What is a Weizen?
Amber de BruinIn this blog we explain what a Weizen is and why this style is quite different compared to a white beer. Curious about the explanation of other beer styles? View our blogs.
What does weizen beer stand for?
As many believe, but what is not true, is that Weizen, also known as Weissbier or Weisse, stands for the color of the beer. Weizen or Weisse means wheat in German. A Weizen is therefore not white or light in color, but rather blond to almost orange. Weizen is a German beer style for which only grains, water, hops and yeast may be used.
History
Weizenbier became increasingly popular from the 16th century and was exclusively brewed in Bavaria. The nobility made a lot of money by selling the rights to brew this style. This situation lasted until 1520, when the noble Von Degenberg family was given the exclusive right to brew the beer. After the death of the owner in 1602, without heirs, it became the property of the Wittelsbach family. This family had exclusive rights for almost two centuries. Then King Ludwig II sold the brewing rights to a private individual. As the beer style grew in popularity, including in other countries, these restrictions were lifted. This style is still mainly brewed in Germany, but we are also seeing a continued growing popularity in the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Scandinavian countries and North America, where it is increasingly brewed.
Difference Weizen and white beer
Ondanks dat en Witbier beide met tarwe worden geproduceerd en de kleur van de bieren enigszins op elkaar lijkt, zijn het niet dezelfde stijlen. Deze speciaalbierstijlen vertonen enkele verschillen. Zo mag er aan Duitse Weizen geen enkele andere grondstof worden toegevoegd, behalve graansoorten, water, hop en gist. Aan Belgisch Witbier wordt deze eis niet gesteld. Een Weizen moet ook minimaal 50% tarwemout bevatten, terwijl dit percentage bij Witbier meestal tussen de 30% en 40% ligt. De troebeling van Witbier wordt veroorzaakt door het gebruik van ongemoute tarwe tijdens het brouwproces, terwijl bij Weizen de troebeling pas optreedt wanneer het onderste gistresidu wordt uitgeschonken.
Although Weizen and white beer are both produced with wheat and the color of the beers is somewhat similar, they are not the same styles. These craft beer styles show some differences. For example, no other raw material may be added to German Weizen, except cereals, water, hops and yeast. This requirement is not imposed on Belgian white beer. A Weizen must also contain at least 50% wheat malt, while this percentage is usually between 30% and 40% for white beer. The cloudiness of white beer is caused by the use of unmalted wheat during the brewing process, while with Weizen the cloudiness only occurs when the bottom yeast residue is poured out.
Taste notes
Despite the original simplistic use of ingredients, Weizen is distinguished by a complex flavor profile. The addition of yeast releases aromas of banana and cloves. The style also contains fresh and slightly acidic notes, which gives the beer a refreshing and characterful taste. The beer is soft, creamy and therefore a little sweet.
Discovering Weizen:
Weizen beer offers a refreshing and tasteful experience that deserves a special place in the world of craft beer. It is a beer style that embraces history, tradition and craftsmanship. Visit our assortment for the best selection of Weizen and white beers.
