Historical Beer: Lichtenhainer

A sour, smoked, low-gravity historical German wheat beer. Complex yet refreshing character from the combination of lactic acid and smoke.

Moderate smoke aroma combined with lactic sourness and light wheat malt. Smoke character is assertive but blends with the tartness. Earthy and rustic. No hop aroma.

Very pale, hazy gold. Turbid from wheat and wild fermentation. White head with poor retention.

Smoke and lactic sourness in equal balance. Light wheat malt flavor. Very low hop bitterness. Dry, tart, smoky finish. Unusual and compelling combination of smoked and sour characters.

Light body with moderate to high carbonation. Crisp acidity from lactic souring. Smoke adds no texture. Refreshing.

A historical style from the German town of Lichtenhain in Thuringia, active in the 19th century. Combined two older German brewing traditions: smoke-cured malt and lactic souring. The brewery in Lichtenhain closed in 1983. The style has been revived by a small number of German and American craft brewers interested in historical styles.

What is Historical Beer: Lichtenhainer beer?

Lichtenhainer — a sour, smoked historical German wheat beer. Style guide and specs.

What is the ABV of Historical Beer: Lichtenhainer?

Historical Beer: Lichtenhainer has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 3.5-4.7%.

How bitter is Historical Beer: Lichtenhainer beer?

Historical Beer: Lichtenhainer measures 5-12 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of Historical Beer: Lichtenhainer beers?

Bayerischer Bahnhof Lichtenhainer, Scratch Brewing Lichtenhainer, Freigeist Bierkultur Abraxas