So a few weeks ago Weihenstephaner arrived in Alberta. It is generally considered the best example of a German Hefeweizen in the world. In part this is for good reason. It is the original wheat beer brewer, after all. They have been brewing since 1040. Who the hell is going to question their competence around wheat beer? They even survived the Reinheitsgebot, which outlawed wheat as a beer ingredient. They definitely have history on their side.

But is it really a world-class hefeweizen? I have often come across supposedly classic versions of a beer only to be disappointed. So I spent some quality time with a bottle. I did the appropriate rolling of the bottle before opening (to rouse the yeast into the beer – which is expected for classic hefe’s) and sat back to experience a classic beer.

And I was not disappointed. It poured a hazy light gold with a massive, rocky white head. The aroma blends banana and clove with a touch of citrus and light grainy sweetness. The flavour offers the best blending of clove and banana (the two key flavours in weizens) that I have ever experienced. I also pick up some soft wheat sharpness and a grainy quality that accents the fruitiness in the beer. The finish is moderately sweet with a lingering spiciness and citrus note. It fits a summer drinking bill perfectly. It is light and fresh without being boring. The finish is both tart and sweet, demanding that the drinker have another one.

Given that it has seen the Atlantic Ocean, I am well aware that it is not at its peak in flavour, which only makes its presentation more impressive. I can only imagine how good it is fresh from the brewery, consumed only a few kilometres from its site of creation.

This is one case where clearly the beer illuminati are correct. This is the anchor version of the style. All hefeweizens should be measured to this example. Even suffering from jet lag it beats any other hefeweizen I have tried. It has the balance and the tartness to create an ideal hefeweizen. I feel very fortunate to have sampled it. Now only to try it near its home in Weihenstephan…