Ayinger Brewery Bräuweisse
What the brewers say
“Inviting and perhaps a bit tart in palate, this is ‘brut’ beer with a delicious, smooth body from a grist bill of about 60 percent wheat. Finishes with a subtle spicy, fruity note from a traditional Bavarian weissebier yeast strain.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Wheat bread, crust—the light malt character is something you really have to look for. Some of the expected clove and banana elements, and smoky phenolics. No hops aromas to speak of.”
Flavor: “The flavor is better than the nose, with definite wheat malt and bread character. Still some of the smoky phenolics and some plastic balloon, but not as strong as in the aroma. As it warms, some caramel flavor comes out, with some butterscotch. Some banana esters and clove.”
Overall: “This beer could be a bit out of date, perhaps, but it’s right down the middle for style. As it warms, the plastic balloon flavor diminishes, and the light wheat and fruitiness come out, but not enough to fully recover. It’s sort of a funky wheat beer. Yet, some nice flavors remain, and the banana notes are spot on.”
