 GarrettB (342), Centennial, Colorado, USA
Jun 28, 2008 Plank’s Bavarian Hefeweizen kicks off my exploration of German beers. For too long I’ve passed over the inexpensive beers in the German refrigerator case, craving instead the luxury of Belgian brews. But German brewers deserve their due. While lagers were once unappealing to me, on charges of being too simple, I’ve learned that simple, in a very wabi-sabi kind of way, can be very, very good. This chatoyant, fiercely red-range beer is topped with a pillowy white head, freckled with pock marks - a pretty beer. The aroma gives off a truly seductive combination of pineapple, pine, clove, cinnamon, brown sugar, tamales (roasted corn husks?) and braised pork. Maybe a strange aroma, but definitely enticing. The flavor likewise has a slew of unlikely bedfellows: banana, chocolate, pineapple, a streak of mango and a light yeastiness all served on a bed of brisk carbonation. The flavor, en totale, is a bit light, which allows the carbonation to overpower it a little, but it remains engaging enought to be a refreshing and well developed beer.
MoritzF (3577), Ruhrpott, Germany
Jun 17, 2008 (bottle) Hazy, golden colour with a big and minimal off-white foamy head. Slightly yeasty, moderately sweet wheat-malty aroma with distinctive notes of overripe citrus, a touch of cara-malt and spicy phenols in the background. Sourish fruity taste with a light malty sweetness; moderately dry and sour-fruity, also a bit slim finish. Interesting Hefeweizen, although it is a bit slim (10.06.08).
badgerben (2989), Blaine, Minnesota, USA
Jun 12, 2008 Copper color with a thin head. Light wheat aroma. Very heavy and strong wheat taste. Light clove and banana yeast. Good and solid, but actually a little behind their others I’ve tried.
grimreeser (602), Minnesota, USA
Jun 2, 2008 Pours a light caramel brown color with a large off-white head. Aroma of banana, wheat, and spices. Decent flavor for a hefe, palate seems a little thick. Not too impressed with this one.
JPDIPSO (4178), Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, USA
May 7, 2008 Near gusher when poured. Hazy golden color with a tall, big bubbled head. Aromas of wheat flour and mild yeast. A slight floral and mineral water hint in the background. Very easy drinking. Light zip that helps the thick wheat presence. Thick wheat flavors, with just a few hints of cloves, light mint and minerals. Decent flavors but not as crisp as a good fresh hefe should be.
|
