Wheat Beer - Bavarian Weizen

BJCP 17-A

AROMA

Vanilla and clove-like phenols and fruity esters of banana are common. Hop aroma ranges from low to none. No diacetyl. Some aroma of wheat may be present.

APPEARANCE

Pale straw to dark reddish-gold in color. A very thick, long-lasting head is characteristic. High protein content of wheat may impair clarity in an unfiltered beer, and clarity can be deliberately cloudy in a Hefe-Weizen from suspended yeast sediment. The filtered Krystal version is quite clear.

FLAVOR

The soft, grainy flavor of wheat is essential. Hop flavor is low to none and hop bitterness is very low. A tart character from yeast and high carbonation may be present. Spicy clove phenols and fruity esters, most prominently banana, are often present. No diacetyl.

MOUTH FEEL

The texture of wheat imparts the sensation of a fluffy, creamy fullness that may progress to a surprisingly light finish. A high carbonation level is typical.

OVERALL

A pale, spicy, fruity, wheat-based ale.

INGREDIENTS

A high percentage of malted wheat is used which typically constitutes 50% or more of the grist, the remainder being pale barley malt. Weizen ale yeast produces the typical spicy and fruity essences during a relatively warm fermentation. Hops are used for a small amount of bittering only. Water character will vary

COMMENTS

These are refreshing, fast-maturing beers that are lightly hopped. The Hefe-Weizen version is served with yeast sediment stirred into it. The Krystal version is filtered for excellent clarity

HISTORY

A traditional wheat-based ale from Southern Germany that is a specialty for summer consumption

COMMERCIAL EXAMPLES

Paulaner Hefe-Weizen, Pschorr-Brau Weisse, Spaten Club-Weisse, Schneider Weisse, Julius Echter Weizenbier.

VITAL

OG: 1.040-1.056 IBUs: 10-20 FG: 1.010-1.014 SRM: 2-9 ABV: 4.3-5.6%