Weizen bier is a top-fermenting beer style that originates from southern Germany, particularly Bavaria, and is brewed with at least 50 percent wheat in the mash. Hefeweizens are refreshing, highly carbonated beers ideal for quenching summer thirsts. They undergo secondary fermentation, often in the bottle, and the yeast strains used for this purpose impart a spicy, clove-like flavor. Hefe (the German word for yeast) on the label denotes that the bottle contains yeast sediment. Alcohol content is typically 5-5.5 percent ABV, giving these beers a medium to medium-full body. Hop flavors play a very insignificant role in the flavor profile. The best examples to be found are still authentic Bavarian imports, although some good domestic examples are produced and are often available as a draft option.
I’ve gotten some strange responses over the years when I tell people that I’m a beer judge. Some people don’t
American Spiced Amber 5 gallons, OG 1.070 Steep 1# Caramunich®II, 0.5# Carapils®, 2 oz roasted barley Add 7# light DME
Maibocks are medium- to full-bodied lagers whose alcohol content can vary widely, though is typically between 5-6 percent ABV. The color of pale bocks can vary from light bronze to deep amber and they are characterized by a sweet malty palate and subtle hop character. As its name would suggest, this is a bock style that traditionally makes a spring appearance as a celebration of a new brewing season. In a Germanic brewer’s portfolio, it is should conventionally have a less assertive character than other bock offerings later in the year.
I think Goose Island was the first brewpub I ever visited, not too long after you opened. Tell me how
This is a not a classic style, but nonetheless encapsulates various beers of a similar Belgian theme that do not fit into the more classic mold. Expect amber-hued, fruity and moderately strong ales (6 percent ABV) with a yeasty character. Typical examples of the style would be Flemish beers such as De Koninck and Straffe Hendrik.
Kölsch is an ale style emanating from Cologne in Germany. In Germany (and the European Community) the term is strictly legally limited to the beers from within the city environs of Cologne. Simply put, kölsch has the color of a pilsner with some of the fruity character of an ale. This is achieved with the use of top-fermenting yeasts and pale pilsner malts. The hops are accented on the finish, which classically is dry and herbal. It is a medium- to light-bodied beer and delicate in style. Most examples in the United States are brewpub draft interpretations produced during the summer months, though some commercial brewers produce a summer ale in the kölsch style.
How green is your beer? We’re not talking about that St. Patrick’s Day brew you swilled back in March at
Meantime Helles, 4.4% Honeyed lemon nose; crisp, full-bodied mouth feel with delicate lemony notes, dry grainy finish. Freedom Pilsner, 5%
The interest in craft beer has never been greater, and along with that has come a keen curiosity and awareness
