Heller-Trum Aecht Schenkerla Erle Schwarzbier. Mit Erlenrauchmalz. Schenkerla Alder Wood Smoke.
Black, near-perfect opacity, small brownish head.
In the nose: mild smoke meets dark malts. Uncured ham plus cocoa.
In the mouth: exceptionally smooth and hearty. There’s nothing like this. I love a nice, malty schwarzbier, but this is another thing. Rich and delicious, with that unique smoked malt touch. I can’t tell you what makes alder wood distinctive, but it works.
6.9% ABV, 30 IBU. Pfungstädter Privatbrauerei Seit 1831. Pfungstadt, Hessen, Deutschland.
Three cases of this beer that I'd never heard of arrived at the store. I think the beer buyer is a little obsessed with Santa Claus. We might get rid of the rest of them over the next few weeks. The public's interest in Jolly Ol' St. Nick drops significantly after 12/25.. I picked up a bottle because I like bocks and it was only $3.50. One more beer to check off my list to try them all. See if it's naughty or nice.
Mostly clear, dark brown, slim off-white head.
In the nose: cocoa and cream, a touch of caramel. Soft and sweet. Mild hops. Good balance.
In the mouth: Silky smooth. Dark Munich malt drive this bock, sweet cocoa and caramel notes pop up, moderate hopping keeps it balanced, clean and malty. A tasty little bock.
DARK AND STRONG! When winter comes, this will keep you warm inside. The dark roasted malt brings a fantastically rich mix of dried-fruit, fresh-baked bread and bitter-sweet chocolate. You will wish for more winter.
Weltenburger Kloster Anno 1850 Märzen Beer.
5.5 % ABV, 24 IBU.
Klosterbrauerei Weltenburg, Weltenburg, Bayern Germany
Also, I passed on those bottles when the same came out in cans. Good ol' 16 ounce cans in a 4-pack. Everyone's doing it.
Clear, amber-hued, slim white head.
In the nose: Slightly sweet, grainy, lightly hoppy.
In the mouth: Smooth, malty and delicious. Light grainy texture. Medium/light body, excellent drinkability. Classic Märzens flavors. Good ol' drinkin' Oktoberfest.
This golden yellow Märzen beer, a jewel of Bavarian brewing, combines an exceptionally fine scent with a light, fruity flavor. Full-bodied and spicy at the same time, the malt is emphasized from first sip to the finish.
Now, I have to wonder why they say "yellow" when it's clearly amber. Color is a universal language, people.
Hofbräu Hefe Weizen. Munich Wheat Specialty.
5.1 % ABV. Staatliches Hofbräuhaus München, Munich, Bayern Germany
This is only the second Hofbräu beer that I've ever had. The first was their Oktoberfest, a sample given to me over two years ago, in the before times when I bought beers for a bar and people gave me samples. How is that I've been putting off sampling more of their beers for so long? Lured by the new and the local so many times, I suppose. Well, I've going to keep trying all the beers of the world, not just the fresh and fancy ones. Let's drink this...
Lightly clouded, orange-ish hue, tall white head that shrinks down quickly..
In the nose: Big banana, with a dose of citrus and a side of clove. Spice to match the sweet.
In the mouth: Sweet and smooth from the start. Citrus notes meet the banana, orange and lemon round it out. Exceptionally drinkable and refreshing, perfect for the summer season. The Hofbräu Hefe is not without it's charms, but doesn't stand up there with the best German weizens. I certainly wouldn't recommend it over Schneider Weisse or Weihenstephaner.
Die obergärige „Münchner Weisse“ ist der Geheimtipp für alle Weißbiergenießer, die spritzige, prickelnde Erfrischung schätzen. Hell bernsteinfarben mit einer cremigen Schaumkrone und einem harmonisch fruchtigen Bukett entfaltet sich „Münchner Weisse“ mit einem Alkoholgehalt von 5,1% Vol. im Glas. Ihr Geschmack ist feinhefig, spritzig, aromatisch-estrig und mit einem mild-süßlichen Ausklang. Ein erfrischendes Vergnügen!
