We had a mixed bag of weather this past weekend. Saturday was rainy, cool, and muggy. Sunday morning and the early afternoon were a continuation of Saturday’s sucky weather, but then around 3 o’clock, the humidity broke, the clouds rolled away, and it turned into a spectacular late afternoon. Since Sudsy Sunday plans were underfoot, I thought I would get a jump on the festivities and try a Hefe Weizen that’s been in my fridge for the past couple weeks.
Ever since my first Paulaner Hefe Weizen, I have been a huge fan of this beer style since they can be enjoyed on their own, or paired with a wide variety of foods. I have had them on numerous occasions with German food (Wurst Platters, Sauerbraten, Bavarian Pretzels, Rollmops, etc.), and the results have always been superb.
I first had the Ayinger Brau-Weisse Hefe Weizen on draught during my anniversary weekend in Manhattan with Mrs. G-LO. I liked it so much that I just had to pick up a bottle to see how it compares to the draught version.
- Appearance: Cloudy, golden color. Fluffy, two inch head that dissipated slowly. Minimal lacing
- Aroma: Lemon. Cloves. Yeast.
- Taste: Really good carbonation. Lots of tiny bubbles that tingle your tongue. Clove spiciness carries through from start to finish. Crisp, clean, and slightly tart finish.
The Ayinger Brau-Weisse Hefe Weizen is a great example of this beer style. If I had to describe this beer, I would say that it lies somewhere between a Belgian Witbier (it has the lemon, but lacks the coriander) and a classic German Hefe Weizen (it has the clove, but lacks the banana). This is a highly drinkable, thirst quenching, and session worthy beer, and the bottled version is just as good as the draught version. I highly recommend the Ayinger Brau-Weisse Hefe Weizen, and if I could find it in cans, then it would be a serious contender in the upcoming Ultimate Summer Beer Challenge!
Categories: Ayinger, Brew Review
AMKrouse
The Alemonger
G-LO
limpd
The Wookie
The ROK
Sarah -BeautifulTangibleThings
The Astounding Prism
It's just the booze dancing... 
Hey G-LO, I’d never heard of Ayinger until a few weeks ago, I had a marzen on tap. They’re the real deal when it comes to classic bavarian german beer. Even their website is in german – http://www.ayinger.de/?pid=262. I’ll add this one to my own summer line up. Another tasty review!
Cheers beers!
Paula
LikeLike
Thanks Paula! I didn’t know about this one till dinner at an Austrian restaurant in Manhattan. The waitress recommended it. So good that I had to have it again. I’d be curious to try the Marzen or anything else they make. I was also happy that it didn’t disappoint in bottle form. Great stuff for sure.
LikeLike
I picked up a bottle of this at Kress over the weekend and I have to concur with G-Lo this was a very drinkable, session worthy beer.
LikeLike
I drink Hefe Weizen exclusively, this is my favorite of all with one exception, Edelweiss Hefetrub which I haven’t been able to find in years. Great review!
LikeLike
Thanks for the comment AND the compliment Bill! I need to explore more Old World beers. You know… for educational purposes only!
LikeLike
And, I’m right there with you. Education is just too important not to get actively involved.
LikeLike