Weissbier

Bavaria's pale wheat beer traces to 1520, when the ducal monopoly on Weissbier was granted to the House of Degenberg and later absorbed by the Wittelsbach family. Nearly extinct by the late nineteenth century, it was revived by Schneider Weisse from 1872 and carried into mass popularity by Paulaner and Erdinger; it is today the best-selling beer in Bavaria. Highly carbonated and lightly hopped, it runs 4.3 to 5.6 percent alcohol over just 8 to 15 IBU, with a very pale 2 to 6 SRM colour. Its signature comes from the yeast rather than the hops, showing pronounced banana and clove over a soft, fluffy body and a dry finish. Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier, Schneider Weisse Original, and Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier are archetypal. BJCP catalogs it as 10A.

A pale, refreshing, lightly-hopped German wheat beer with high carbonation, dry finish, fluffy mouthfeel, and distinctive banana-and-clove yeast character.

Moderate to strong banana ester (isoamyl acetate) and clove-like phenol (4-vinyl guaiacol) from Weizen yeast. Low to moderate vanilla and bubblegum possible. Soft, bready wheat malt aroma. Very low hop aroma.

Pale straw to gold, 2-8 SRM. Hazy to very hazy from yeast. White to off-white dense, fluffy head with excellent retention.

Prominent banana and clove flavors from Weizen yeast. Light bready wheat malt flavor. Very low hop bitterness. Possible vanilla notes. Refreshing, slightly sweet finish. Yeast is the star.

Light to medium body with very high carbonation. Fluffy and effervescent. Smooth, light texture. Very refreshing and crisp.

Ancient Bavarian wheat beer tradition, dating to the Weiss beer monopoly granted to the House of Degenberg in 1520, later held by the Wittelsbach ducal family. Nearly extinct by the late 19th century, it was revived by Schneider Weisse starting 1872 and popularized by Paulaner and Erdinger in the 20th century. Now Bavaria's most popular beer style.

What is Weissbier beer?

Weissbier / Hefeweizen (BJCP 10A) — a refreshing German wheat beer with banana and clove flavors. Style guide.

What is the ABV of Weissbier?

Weissbier has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.3-5.6%.

How bitter is Weissbier beer?

Weissbier measures 8-15 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of Weissbier beers?

Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier, Schneider Weisse Original, Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier, Erdinger Weißbier