Berliner Weisse

A very pale, refreshing, low-alcohol German wheat beer with a clean lactic sourness and a very high carbonation level. A light bread dough malt flavor supports the sourness.

Clean, sharp lactic sourness is most prominent. Faint wheat malt and bread dough aroma. Very low hop aroma. No yeast-derived off-aromas. Refreshing and tart like a dry white wine.

Very pale straw, 2-3 SRM. Hazy, milky white appearance. White head with poor retention. Very highly carbonated.

Dominant clean lactic sourness. Light wheat malt flavor with bread dough character. Very low to no hop bitterness. Possibly slight sweetness in very fresh versions. Refreshingly tart and dry finish.

Very light body with very high carbonation. Crisp and tingly. Almost no body. Very refreshing and spritzy.

A traditional beer of Berlin, Germany, documented as early as the 16th century. Enjoyed by Napoleon's soldiers who called it the 'Champagne of the North.' At its peak in the 19th century, over 700 Berlin breweries produced it. Nearly extinct by the late 20th century, it has been revived by German craft brewers and adopted globally as a sour beer base.

What is Berliner Weisse beer?

Berliner Weisse (BJCP 23A) — a pale, tart, refreshing German sour wheat beer. Style guide and specs.

What is the ABV of Berliner Weisse?

Berliner Weisse has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 2.8-3.8%.

How bitter is Berliner Weisse beer?

Berliner Weisse measures 3-8 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of Berliner Weisse beers?

Professor Fritz Briem 1809 Berliner Weisse, Bayerischer Bahnhof Berliner Style Weisse, Cascade Brewing Bourbonic Plague (approximation)