This is the epitome of a Weiss beer… And one that should set an example for others.
Brewed under the strict laws in the German beer industry, weihenstephaner (brewing since 1040) have made a wonderful, reliable beer here. It pours a hazy gold- similar to some new craft beer pales- with an average head that dissipated quickly. A highly sweet banana, reminiscent of artificial or unripe banana, hits the nose in a wave that also has hints of pear and apple. Typical of most wheat beers, clove is also apparent. The taste is very similar to the scent and all aforementioned flavours come through in abundance. There is a moderate level of carbonation and a slight lemon/ floral background that prevent the beer becoming too sweet. The wheat makes the beer seem almost chewy, giving it substance that makes it easy to drink without food. However, if you were to try it with food, I’d choose typical German cuisine (sausages, pulled pork, ham steak- anything pork really!).
Their website is full of the interesting history of the brewery (beginning in 725 AD when a monastery was founded alongside brewing at Weihenstephan. Through the ages this brewery has stood firm to traditional German brewing.
Jamesbarth 