Meister
Eppig Brewing Co. - Waterfront Biergarten

The problem with living in SoCal (especially San Diego) is that so many bars, breweries, and tasting rooms are heavily IPA-centered.

I tried this as an alternative while checking out Barrel Republic in Escondido. They didn’t have a Berlinerweisse, but they did have a kristallweizen, and a good one at that!

Look: This could pass for a Budweiser by its color, but rather than signifying an adjunct lawnmower beer, it’s just because it’s a filtered wheat. Has a nice foam head, but the low ABV also means it doesn’t have much lacing down the glass. I don’t mind it.

Smell: Clean, crisp. Only very subtle banana or bread notes because the yeast has been filtered out.

Taste: Hits the spot! Has some hard water mineral taste, akin to an ESB minus the hops. Imminently quaffable, the beer won’t challenge you much, but it’s a filtered wheat—it’s not really supposed to.

Mouthfeel: Again, not very challenging, but it’s not supposed to be. Wet and prickly, but not overmuch.

I love the beer and I’m glad I tried it. I hope Barrel Republic gets the brewery’s Berlinerweisse!

Clear golden yellow brew with plenty of foam in the Troubadour glass. No hint of cloudiness. Crisp and clear flavors with just a touch of malty sweetness to start. Tangy finish with some of the wheat character, but no hint of the hefeweizen esters. Mild aroma of grain with a note of straw and flowers.

The brewery calls this a "Northern German wheat ale" rather than American Style, but I think Kristalweizen could cover it. It also includes a touch of oats, one of the better Germanesque beers I've had. This is an exceptionally drinkable and clean tasting brew. From the 32 oz crowler filled at the Point Loma tasting room.