Can't read German? Well, neither can 1, so let's find something in English. How about the back of the label? The origin of Hofbräu Hefe Weizen dates back to 1589 and since then the "Weisse" has a distinctive place in the history of HOFBRÄU MÜNCHEN. HOFBRÄU Hefe Weizen is characterized by it's sparkling, it's rich foam and naturally by it's unforgettable refreshing taste.
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen. Authentic Bavarian Wheat Beer. Naturally Unfiltered.
5.2 % ABV. 13 IBU. Tucher Bräu, Subsidiary of Radeberger Gruppe, Fürth, Bayern Germany
In the nose: Big time banana, dash of clove on the side. Some citrus, and a heaping helping of bubblegum.
In the mouth: Slight hop bitterness at first, then malt takes over. Nothing but smooth thereafter. Sweet and wheat-y is the order of the day. Terrifically refreshing and drinable like it ain't nobody's business.
I have to admit to being somewhat confused by the designation "hellos Hefe Weizen" for I've never seen it before. No, wait, yes, I have, on Andechs Weissbier Hell. Is it merely to differentiate that beer from their Dunkelweisse? Or, does it mean something else? Give me a minute, I'll find out...
A traditional, high fermented Bavarian yeast beer specialty with an accentuated wheat beer flavour and high vitamin B contents.
Natural yeast cloudiness due to top fermentation.
A sparkling refreshing and thirstquenching product!
Weihenstephaner Helles Lager. The Worlds' Oldest Brewery. Brewed in Bavaria, Germany since 1040. 4.8 % ABV. 16 IBU. Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Fresing, Bavaria, Deutschland.
Before I picked up a 4-pack of cans of this classic Geman lager, I checked to see if I'd reviewed it before. Yes, I had, on beer advocate, back in 2003, from a bottle. But, wait, the description of this one on Untappd says that it debuted in May of 2020. Well, what did I drink eighteen years ago? That was called Original Helles. So, let's take some notes on New-fangled Helles.
Crystal clear, bright golden hue, short ivory head.
In the nose: Lightly floral, mildly hopped, slightly sweet cereal grain aromatics.
In the mouth: Crisp, clean, light and lovely. Quintessence of a Helles lager. Just enough malt for flavor, minimal hops, expertly refreshing. Some amounts of a sweet, grainy taste. Flavorful, even delicious. You can drink a million of these. It's a good German light lager and you can surely drink it.
Here's what they say: The Weihenstephan Helles was first introduced on the market in May 2020 - a mild, quaffable beer with a subtle hop bouquet. Over a year was taken preparing the beer to perfection – with numerous tastings, fine-tuning and expert opinions.
And here's what I said about the Original, back when I thought I knew it all, and was so holier than thou:
Appearance: clear as a bell, pale yellow, brief white head.
Nose: plain as the nose on your face, dry, with slight citrus and honey, but pleasant.
Citrusy taste, but mild as mild can be in every way possible, mild and light, light and mild, sticking together like Mutt and Jeff, nothing can tear them apart.
Good, tasty, lip-smackin' texture, though, so, it's got that going for it.
Light'n'breezy, so, it's perfect when that's all you what, but frankly, it bores me to bits.
As good or better than, oh, say, 85% of all the lagers in the world.
....as I get older, I don't mind the "boring"...that's the way it goes....
Tucher Dunkles Hefe Weizen Naturtrüb. Aus Bayern. Authentic Bavarian Wheat Beer.
5.2 % ABV. Tucher Bräu (Subsidiary of Radeberger Gruppe), Fürth, Bayern Germany.
So, these cans showed up at the retail store where I am currently working, along with their Helles Hefe Weizen, which I will also be checking out soon, and I wondered if this brewery has appeared here in the Nib before. Nope. Did I review it over on RateBeer or BeerAdvocate? Nuh-uh. Never? It appears so. I've always been aware of the brewery, has it never been available here, or did I just pass it over through the years? That can't be right. Doesn't sound like me at all. Maybe I've seen it in books so often that I thought I'd had it before. Well, let's fix the situation and drink some Tucher Brau right now.
