian-style Witbier with SafAle\u2122 BW-20"},"content":{"rendered":"

Interested in Belgian-style Witbier? Fermentis sat down with Wilson, brewmaster from Jing A Brewing in Beijing, to talk about his experience with SafAle\u2122 BW-20<\/a>, a witbier yeast strain known for its versatility in Belgian-style beers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The goal<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

A big opportunity in the Chinese market, wheat beer is one of Jing A Brewing\u2019s bestsellers. The team was looking to diversify their range and create something unique that stood apart from the popular German-style wheat beers. \u201cOur motto is \u2018A brewery in constant motion\u2019,\u201d says Wilson, \u201cand we wanted to see what more we could do in the wheat beer space.\u201d <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Specializing in modern craft beer styles, access to interesting ingredients and yeast strains is important to the team at Jing A Brewing. Wilson wanted to experiment with phenolics (clove and peppery notes) and was looking for a witbier yeast strain with more expression. After talking to Fermentis about their wheat beer range, Wilson chose to brew with SafAle\u2122 BW-20<\/a>, the ideal strain for producing Belgian-style Witbiers. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The craft beer scene in China is highly colourful and bold. A lot of the creations are strong in flavour and the use of adjuncts and fruit is common. With SafAle\u2122 BW-20<\/a> leaving plenty of room for the expression of spices and other ingredients such as citrus zest, this strain is really well suited for this rich, buzzing market. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The style: Understanding Belgian Witbier and its Yeast Characteristics\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

Belgian in origin, Witbier<\/a> (which translates to “wheat beer” or “white beer”) is a traditional style of wheat beer that derives its name from its pale and cloudy appearance. Witbier is typically made from a blend of malted and non-malted cereals, resulting in a generally paler colour when compared to German-style wheat beers. The lower percentage of non-malted wheat also results in a milder flavour. For this reason, Witbier is often infused with additional ingredients, such as coriander, lavender, or orange peel. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The yeast behind Witbier: Why SafAle\u2122 BW-20 Stands Out<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

Selected in Flanders using the most famous Witbier yeast strains as benchmarks, SafAle\u2122 BW-20<\/a> is a specialty yeast ideal for brewing a variety of Belgian beer styles, especially Witbier. A medium attenuative yeast, it produces crisp, fuller-bodied beers and is known for its neutral fruity flavors and specific phenolic character. While producing esters (banana notes) and phenols (clove and peppery notes), which are important components for Witbiers, its lower attenuation produces a more subtle aromatic profile and milder base beer compared to other yeasts in the Fermentis wheat beer range. This makes it an excellent choice for brewers looking to create something unique and experiment with additional ingredients. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The result<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even without the addition of classic ingredients such as coriander or citrus peel, Wilson managed to achieve rich, traditional Belgian-style Witbier characteristics, all thanks to the unique properties of SafAle\u2122 BW-20<\/a> witbier yeast.<\/span> The final product? A unique Belgian-style Witbier suited to the modern market. \u201cWe named it \u2018Just Enough\u2019,\u201d says Wilson. \u201cIt has just the right balance of everything, all owing to the yeast strain.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For more information about SafAle\u2122 BW-20<\/a>, brewing Belgian-style Witbier and much more, go to fermentis.com<\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n