For this installment of Tasting Notes, we turn a spotlight on the long-standing classic that is Weissbier from Hacker-Pschorr (Munich, Germany).

With “more than 600 years of world class brewing experience” behind it, Weissbier is a German-style Hefeweizen that is “naturally cloudy, full-flavored and uniquely refreshing.”  Coming in at 5.5% ABV, Weissbier “[caters] to consumers who know beer and appreciate the historic brand’s unique and complex flavor.”

Hacker-Pschorr Weissbier is available Year-Round in newly introduced 4-packs of 16.9 oz. cans and on draft.  You can expect to find this classic offering at fine beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of the U.S.

Now that we have gone over a bit of the background information concerning this beer, what do you say we enjoy a tall pour of German brewing tradition over some Tasting Notes?

Tasting Notes for Weissbier from Hacker-Pschorr

Appearance: A slow, careful pour from a 16.9 oz. can produces an absolutely gorgeous Hefeweizen that is golden orange in color and capped with almost four fingers of dense and creamy bright white foam.  When held to direct light, the deep golden hues gain vibrancy and the oranges radiate with intensity.  The beer has that trademark Hefeweizen cloudiness, but a steady carbonation activity can still be observed coursing within.  Head retention is fantastic, eventually falling to a lasting finger that dutifully notches the glass with a line of lace after each sip.

Aroma: The malts casually push through first to establish a solid bready presence (think really good, hearty wheat bread that is still warm). This sets the stage for the yeast to take over with big notes of banana and clove.  The hops then interject with some floral tones and a touch of black pepper before the profile closes with a bit of bubblegum.

Taste:  The yeast character is just heavenly, providing generous amounts of banana, clove and bubble gum.  The wheat then neatly weaves its way into the yeast notes, creating a complementary bready quality that translates as freshly baked banana bread.  The hops then surface to round everything off with a bit of citrus, black pepper and tangy floral notes.

Mouthfeel:  On the light side of medium in body with a medium to high carbonation level, this Hefeweizen is ridiculously smooth, easy drinking and thirst quenching.  Lightly sweet on the palate, the overall experience is nicely balanced as the yeast and hop notes even things out.  The 5.5% ABV is not at all detectable, further adding to the beer’s high level of drinkability.  The aftertaste is just a bit of clove, citrus and bubblegum.

Final Thoughts:  After just a few sips, it becomes quite clear – not that it was ever in doubt – that Hacker-Pschorr Weissbier possesses all the characteristics you expect from a well-composed Hefeweizen.  Where it sets itself apart from the long list of iconic German-made Hefeweizens is in the area of overall drinkability.  With its lighter body, higher carbonation level, reasonable ABV and refreshing flavors, Weissbier is downright crushable and a perfect option if you want to break up your routine when it comes to daily drinking options, lawnmower beers, etc.

Once we combine all of the above with the fact that Hacker-Pschorr Weissbier is newly available in these handy 16.9 oz. cans, we can easily declare that now is the perfect time to revisit this classic.  Just grab a few 4-packs, load up the cooler or fridge, and enjoy this traditional German goodness while watching the game, grilling out with friends, at the beach, after a hike, etc. After you crush that first can and reach for the second (and watch your buddies do the same), you will make sure that Hacker-Pschorr Weissbier – and other Hefeweizens like it – will have a place next to those IPAs and Pilsners the next time you entertain or hit the outdoors.  Prost!