Now Beer This: Weiss Guys

Before the Hazy IPA became a thing, before there were sessions, and maybe even before there were Radlers, the summer beer of choice was often a wheat beer.

The German Hefeweizen (“yeast wheat”) is probably the most ubiquitous of these sweeter, lighter brews. With a grain bill consisting of about 50% wheat, this one is hefty on the sweetness imparted by wheat — as opposed to malted barley, which is the main grain for beer making. The thickness and haziness comes from the high protein content of wheat, and it also contributes to the juicy mouthfeel you get when you drink these delights. The German yeast that is characteristic of this beer also imparts some wacky notes of bubblegum and bananas, so you can see the funtime summer-y attraction of this kind of beer.

The American brewsters have put their spin on this beer, and like with many things we do, we’re all over the place. But generally, the American Wheat is really just an ale made with a lot of wheat in the grain bill. We often don’t use the heirloom German yeast, which takes away some of the character, but for some, that makes it a purer drinking experience, without the yeast-driven distractions of phenolic undertones.

Then, of course, there’s the Belgian Wit. I would be willing to bet that for most Americans, their first foray into this style was Blue Moon. Also sporting a hefty percentage of wheat in the grain bill, these guys go the extra mile (as Belgians often do in brewing) and throw in all kinds of fun… orange peel, sometimes zest, coriander – all these extra ingredients which, surprisingly, takes these beers to a new level of flavor and refreshment. Add the old school Belgian yeast with its characteristic spiciness and you have a fully-loaded flavor train thundering down the tracks.

As we do, Americans did their thing with this, and once again the American versions are mostly the same, but often use their house yeast instead of the old wacky Belgian ones. You get a different yeast flavor this way but, depending on the yeast, you might get a much more fruity yeast character — which works great with the rest of the ingredients to create a remarkably refreshing ale!

Looking for some local options? I thought you’d never ask!

One local brewery makes a reasonably good beverage in the German Hefeweizen style is Lone Rider out of Raleigh. Their “Shotgun Betty” is available on draft in a bunch of local spots, and available in cans just about everywhere. If you’re looking for a German Hefeweizen that’s made locally, this one won’t kill you. Much.

Top of the Hill has a Blueberry Wheat that the kids kill for. They’re doing online/pickup orders, as well, so get to it! There’s beers to be had! Around town you’ll also find Craftboro is brewing their Mukimono American Wheat this week, so it will be available in about 2.5 weeks for patio consumption or online/pickup orders as well. If you’re looking to be outdoors drinking, you could also do much worse than Vecino’s “Over the Moon American Wheat,” as well.

So go out there, support your local breweries, and have fun — but wear your masks when you aren’t drinking. Be safe, be mindful, and go getchoo some!

 

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