What is weizen?
Weizen is a wheat beer from the German brewing tradition. The name literally means wheat. These top-fermented beers are brewed with a large proportion of wheat malt and are known for their lively carbonation, firm head, and soft mouthfeel.
Many weizens are unfiltered and therefore cloudy. You will also encounter them under the name Hefeweizen: 'Hefe' refers to the yeast. There are also clear, filtered variants and dark interpretations of the style.
How does weizen taste?
Yeast plays an important role in the character of weizen. During fermentation, aromas can develop that are reminiscent of banana and clove. These flavors generally come from the yeast, without the brewer adding banana or clove.
The malt and wheat provide a soft base, with light flavors of bread or dough. Hop bitterness usually remains in the background. One weizen is emphatically fruity, while another has more spiciness or a drier finish.
What is the difference between weizen and witbier?
Weizen and witbier are both brewed with wheat and are often cloudy. Nevertheless, they have their own flavor profile and brewing tradition.
In German weizen, the yeast notes of banana and clove are central. Belgian witbier is often brewed with coriander and citrus peel, which brings out citrus and a different kind of spiciness.
Are you looking for a soft beer with fruity yeast notes? Then weizen might suit you well. Do you prefer fresh citrus, then also take a look at our witbier collection.
Which types of weizen are there?
The best-known variant is Hefeweizen: an unfiltered wheat beer with a typically golden-yellow color. Kristallweizen is filtered and clear, but retains the recognizable yeast character.
Dunkelweizen is a dark variant in which malty flavors of bread crust and caramel can combine with the fruity and spicy yeast notes. Weizenbock is usually stronger and fuller, with more intensity in flavor.
These names help with choosing, but every brewer looks for their own balance. Therefore, also check the beer's description and the alcohol percentage.
Which weizen suits you?
Do you like soft, round flavors and clearly fruity aromas? Then look for a weizen in which banana comes to the fore a bit more. If you prefer something spicier and drier, then a variant with more clove character might be a good fit.
Are you looking for more malt depth or strength? Then Dunkelweizen and Weizenbock are worth discovering. Feel free to tell us which beers you usually like to drink. We will help you find a suitable weizen.
Buying weizen at De Biersalon
At De Biersalon you will discover weizens from German breweries and makers from the Netherlands and other countries. From a trusted classic to a new interpretation that shows another side of the style.
Do you want to compare different weizens or are you looking for an alternative to your favorite wheat beer? We are happy to help you choose, in the store or via a message.
Curious about other fresh beer styles? On our main page for wit, weizen, and pilsneryou will find an overview of the differences and can explore the corresponding collections.