Clear, garnet-hued, with caramel-y, chestnut trim, hefty layer of cocoa-tinged foam above.
In the nose: sweet and malty from the start, more cocoa and caramel mingling with the wheat flavors. Banana and clove bubble below.
In the mouth: More sweet and loveliness, coupled with the silky and the smooth. Those flavors from the aroma land on the palate, more cocoa, caramel, banana and clove. Classic Bavarian Hefe Weizen with the dark malt twist.
I love a good Dunkel Weisse and this most assuredly is one.
A Bavarian specialty of dark colored, top fermented yeast beer with typical yeast cloudiness.
Its unmistakable and well balanced taste is due to an excellent choice of dark aromatic malt and goes very well with traditional Bavarian dishes.
Hacker Pschorr Weissbier. Classic Unfiltered Wheat Beer.
5.5 % ABV. Hacker-Pschorr (Subsidiary of Paulaner Brauerei), Munich, Bayern Germany
My current goal is to continue to check off of the list of beers missing from this blog the quality German beers available at the retail store where I currently work. I say "quality", because I may have to skip stuff like, you know, St. Pauli Girl. Unless someone gives me a bottle. And our next stop on that tour is the Weissbier from Hacker Pschorr of Munich. Only their Oktoberfest has appeared in the Nib before. This was purchased as a 4-pack of 16 ounce cans.
I am re-using old notes, as I do, and they are from a bottle and from about sixteen years ago. June 24, 2005, to be exact.
12 ounce bottle, poured into a Weihenstephaner weisse glass.
...but not very skillfully...we've got 3 inches of beer and 8 inches of foam....now, we play the waiting game..
looks lovely, cloudy tangerine, vast, dotted froth...
aroma: banana, lemon, and orange leap right out the glass and invade the nose, with a kick of spice at the side...traces of cookie dough and soft cinnamon.
Taste: fruity at the fore, sparkly and spicy...then smooth and tasty. Ridiculously drinkable, medium-bodied, with a light, yet lingering citrus & yeast finish.
This beverage easily meets my approval. I could have a hearty session with these in hot weather such as we have now...heck, I'm already on my second bottle!
I agree with my 36-year old self of the past. I gave it 4.35/5 on BeerAdvocate, a good 6.1 % above the average. Who cares, it's good beer and you can drink it. And it is the seventh highest-ranked Hefe Weizen on that site. What tops it? Weihenstephaner at number one, of course, Ayinger, Andeschser, and one from Schneider that I apparently haven't had. The one I have had is at #8. Also, Live Oak from Texas, which has been up there for so long, I have to find a way to try it. And Dancing Man from New Glarus, which I have had and, oddly enough, I gave a below average ranking to that one, 4.18 vs. 4.24 (I mean, close enough, right) and also to Weihenstephaner (4.42 vs. 4.45), and I routinely consider Weihenstephaner the tops.
What does this say, essentially? That I really like German Here Weizens!
Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbier. Crystal Clear.
5.4 % ABV, 18 IBU. Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Freising, Bayern Germany.
And now we reach the last bottle from the glassware pack, and it's a beer I first took notes on way back on 6/22/2003, nearly eighteen years ago. Let's see what I said then:
Pint bottle.
Appearance: crystal-clear pale yellow color, with a large, looming chalk-white capper of foam.
Aroma: fresh and airy, a trifle citric and sour, but mostly lacking in vital weissbier aroma characteristics.
Nice, light, crisp, tangy texture/ mouthfeel, very light-bodied, good malty flavor, practically no hops that I can taste. Good flavor.
Have to admit a prejudice, though: I just can't get behind filtered wheat beers, especially when they come from an excellent producer such as Weihenstephaner. That yeast texture is so refreshing and rewarding in the best examples of the style, when I taste a non-HEFE weissbier, I can only think of what I'm missing.
There's a bubblegum taste, too, just to the left of the vanilla/clove combo we find in great (and not-so-great) Bavarian weissbiers.
