Hofbräu Kristall Weisse
Hofbräuhaus München

Clear gold with churning effervescence and a large white head. Banana all day in the nose. Just slightly less in the taste. Medium bodied with lively carbonation. Nice summer treat.

 

 

Had this at the Hofbrauhause in Munich. Presentation in a liter stein is enough to warrant an exceptional appearance score alone, add to that a great white-yellow glowing color and frothy head and you have a winner. not to mention the body was still a bit cloudy even though is was filtered. The smell was subtle, hitnts of orange and bananas, but a general smell of freshness is most prevalent. Taste is classic. Exactly what I would expect from this beer. The flavor is not over the top at any point, exceptional balance between the malt , small amount of hops, and great banana. This beer is not trying to grab your attention; it's a classic case of less is more. This is one beer everyone should have on tap to understand the style and intention of the beer. In the US there is a mentality that every beer has to try to "out do" the competition and grab our attention. That’s not the case here; you will actually be wowed at the fact of how a simple beer can be so great. Mouthfeel is smooth and watery, refreshing and light. And drinkability is insane, to be served in a liter stein this thing has to be drinkable and that it is.

(500 ml bottle, bought in Norway). Filtered wheat beer, like the name says crystal clear, very pale golden colour, enormous head. Strong aroma of ripe bananas (or rather: the artificial "banana" filling you get in some chocolates + bubble gum), cloves too. Banana, cloves and hops in the flavour - but there's just too little of everything. Why filter away the goodies? Refreshing, but Hefe-Weissbiers are the way to go! Very short aftertaste.