Weissbier
Description
A pale, refreshing, lightly-hopped German wheat beer with high carbonation, dry finish, fluffy mouthfeel, and distinctive banana-and-clove yeast character.
Aroma
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.
Appearance
Pale straw to gold, 2-8 SRM. Hazy to very hazy from yeast. White to off-white dense, fluffy head with excellent retention.
Flavor
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.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium body with very high carbonation. Fluffy and effervescent. Smooth, light texture. Very refreshing and crisp.
History
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.
Commercial Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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
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