Hopfen-Weisse Ale

This is a great beer.  Write the name down, and then go find it.

Hopfen-Weisse Ale comes from Kelheim, Bavaria, Germany, where it is lovingly crafted by Weisses Bräuhaus G. Schneider & Sohn. According to the label, this stuff is the product of a collaboration between G. Schneider and Sohn and Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery. It's a dry-hopped weisse-bock, described on the bottle as "a delicious blend of Bavarian craftsmanship and North American ingenuity".

Sold in 500mL bottles, H-WA contains a robust 8.2% alcohol.   It pours a cloudy orange-gold colour that is almost milky and is topped with a thick off-white head. It has a sharp, hop-heavy citrus aroma. The flavour has notes of banana, citrus, and a sweet breadiness. The finish is sweet and bready with a dose of hop bitterness--a weisse bier with pale ale edge. It was sweeter than I expected, and the booze content is well-hidden beneath the considerable flavour.


One of the more interesting beers I've tried this year, Hopfen-Weisse Ale can boast of a unique fusion of styles.  More collaborations like this one will make sure that beer continues to be interesting and innovative.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10.