In this heat, though, it'll do, but it will be largely forgotten, especially as I down it quickly in order to get at the Weihenstephaner Dunkel Weisse in the fridge!
So, that's what I said then. It was wrong to judge a beer harshly for being a great example of it's style, whether I prefer that style or not. (I say that about this, yet I'll still trash PBR, Coors, and Corona.) I still would rather reach for an unfiltered version. Ain't nothing wrong with this, though
In our golden-yellow crystal-clear wheat beer the fresh citrus flavour harmonises very well with spicy banana notes. The fine sparkling gives it a tangy and animated appearance. Throughout summer and winter, it’s a prickling experience. It goes well with fish, seafood, white meat or it can be enjoyed as an aperitif. Brewed according to our centuries-old brewing tradition on the Weihenstephan hill.
Weihenstephaner Original Premium Lager.
5.1 % ABV. Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Freising, Bayern Germany
There were 3 bottles that have appeared here before, and two that haven't, this one and the Kristall Weisse. I gave the glass to a co-worker.
Now, let's drink the beer:
Crystal clear, bright golden color, large ivory head holding down the fort.
In the nose: Clean, slightly sweet/floral/hoppy, cereal malt. Classic German lager aromatics.
In the mouth: Crisp, clean, light, refreshing. Minor hop bitterness, laying lightly on the palate. Small sweetness, excellent balance, superb drinkability. Light, dry malty flavors. Just about perfect. Goes down so nice and easy, especially on a hot day like today.
I've said it often that I'm not much of a lager liker, but when they're this good, it's impossible not to like.
A good beer takes its time. The long storage makes our yellow bright lager, “Original”, a flavourful beer enjoyed with fine pored, white foam. With a mild hoppy note and its pleasant fresh spicy taste, it goes very well with salads, poultry, stews or with a hearty snack. Brewed according to our centuries-old brewing tradition on the Weihenstephan hill.
The Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan, founded in 1040, is the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world. Being owned by the Free State of Bavaria, it is run as a modern company brewing beers of the highest quality successfully selling them in more than 50 countries worldwide.
Ayinger Bräuweisse Authentic Bavarian Hefe Weizen.
A couple of years back, I came to the shocking discovery that none of the Ayinger beers had been entered into this blog, after nearly nine years of activity. Since then, six have appeared here. Now, I'm finally getting around to the seventh, and I will be looking back on notes I originally posted on BeerAdvocate.com in May of 2003, 18 years ago. How do they hold up? Let's see...
Appearance: hazy, lemon-rind-yellow hue, with a towering, snow white head.
Aroma: super fresh! Ahhh!!! Lemony, soft, luxurious, delightful!
Luxurious mouthfeel, at first, until I realize that I'm drinking the foam. As for the actual beer, smooth, but complex, and delicious wheaty texture. Just enough grit and resistance to keep the tongue busy and happy.
Though the body has plenty of substance, the overall nature of this brew is light and breezy. Citrus flavor continues through and is felt long through the satisfying finish.
No lemon needed here, it's plentiful in this beautiful brew itself ( and is also extant in the Thai shrimp pad thai that this blissful weizen is helping to wash down).
Früh Kölsch.
4.8% ABV, 19 IBU. Cölner Hofbräu Früh, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany
So, I was thinking about the trends in the current beer scene, and how they annoy me, and I thought to myself, "Self", I thought, "why not just avoid them altogether for a while and go traditional?" Good idea, Self! And that's why I bought some German beers the other day, including a 4-pack of Früh Kölsch cans, only $10.99. Why, with some of these trendy, gimmicky beer makers that would only get you half of a 4-pack of diabetes!
I first had Früh from a bottle brought over from Deutschland by one of my Blue Nile regulars, way back in 2003. I gave it a 4.17/5, roughly 9 points above the average. What did I say back then?
Appeance: pale yellow, bordering on green, with a firm 1/2" collar of foam.
Aroma: fresh, light, delicately hoppy, rather minor in size, but with appreciable fruity notes, which continue on the palate, once the tasting begins.
Light, but lively, happy, with a tangible tangy, citric fruit flavor, and perhaps a touch of apple or pear.
