Unique Flavor, Refreshing Qualities Prove Golden For Hoegaarden At 2008 World Beer Cup®

Original Belgian White Beer Wins Fourth Consecutive Gold Medal in Blind Taste Test

ST. LOUIS. – Hoegaarden, the Original Belgian White Beer, was awarded its fourth consecutive World Beer Cup Gold Medal in the Belgian-Style White (or Wit)/Belgian-Style Wheat category at the 2008 Brewers Association World Beer Cup competition held recently in San Diego, Calif.

Brewed with real Curaçao orange peel and a hint of coriander, Hoegaarden was chosen as a World Beer Cup Gold Medal winner out of 35 entries. This is the fifth time Hoegaarden has been awarded the World Beer Cup Gold Medal in the Belgian-Style White (or Wit)/Belgian-Style Wheat category. The beer also won the World Beer Cup Gold Medal in the Belgian-Style White (or Wit)/Belgian-Style Wheat category in 1996, 2002, 2004 and 2006. (The competition is held every two years). Hoegaarden is the only beer that has medaled in every World Beer Cup.

“This is an incredible honor for a very special brew – a testimonial to Hoegaarden’s unique flavor and time-honored recipe,” said Chris Auberry, brand manager for Hoegaarden. “We’re also excited for the people of Belgium, particularly those in the City of Hoegaarden, where white ales were first brewed in the 15th Century. I can’t think of a more appropriate salute to their incredible passion for beer.”

An unfiltered wheat beer with a soft body, cloudy white appearance and thick, frothy head, Hoegaarden is brewed using only natural ingredients. In addition to the coriander and Curaçao orange peel, Belgian brewmasters incorporate mineral spring water, unmalted wheat, barley malt, hops and yeast.

Hoegaarden was among 2,864 beers entered in 91 beer style categories at the 2008 World Beer Cup. Judges from 21 countries participated in this year’s competition, working in teams to conduct blind tasting evaluations of the beers and determine the medals, according to the Brewers Association, the U.S.-based trade association that has put on the competition since 1996.

“Brewers all over the world participate in order to win recognition for their creativity and brewing ability,” said Charlie Papazian, president of the Brewer’s Association. “For a brewer, a World Beer Cup gold medal allows them to say that their winning beer represents the best of that beer style in the world.”

Enjoyed by adult beer drinkers worldwide, Hoegaarden continues to grow distribution after being introduced in the United States several years ago. The beer is available on draught in select restaurants, and a 12-pack of 11.2-ounce bottles was introduced in late March in select grocery and convenience stores. Also available in six-packs, Hoegaarden is 4.9 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).