Weihenstephan Hefe Weissbier – Sampling a Classic

When I first started exploring beer, I consistently found my self drawn to German Hefe’s.  Of course it was mid-summer and of course, the Hefeweizen ultimately became one of my absolute favorite styles of beer.  There’s not a more classic or Authentic German Hefe Weissbier than Weihenstephan, and not a more historical brewery in the world that the world’s oldest brewery, Weihenstephan.

So naturally I was very excited to find a sample of Weihenstephan Hefe Weissbier waiting for me at mybeerbuzz headquarters.  I should first mention that the beer-bar where I first discovered Weihenstephan, was very strict with glassware, so naturally they served Weihenstephan in a Weihenstephan Hefe glass…so it could not have been more perfect to sample it tonight in the new glassware Weihenstephan included.

This beer pours a gorgeous cloudy light golden color, and you can’t help but marvel at how good it looks in the proper glassware.  The aromas speak of banana and spices with a soft yeasty nose, and you’ll find the same ingredients in the flavors.  The head is frothy and the mouthfeel is clean and effervescent, and each sip will make you want to drink more.  Weihenstephan Hefe Weissbier begins with subtle yeast & mild bready/malty flavors complimented by the banana and clove flavors of an authentic German wheat beer.  In my book this is the gold standard by which all other German Hefe’s are judged.

Weihenstephan Hefe Weissbier comes in at 5.4% AbV and while we enjoy it year-round, it is perfect for the warm days of summer (like today).  This beer comes to the U.S. in 500ml bottles from the world’s oldest brewery, now celebrating their 975th Anniversary in 2015….and while we’re at it, let’s talk about the pronunciation of Weihenstephan and while we sometimes see “er” added to the end. 

First off the “er” is German for “of’” or “from” so Weihenstephaner means from the brewery Weihenstephan.  And as far as pronunciation, check out the video below.  If the video doesn’t play, browse to http://bit.ly/sayWeihenstephan.