After so many American interpretations, it's great to taste a true kolsch and know once and for all how they should taste. This is a classic, extremely downable, light in body, but with just enough flavor, sweet and lemony, to be worthwhile, and to have me wish this 500 ml bottle would never empty.
Thanks to my pal Dave for bringing it over to the States for me!
What do I think of it compared to the cans I'm drinking now? Surely that sample was fresher, having taken a quicker trip from Cologne to Minneapolis and down into my belly. But that aside, it's the same light, tasty, fruity refresher.
I like a good kölsch, and this is one of them.
(Another quick note, because I am obsessed with these things, though they may bore others. About 10 years ago, I reviewed a Sünner Kölsch, and regretted that I hadn't a proper glass, only a Reissdorf Kolsch glass to use. Probably got it from that time I had it on tap at the Blue Nile back in 2004. Last December, I sat down to review a Kolsch from Waldmann, and rued that I hadn't any Kolsch glasses, not even a Reissdorf. I've looked all over, it's gone, broken, send to the dustbin of history. I used a saison glass for that one. This time, I picked the closest I have to the style of glassware, which again was designed for a saison by a Belgian brewery. I'd better get a Kolsch glass already to cure me of this obsession!)
Augustiner Maximator Doppelbock.
7.5 % ABV.
Brewed and bottled in Munich, Germany by Augustiner Brewery.
So, there I am looking at the list of top-rated doppelbocks on BeerAdvocate and the first one that I hadn't had was this one. Had I had anything from Augustiner-Brau? I have a review of their Edelstoff lager from May of 2010 on BeerAdvocate. I didn't care for it then, so I think I'll try it again. Meanwhile, I'll try this one for the first time. We have it at the store where I work, and I talked the manager into singling them out. Not enough space in my fridge for another 6-pack of doppelbocks. (He says, though he just stuffed it with IPAs, double IPAs, and barrel-aged barleywines.)
On to the beer:
Clear, caramel/brown-ish hue, cream-toned, short-lived head.
In the nose: Classic malty notes dominate, dark fruits, figs and raisins, caramel and toffee. Brown sugar, molasses. Sweet stuff, but well-balanced.
In the mouth: Sticky, sweet, and ever-so tasty. Lightly roasty/toasty. Medium bodied, moderate strength, low bitterness, and richly rewarding. Flavors from the aroma arrive on the palate. Goes down nice and easy. An utter delight.
The pleasant, dark Doppelbock of monasterial origin, especially suited for festivities during the chilly season.
Ayinger Ur-weisse Authentic Bavarian Dunkel Weisse.
5.8 % ABV, 13 IBU. Ayinger Privatbrauwerei, Aying, Bavaria, Germany.
So, here I am trying to close the loop as best as I can on this classic Bavarian brewery, and I inevitably get myself a case of glassware envy. Why don't I have any Ayinger glasses? Probably because I never sold a lot of it, in my career in bars, and never encountered any elsewhere. I don't remember ever tapping a keg of their stuff, except for Celebrator, four years ago at Acadia. I blame not my self for this, of course, but whoever had the job of selling it to me back then. Maybe if I stocked bottles of Celebrator and persisted enough, they'd have given me some. Alas, no Ayinger, especially no Celebrator glasses in my collection, so I went on eBay. Can't find any for less than $20, with an extra $20 shipping. But, I want it, though, I want it! I don't need it, but I want it.
And now it is time to revisit the Dunkel Weisse, and I'm going to pour it into a SurlyFest glass, because. And I am going to recycle old notes, this time, looking back on what I wrote in August of 2005, over fifteen years ago:
///
Lovely hazed magenta, soft cocoa, with a lovely, light layer of foam atop. Excellent look for the style.
Aroma: Ahhhh! this is dunkel weizen! Clove is huge, and banana behind it, with traces of grapes and melons and berries, too...a beautiful mix, really, and the sort of thing you only find in beers of this kind. Reminds me of why I like the style so much. Masterful.
