Denisons Weissbier

Brewed by Denison’s Brewing Company
Style: German Hefeweizen
Toronto, Canada

On tap at the Castle. Pours a very nice hazy gold, with a large white head. The aroma is a very enticing mix of yeasty esters and malty goodness. The classic banana and clove. Taste is the same, but the sweet malt touch, almost a bit grainy, has a delicious quality all its own, sort of "barnyard"-esque, something I’ve never had in a wheat beer ever before. The mouth-feel is fuller than you’d expect, almost sticky, like chewy malts, kind of reminiscent of bread. Maybe it’s just because it was fresh, but this seems like the pinnacle of what a good hefe should be. Best in the world? I can’t say, but it’s the best hefe-weizen I’ll probably ever come across. It didn’t blow me away, yet the more I think about it, the more I like it. Good thing this is a staple at the Castle because I want more!

On tap at Castle on King. Orangey-yellow, quite cloudy. Appearance reminded me of pineapple juice. Small head. Strong aroma of slightly overripe bananas (it also reminds me a bit of a dental dam -- but perhaps I’ve encountered an exquisitely aromatic dental dam at some point during my youth.) Some clove is also present. The beer rolls through the mouth in a manner that is somehow notable. Orange peel is prevalent. I’m reminded of wild rice at the end of each sip. Sweet and loads of citrus. Banana also joins the flavour as it warms. Medium bodied. Leaves a faint, sodium-like aftertaste. "Bombastic" comes to mind. Bombastic and delicious.

Pint at Volo. Radiant clouded gold body under an effusive white head. Aroma of banana and citrus, with the banana dominating. This comes through nicely in the body, with accents of citrus. Wow...this is what Hoegarden can only dream of.

Had this on tap at the 2008 Pepperwood Bistro beer festival. The banana definitely finishes strong with hints of citrus and is very smooth. I wish this was more widely available.

This is easily my favourite Hefeweizen. In Toronto, this has the advantage over others in the style: fresh and local, not bottled and imported. It pours a hazy golden yellow, with a thick, frothy, pleasantly stubborn head. Wonderful citrus and banana aroma. Banana flavour is constant, with clove, citrus and subtle spices. Best pints poured at Cafe Volo.

One of the world’s best, with rich banana notes and generous quantities of sweet malt.

On tap at Caffe Volo. Cloudy yellow gold colour with a lasting creamy and frothy white head. Banana, clove, and even some light bready notes in the aroma. Pronounced clove and banana flavours, plus lemon and some background orange peel. Light to medium bodied, very refreshing. Very tasty!

A Thoroughly delicious beer on tap at Volo. I enjoyed this immensely and finished it off rather quick. Hazy golden body similar to the hoegaarden. With a taste so light and refreshing. Delicious hefe!