It’s Weihenstephaner time!
Eric Asimov tastes through some domestic hefe weissbiers in an article for the NYT. If you haven’t discovered this category of summer refreshment, go straight for the Bavarian choice: track down some of the Weihenstephaner hefe weissbier. Weihenstephaner actually makes a range of beers, including dark and light (Kristall) weissbiers, but the hefeweizen is where the money is, imho, bottle-conditioned and slightly cloudy in the glass with classic banana/clove notes. At the end of a hot summer day, it’s hard to think of a more refreshing beer (though a Reissdorf Koelsch comes close).
As to domestic hefeweizen selections, I agree that they vary frustratingly widely. But Apollo from Brooklyn’s Sixpoint is also a good one.
Which are your faves? And do you add lemon or not?
On August 27th, 2012 at 11:26 am ,Quizicat wrote:
Please, no floating fruit or vegetables in my beer. And make it Ommegang Abbey Ale! If I’m not drinking wine, then I could drink this all day…or until I fall off my chair.
On August 27th, 2012 at 11:44 am ,Roger Sleigh wrote:
I agree these are absolutely fabulous beers, classsic of the style, I can’t see past these for a Friday evening beer. although avoid the filter, clear version of the hefe (green cap/label I think) as in my opinion a good wheatbeer has to be hazy.
On August 27th, 2012 at 11:49 am ,David wrote:
312 Summertime!!! Before just available in Chicago but look for it near you in the coming months!
On August 27th, 2012 at 3:47 pm ,Dave Erickson wrote:
Schneiderweisse, Franziskaner (known affectionately as “The Drunk Monk”), and Erdinger are all favorites in our neighborhood. Haven’t yet run across an American that really hit the mark. Harpoon’s UFO is okay.
As far as fruit, if the bartender insists on an orange slice for authenticity’s sake, I’m not going to argue.
On August 27th, 2012 at 4:55 pm ,Kyle wrote:
As far as Hefe’s go, Paulaner Hefe is delicious as is Hofbrau’s. American offerings that are delicious are Thirsty Dog Brewing’s Whippet Wheat, Sierra Nevada’s Kellerweis, Goose Island’s 312, and Brewery Ommegang Witte is a Belgian wheat that is fantastic.
My favorite summer beer, hands down, is Anderson Valley Brewing Company’s Summer Solstice, a spiced cream ale. An absolutely fantastic gem that fly’s under the radar.
No fruit in my beer. If the bartender puts it in, I kindly remove it and place it on the napkin/coaster, then take my beer.
On August 27th, 2012 at 5:09 pm ,RobinC wrote:
I guess if someone put a cold Weihenstephaner hefe weissbier down in front of me I wouldn’t say no.
On August 28th, 2012 at 1:43 am ,Caleb Ganzer wrote:
Weihenstephaner hefe weissbier — coincidentally enough, what I’m enjoying right now! Also love Avery White Rascal and Two Brothers White Monarch (during the short window that it’s available!).
On August 28th, 2012 at 10:59 am ,Peter S. wrote:
Hopf makes some of the most authentic and true to style Bavarian weiss beers being imported into the US! Better than Franziskaner, Weihenstephaner, or any American efforts.
On August 28th, 2012 at 9:06 pm ,Dr. Vino wrote:
Quizicat – I’ve really liked Ommegang’s BPA but haven’t tried their Witte or Abbey Ale. Fortunately, there’s a great beer store nearby…
Roger, glad you enjoy Weihenstphaner hefe too!
Ditto Caleb! The others you mention sounds interesting.
Dave Erickson – those German ones you mention are very good, but I prefer the Weihenstphaner. Can be hard to find though (Kellerweiss is easier and probably will become even easier in NY thanks to the new Sierra Nevada brewery opening in your home state of NC next year…)
Peter – will keep my eye out for Hopf! Hopf to it!
Robin – give it a shot and let us know what you think!
Kyle and David – Glad to hear you still like the Goose Island 312. I need to check in with that–I haven’t done so since they were bought by InBev.
On August 29th, 2012 at 4:40 pm ,Kyle wrote:
Dr – Ya, I’m a bit afraid what will happen to Goose Island now they are owned by the AB-InBev. I had it before the acquisition and enjoyed most things from GI. Only time will tell, but I don’t have high hopes.