Schell's Hefe Weizen and Strawberry Hefe Weizen

Schell's Hefe Weizen and Strawberry Hefe Weizen.

Hold the phone, people! It just dawned on me that the Schell's Hefe Weizen has not yet appeared here in the Bitter Nib! What? How is this possible? Well, it seems that when the 2014 30th Anniversary edition come out I chose that to stand in for the regular, year-in, year-out version. And, what of the new strawberry edition? Let's consider them both, side by side. 

Another reason I am tackling this and these tonight, besides that I have decided upon going forth in an alphabetical fashion: The other day, an older gentleman asked me for recommendations on good, local Hefe Weizen. I chose Utepils first, followed by Steel Toe, then remembered Schell's. Can't beat good ol' Schell's, I said. His response: No! I'll never drink it again! They changed it! It's not even unfiltered anymore! Can he possibly be correct? Let's find out

This post will include two reviews, one for each. And away we go....

Schell's Hefe Weizen, August Schell Brewing Company, New Ulm, MN. A family tradition since 1860. 

5.5 % ABV. 14 IBU. 

Lightly clouded, bright golden color, slim white head. 

In the nose: Banana and clove, big time. Citrus on the sly. Beautiful expression, slightly sweet. 

In the mouth: More sweetness, followed by wheat flavor and texture, then nothing but smooth and creamy.  Light bodied and easy drinking. Citrusy flavors, lemon and orange, mingle with banana and clove hints from the yeast. Exceptionally refreshing, very much in the style of the great Bavarian wheats. 

Conclusion: the old guy's nuts. 

First brewed in 1984, Schell’s Hefeweizen is made with a blend of wheat malt and barley malts. We use an authentic wheat beer yeast culture, which gives the beer a fruity ale character dominated by a citrus-like tartness. Refreshingly light character with a higher than normal carbonation level. Straw-colored and cloudy from the unfiltered yeast left in suspension. Notes of banana and clove with a slight bready malt flavor. 

We invite you to join us in a hearty German toast to this gold medal winner. Prosit!

and now, Schell's Strawberry Hefe Weizen. Wheat Beer with Strawberry Flavor. Bavarian Style Flavored Wheat Beer. Limited Release. 

5.5 % ABV. 14 IBU. 

Perfectly clear, bright golden hue, large and lasting ivory cap atop. 

In the nose: Sweet, sweet strawberries. Artificial, or real? I'm leaning toward the former. 

In the mouth: Sweet, phony strawberry flavorings, and little else. Practically empty of the flavors found in the true Hefe weizens. Moderate maltiness, minimal hops, and devoid of the Weizen yeast that gives so much character to the true Hefe Weizen. I don't think this beer and that are related at all. 

Who thought this was a good idea? Did anyone ask for this, at all? 

This comes in an odd package, a 6-pack of cans, 3 Hefe Weizens, 3 Strawberrys. I don't see how anyone could think this an improvement.