Hefeweizen

HEFE-WEIZEN
Bavarian-style Weizenbier mit hefe
Release date: 20 May, 2004
Q: What’s cloudy, spicy, fruity but dry, with a spritzy effervessence?
A: CBC’s HefeWeizen! For the uninitiated in this intriguing seasonal
offering, here’s the lowdown :

Hefe Weizen (pronounced heffeh-vite-zen) is a traditional wheat beer from Southern Germany. It’s history may extend as far back as the 8th century AD, as the Weihenstephen Brewery claims brewing took place on its site in the small town of Freising, just Northeast of Munich. It was originally a Benedictine settlement in 725, and there has certainly been brewing there since 1040. Weizenbier has a truly royal heritage, as for several hundred years there existed an ordinance reserving wheat beer for the sole consumption of the royal family.

It is above all an excellent summer drink, as its refreshing, crisp palate and high carbonation are exceptional on a hot, sunny day. It is brewed with as much as 50% or more malted wheat, in addition to the usual barley malt, and has a very low hopping rate. A unique, top-fermenting German ale yeast lends a fruity acidity and clove-like spiciness to the aroma and flavor, and the yeast itself, which is not filtered out before serving, contributes to its traditionally cloudy appearance. By the way, Weisse (white) and Weizen (wheat) are two interchangeable terms in regards to naming this style, and the words mit hefe (with yeast) indicate that this is an unfiltered beer.

A Note On Lemons: To lemon, or not to lemon, that is the question. Brewers being brewers, we feel that our beers stand on their own, and the addition of citrus flavoring would impede our very sensitive palates’ appreciation of this superb brew. Therefore, we would rather not, personally, see wedges of lemon afloat in our glasses of weizenbier.
However, many people feel that a touch of lemon complements the refreshing character of this summertime beer, so go ahead and order your Weizen mit-lemon if you like.
We won’t hate you for it. (much.)

We intend to brew our HefeWeizen frequently enough to keep it available all summer long, since we’re just slaves to popular demand.