Christmasbier (Weihnachts) | Hofbräuhaus Newport

4/5  rDev -3.8%

4/5  rDev -3.8%

4.75/5  rDev +14.2%

3.88/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

From the brewery's website: "A flavorful amber lager with a rich amount of hops in finish. A little fuller with more malty character than our Hofbräu Lager."

On my most recent visit to the Hofbrauhaus, I was eager to try this December-only offering. The beer is described as an Amber Lager, which most resembles the flavor profile of Vienna Lager, listed in the BA database.

The beer is delivered in a half-liter stein. A bright amber-golden colored beer carrys a froathy off-white foamstand that lasted the session and garnished the glass with lacing at every sip.

Aromas are quite light, bringing a mellow blend of caramel, maltiness, and a very slight herbal hop note. Fairly simplistic and straight forward- this beer is meant to be drank in quantity.

Flavors closely follow those found in the nose with a heavy emphasis on the malt profile. Noble hop additions struggle to balance the sweet malts. Fruitiness is very low to none from the low fermentation temperatures, so are the phenolics. Somewhat biscuity and sweet to accompany the malts which is unusual for German beers.

Textures are also malty, crisp, and clean. Alcohols are well hidden and never offend. Rich creamy mouthfeel gives this beer high marks for drinkability. The only deterant is the timid hop additions, leaving the beer a bit sweet on the palate.

The beer paried well with the bierwurst plate that I ordered. It offered the perfect compliment to the sweet sausages while contrasted nicely with the spicy sauerkraut. Alone, the beer needed more balance for my liking.

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