Beer Guide: German Wheat Beers

German wheat beer, also known as weissbier, weisse or weizen, is a popular style of beer that is brewed with a significant proportion of malted wheat. This gives the beer a characteristic hazy appearance, a smooth mouthfeel, and a complex flavour profile.The yeast used in the brewing process helps to impart a classic wheat beer flavor, often described as like banana and clove into the beer. This style is highly popular across the world, with a real love for it coming in the United Kingdom, especially on PerfectDraft!

What is German Wheat Beer?

German wheat beer is a top-fermented beer that is brewed with at least 50% malted wheat. The remaining malt is typically barley malt. Wheat beer is also fermented with a special type of yeast that produces fruit esters and clove phenols, which give the beer its characteristic flavor and aroma.

History of German Wheat Beer

German wheat beer has been brewed for centuries. The first known recipe for wheat beer dates back to the 16th century. However, wheat beer did not become popular until the 19th century, when it began to be brewed on a commercial scale.

Types of German Wheat Beer

There are two main types of German wheat beer: hefeweizen and kristallweizen. Hefeweizen is the most common type of German wheat beer. It is unfiltered and has a hazy appearance. Kristallweizen is filtered and has a clear appearance.

In addition to these two main types, there are also a number of other styles of German wheat beer, including:

Weizenbock: A stronger version of hefeweizen with a higher alcohol content.
Dunkel/Dunkles: A dark-colored wheat beer brewed with roasted barley malts.
Berliner Weiss: A sour wheat beer brewed with lactic acid bacteria.
Gose: A sour wheat beer brewed with salt and coriander.

Characteristics of German Wheat Beer

German wheat beer is known for its hazy appearance, smooth mouthfeel, and complex flavor profile. The beer is typically light to medium in body and has a moderate to high alcohol content.

Appearance

German wheat beer has a hazy appearance due to the suspended yeast in the beer. The beer may also have a white head, which is especially common in hefeweizen.

Aroma

German wheat beer has a complex aroma that is often described as fruity, spicy, and yeasty. The beer may also have aromas of banana, clove, and bread.

Flavour

Wheat beer has a complex flavor profile that is often described as fruity, spicy, and malty. The beer may also have flavors of banana, clove, vanilla, and bread.

How to Serve Wheat Beer

Wheat beer is typically served in a tall, slender glass known as a weissbierglas. The beer is poured slowly into the glass to allow the head to form. The head should be about two fingers thick.

Popular German Wheat Beer Brands

Some of the most popular German wheat beers include:

Franziskaner Weissbier

A classic German wheat beer that is known for its smooth mouthfeel and refreshing flavor. The beer is brewed with a blend of wheat and barley malts, as well as a special type of yeast that produces fruit esters and clove phenols. Franziskaner Weissbier has a hazy appearance, a white head, and a complex flavor profile that is often described as fruity, spicy, and malty. You can grab Franzsikaner Weissbier on PerfectDraft, it's one of our customer's favourite kegs for a reason!

Erdinger Weissbier

Another popular wheat beer that is known for its high quality and consistency. The beer is brewed with the finest ingredients, including wheat malt, barley malt, and hops. Erdinger Weissbier has a slightly lighter, sweeter flavor than some other German wheat beers, but it is still well-balanced and refreshing.

Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier

is a full-bodied German wheat beer with a rich flavor. The beer is brewed with a blend of wheat and barley malts, as well as a special type of yeast that produces fruit esters and clove phenols. Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier has a hazy or "cloudy" appearance, a white head, and a complex flavor profile that is often described as fruity, spicy, and malty.

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier

A world-renowned German wheat beer that is known for its excellent quality and flavor. The beer is brewed at the Weihenstephan Brewery, which is the oldest brewery in the world. Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier has a hazy appearance, a white head, and a complex flavor profile that is often described as fruity, spicy, and malty.

Schneider Weisse

a family-owned brewery in Germany that produces a variety of high-quality wheat beers. Schneider Weisse Hefeweissbier is the most popular beer from the brewery, and it is known for its complex flavor profile and smooth mouthfeel. The beer is brewed with a blend of wheat and barley malts, as well as a special type of yeast that produces fruit esters and clove phenols. Schneider Weisse Hefeweissbier has a hazy appearance, a white head, and a complex flavor profile that is often described as fruity, spicy, and malty.

Augustiner Hefeweissbier

a traditional German wheat beer that is brewed in Munich. The beer is known for its full-bodied flavor and refreshing finish. Augustiner Hefe-Weissbier is brewed with a blend of wheat and barley malts, as well as a special type of yeast that produces fruit esters and clove phenolics. The beer has a hazy appearance, a white head, and a complex flavor profile that is often described as fruity, spicy, and malty.

Food Pairings for German Wheat Beer

German wheat beer is a versatile beer that can be paired with a variety of foods. The flavors from the yeast really help to make it easy to pair with so many types of dishes. Some popular food pairings include:

Sausages
Pretzels
Salads
Fish
Chicken
Pork

You can check out all the wheat beers we have available on PerfectDraft here, and discover the amazing flavours from the malted wheat, yeast and hops that make this style so special.

Conclusion

German wheat beer is a delicious and refreshing beer that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods. If you are looking for a beer with a unique flavor and aroma, then German wheat beer is a great option to try.