Tailwagger Wheat
Big Dog's Draft House

Brewers notes : Authentic Bavarian-style Hefeweizen, possessing characteristic banana & clove aromas produced by the unique German yeast. Served with a lemon wedge upon request.

Translucent golden , fizzy one finger white foam cap , scant lacings

Taste has Faint spiciness, cloves,hint of banana

Clean crisp , subtle clove taste

Light mouthfeel

Good beer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All styles have a certain, well, "style", but few have a more distinctive look than Hefeweizens; Tailwagger, like the Bavarian brands it's modeled after, is an incredibly murky beer that pours with a luscious, tall mound of white foam. While some are sunny, this one is dull; it has the colour and complexion of pineapple juice.

There's such a bright citrus presence in the aroma that you'd think the glass was rimmed with lemon - the brewery does suggest serving it with a lemon wedge (as is often the custom) but I'm getting the sense there's no need. There's also general a straw/damp grain note as well as a strong perfume of fresh-baked banana bread.

Those two principle flavours - lemon and banana bread - make up the bulk of the taste. Surprisingly absent is the clove-like spice that is so common in weissbier. There's only a minor presence of bubblegum-like fruit - it's pretty much all banana - but there is a quiet sweetness of some sort that makes it all the more delightful.

As mentioned, this sample doesn't flash much clove spice, but it does make up for it with an unusually appreciable amount of citrusy tartness. The lemon-like notes only add to the beer's refreshment and drinkability; novice or warm-weather drinkers will find its zest, gentle spritz, and fluffy light mouthfeel to be right up their alley.

Anyone who's had a puppy and had to work late and leave the dog alone a little longer than it's used to knows just how excited it gets when you finally come home - that's nowhere near the kind of elation or hysteria Tailwagger generates. Nonetheless, a beer this refreshing, delectable and well-brewed can definitely be a man's best friend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a Tailwagger over lunch in the restaurant at the draft house. $5.25 served in a 20 oz pilsner (small weizen) glass.

Appearance is a dirty yellow color and cloudy. Bubbly white head.

Smell is an authentic soft fruit and melon aroma.

Taste is an authentic bananna and clove flavor.

Mouthfeel is smooth and medium bodied.

A nice authentic Bavarian style Hefe. Not as aweet as it could be but pretty good.