Weizenbock

ABV 6.5-9.0% · IBU 15-30 · SRM 6-25 · Serve 45-50F · Glass Weizen vase

Identify

Dark versions run dark amber to dark ruby brown with a light tan head. Pale versions run gold to amber with a very white head. Either way the head is very thick, mousse-like and long lasting, and it stands well above the rim. Usually hazy, with a shine from the wheat and the yeast. Medium full to full, and soft. The texture is fluffy or creamy rather than sharp, even though the carbonation is high. Banana and clove arrive first, then bready malt, then plum and raisin in the dark versions. It finishes dry, which is the part nobody predicts.

Place

Munich, 1907. Schneider created Aventinus at doppelbock strength. Pale versions came much later.

Cause

At least half the grain is malted wheat, and the yeast is the same German wheat beer strain that makes a Hefeweizen taste the way it does. Nothing about that changes at bock strength. Esters give the banana. The yeast builds them while it ferments, and no banana is involved at any point. Phenols give the clove.

Confused with

Weissbier, which is the same yeast character at half the strength. Dunkles Weissbier, which is dark and still only about 5%. Doppelbock, which is the same strength and darkness with no banana and no clove. Belgian Dubbel, which has the dried fruit and the pepper without the wheat or the banana.

Numbers

A Weizenbock is a German wheat beer built to the strength of a bock. Everything a Hefeweizen does, it does louder, and the extra malt adds a layer of dark fruit that a Hefeweizen never has. Look at the head before you drink anything. It is very thick, it holds like shaving foam, and it stands proud of the glass.

Will you like it, Order and Try

A German Hefeweizen, and you have wondered what a bigger one would taste like. This is the direct answer. Banana bread, or a slice of it toasted with butter. That is close to the whole beer in one food. Dried figs, prunes and raisins. In the dark versions those sit right behind the banana. Sitting with one large glass for an hour.

Pair, Judge, Myth and Remember

What does not work: green salad, delicate white fish, and anything very hot with chilli in it. The first two vanish underneath it, and alcohol at 8% makes chilli heat worse rather than better. A very thick head that stands above the rim and lasts to the bottom.