Taste: mmmm...there's a lot to talk about...bubblegum, banana, spices, clove, dark fruits, ...but still quaffably refreshing!
An excellently sessionable brew, you can take several in all night long,
classic representation of the style.
Tasty, and quenching...gotta love it!
Lightish body, lightly spicy finish, rich and delicious.
Loveable mouthfeel, lushly carbonated, great flavor, wondrous drinkability. Class act, all the way.
Yum.
///
And, all these years later, I might even add...a dum dum.
“The union of wheaty freshness and dark malt often produces a fullness of taste and complexity”, explains the world-famous English beer commentator Michael Jackson.
This also applies to the Ayinger Urweisse, which is a strong amber-colored, yeast cloudy wheat beer. The beer is strong with the first taste and malty in aroma. The top-fermented, yeasty taste sensation is unmistakable. This beer is rich in sparkle and has just a touch of a special bitter quality. The fruity, malty mild aroma will have you won you over immediately!
Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier. Dortmunder/Export Lager.
5.5 % ABV, 22 IBU, Privatbrauwerei Ayinger, Aying, Bayern, Deutschland.
And here we have a beer that I'd never heard of (although it's been brewed for 42 years) until we received some at the retail store where I now work. It's been a rapid seller since we stocked it, and I had to check it out and find out why. Another reason is that I have to try them all. After this one, there are still two other Ayinger beers we stock that have yet to find their way here in the Nib. Before I begin, I think I already know the reason I have to keep restocking this one: people like a good Dortmunder lager.
Clear, bright golden hue, large, lusty white head.
In the nose: moderately hoppy, spilling out much malt in the aroma, classic dortmunder nose, slightly floral, clean and crisp.
In the mouth: More crisp and clean, light and lovely. Slight sweetness, ultimately ending dry. Expertly consumable, quenching, and tasty. Malty flavors all the way through. Refreshing and delicious.
This beer was first brewed in 1978 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our brewery. It has a golden-yellow color with a slightly flowery yeast, honey-ish aroma, tastes a little spicy and is full-bodied in initial taste, mild before swallowing and soft with a refined sparkle and fades with a well-balanced hint of bitterness. It is an especially drinkable and harmonious beer. Conrad Seidl, known as the Austrian “Pope of Beers”, on the Jahrhundert Bier: “It is a malty beer that pronounces the precious earthy quality of malted barley.”
Andechser Weissbier Hell.
We get four Andechser beers at South Lyndale, and the other three have appeared here in the Nib previously. Lookin on Untappd, I have checked in on it twice before, from when I had it on tap at Acadia four years ago. Didn’t take notes then. Gonna do it now.
Clouded, light orange color, large, lace-leaving, ivory head.
In the nose: sweet wheat hits first. Some citrus and faint banana comes up next. Slight spice.
In the mouth: softly on the palate, slightly sweet, smooth and refreshing. Light bodied, good dose of yeast, quite tasty. So satisfying, this one won’t last long.
So, what we have here is a light (Hell) version of the traditional Bavarian Hefe Weizen. Guess what, I like it.
Untreated and bottled in its natural state of yeasty turbidity, this is a top fermented beer for the epicure. Its light honey colour makes it an immediate eyecatcher. Then there’s the opalescence and fine structure of the yeast turbidity. At the same time, the creamy, fine pored head invites you to get to know this light Weissbier from the Holy Mountain. First, distinctive fruity aromas like banana and honeydew melon come to the fore, followed by fine cloves. It is a very tangy, refreshing treat with the conviction of a full, soft body. It concludes on a finely balanced interplay of light sweet honey and a delicate acidity with undertones of bitter hoppiness that quickly subside into a harmonious aftertaste.
Looking on BeerAdvocate, it seems that I've previously reviewed, on their website, the Kristallweissbier, the Original Helles, and the beer I'm concerned with in this very post. Was my review from February of 2003 good enough to copy and paste and re-use for this review? I'm going to just say no and write new notes, soon. I'm still searching, though.
Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel. Munich Dunkel Lager.
Ayinger Authentic Bavarian Weizenbock.
Andechser Vollbier Hell.
