Hefe
Big Rig Brewery

 

Hefeweizens can sometimes be pretty ugly looking beers. Big Rig's certainly is. Turbid and lifeless, this pineapple-toned offering has no colourful highlights and is very murky. Most importantly, it lacks the style's signature head - a Hefe without high-stacked foam doesn't look right and is simply improper.

Hefeweizens are in many ways polar opposite to other German styles. Whereas Helles Lagers or Bocks have simple, straightforward flavours and are geared towards easy, effective drinkability, Hefes are zestful and flamboyant, with theatrical bubbles, extravagant banana notes and splashy spiciness.

...or at least they aught to. Big Rig's doesn't have many fireworks in the aroma. It does have a vanilla undertone and fruity bubblegum character which is definitely pleasant, but it doesn't have the peacockish display the best of them do. And where's the peppery and/or clove-like spice? I'm waiting...

Fortunately they do eventually show up; the flavour showcases the requisite citrus acidity, mushed banana flavour, and clove-like undertones. The letdown, however, comes in the mouthfeel. The texture is entirely listless, with no zest or pep or, worst of all, no bubbles. Hefes need high-octane carbonation.

I think Big Rig's branding is terrible, but the beers are solid. Those I've tried have been done to style and are likely to appeal to both casual drinkers as well as developed palates. The recipes aren't perfect - this Hefeweizen for instance desperately needs bubbles - but, overall, it's been encouraging.