Hefeweizen-style brew is a summer treat all the way from medieval Bavaria
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
Tasting Notes
Aficionados agree that most summer sippers should be refreshing and lighter in body yet deliver a pack of flavor. Various beer types qualify, but the Hefeweizen-style native to Germany is a real thirst quencher. Hefeweizen is cataloged as a wheat beer, not a big shocker since the German "weizen" translates to "wheat" in English.
More interesting is the hefe, or yeast, which remains in the beer, delivering a cloudy hazy appearance and unmistakable flavor. Cloves, banana, citrus, vanilla and bubblegum are just some of the characteristics you can expect from this highly-refreshing seasonal frontrunner.
Hefe Weissbier from Weihenstephaner is an internationally-recognized icon of this delicious style. In terms of historical significant, the brewery can trace its heritage back to the Middle Ages, a time of lords, knights, and damsels in distress. The 1040 birthdate makes Weihenstephaner the “World’s Oldest Brewery.”
Let’s ponder that thought for a moment. In our quest for all things beer, there are a few milestones worth perusing.
How often does the opportunity arise to actively participate in an event with such historical meaning? Sampling an offering from the world’s oldest brewery is a worthy pursuit that should be on every beer lover's bucket list.
Nate Parsons is a contributor to AnnArbor.com and can reached at modevin@yahoo.com.
Comments
Rork Kuick
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 6:46 p.m.
The great German non-alcoholic brew this time of year: Leberknödelsuppe. Seriously though, my relatives (near Tegernsee - try that beer if you can get it) drink the weissbier from Aying, and they have many choices, so I'm with Dive75.
Diana
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.
Pork Liver is not on my low fat heart healthy diet. You got to kick me when I am down. Just spent Sat. in the ER with a Lupus flair. My last trip to Arbor Brewing was a HUGE disappointment. All they had has Kaliber, and I hated it.
Dive75
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.
A couple of other options are Ayinger Brau Weisse and Hacker-Pschorr Weisse. <a href="http://en.ayinger-bier.de/?pid=121&par=82" rel='nofollow'>http://en.ayinger-bier.de/?pid=121&par=82</a> Ayinger is by far my favorite heffeweissen. A&L and meijers carry both. Also Sidtracks in Depot town has Hacker-Pschorr on tap.
sh1
Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
I tried this beer at Ashley's and give it two thumbs up. I also appreciate the built-in sobriety test. If you can no longer order a Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier, you've had enough.
Diana
Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 7:11 p.m.
Are there any non-alcoholic "great summer brews"? I am taking medication that can't mix with alcohol and I miss my Oberon!