Erdinger Weissbier | Erdinger Weissbräu
Brewed by:
Erdinger Weissbräu
Germany
erdinger.de
Style: Hefeweizen
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.60%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by stirgy on 01-03-2002
Ratings: 1,956 | Reviews: 793
Reviews by patrickfromnj:
3.5/5 rDev +1.2%
patrickfromnj, Mar 28, 2014
More User Reviews:
3.98/5 rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I saw some of the other reviews and some just don't understand beer, let alone German bier.
Erdinger is a well-rounded Bavarian beer. Although not my favorite, it does have that distinct German flavor. The beer, as a typical Weissbier, should be poured in a Weizen glass for proper head (which should be large) and flavor. Not as citrusy as some other Weiss bier, but definitely has the crispness from a lighter body and natural fermentation found in many beers which recipes have been passed down through several hundred years (this one since the 16th century) of Master Brewers. It is quite refreshing and I could easily enjoy a couple liters of these an an Oktoberfest or having a relaxing afternoon grilling, or being active. For those who think it tastes "watered down" I recommend a hefe weizen or dunkel weizen (I actually prefer dark beer and Guinness is my "mother's milk").
Much better than most pilsners and very clean unless you prefer the over-hoppy craft beers found across the U.S.
Here's my background if anyone wants to dispute it:
First of all, I spent half my life growing up in Germany traveling Europe sampling beers in pretty much every town and city I visited.
Secondly, it's GERMAN BEER...we have a long way to go to even touch some of their lower-end beers.
Lastly, every type of beer can only be compared to its counterparts (crystal weizen-crystal weizen, stout-stout, etc).
No, I am not a self-proclaimed "expert" but i know good beer and what distinguishes them. Thanks.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I saw some of the other reviews and some just don't understand beer, let alone German bier.
Erdinger is a well-rounded Bavarian beer. Although not my favorite, it does have that distinct German flavor. The beer, as a typical Weissbier, should be poured in a Weizen glass for proper head (which should be large) and flavor. Not as citrusy as some other Weiss bier, but definitely has the crispness from a lighter body and natural fermentation found in many beers which recipes have been passed down through several hundred years (this one since the 16th century) of Master Brewers. It is quite refreshing and I could easily enjoy a couple liters of these an an Oktoberfest or having a relaxing afternoon grilling, or being active. For those who think it tastes "watered down" I recommend a hefe weizen or dunkel weizen (I actually prefer dark beer and Guinness is my "mother's milk").
Much better than most pilsners and very clean unless you prefer the over-hoppy craft beers found across the U.S.
Here's my background if anyone wants to dispute it:
First of all, I spent half my life growing up in Germany traveling Europe sampling beers in pretty much every town and city I visited.
Secondly, it's GERMAN BEER...we have a long way to go to even touch some of their lower-end beers.
Lastly, every type of beer can only be compared to its counterparts (crystal weizen-crystal weizen, stout-stout, etc).
No, I am not a self-proclaimed "expert" but i know good beer and what distinguishes them. Thanks.
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4.17/5 rDev +20.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
For once I am glad I didn't let the subpar ratings sway me from this beer. Mind you it is included in this hotel breakfast in Munich, so there was little chance I was going to not have it. First of all, beer at breakfast is a brilliant idea. Decades I have wasted on milk and orange juice. When I get home I am throwing them all away, as it is beer forever for breakfast. I wish I had kids....they'd love it too.
Why am I writing this? Oh yeah, a beer review
I just noticed my wife left the table. This is a good beer!
Awesome Hefeweizen - Bready and carbonated. Good stuff
Uh oh, she's back
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
For once I am glad I didn't let the subpar ratings sway me from this beer. Mind you it is included in this hotel breakfast in Munich, so there was little chance I was going to not have it. First of all, beer at breakfast is a brilliant idea. Decades I have wasted on milk and orange juice. When I get home I am throwing them all away, as it is beer forever for breakfast. I wish I had kids....they'd love it too.
Why am I writing this? Oh yeah, a beer review
I just noticed my wife left the table. This is a good beer!
Awesome Hefeweizen - Bready and carbonated. Good stuff
Uh oh, she's back
603 characters
3.2/5 rDev -7.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Presentation: 500 ml tall brown Euro style bottle with a “best before end” freshness date on the back label.
Appearance: Fluffy looking off white head with a less than normal head retention for a wheat beer, sunset orange yellow hue with a very cloudy look to for the decanting of the yeast in the glass.
Smell: Light fermented wheat twang, soft spicy clove with a rounded and mellow fruitiness makes up the aroma.
Taste: Just as smooth as it is crisp with a creamy medium body, not too much on the clove spiciness but it is there and holds on through the finish. Good dose of malt sweetness and a twang from the wheat, powdery yeast adds a touch of earthy flavour. Fruitiness is mellow just like the aroma with subtle ripe banana and pear. Hops are light and ride with the effervesce and clove. Sweetness and clove battle it out in the finish as the dryness tries to creep in also.
Notes: Decent, a bit one-dimensional for the style. Easy to drink which comes more from the mouth feel than the flavour. When it comes to wheat beers in general this one lands just above mediocre unfortunately.
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look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Presentation: 500 ml tall brown Euro style bottle with a “best before end” freshness date on the back label.
Appearance: Fluffy looking off white head with a less than normal head retention for a wheat beer, sunset orange yellow hue with a very cloudy look to for the decanting of the yeast in the glass.
Smell: Light fermented wheat twang, soft spicy clove with a rounded and mellow fruitiness makes up the aroma.
Taste: Just as smooth as it is crisp with a creamy medium body, not too much on the clove spiciness but it is there and holds on through the finish. Good dose of malt sweetness and a twang from the wheat, powdery yeast adds a touch of earthy flavour. Fruitiness is mellow just like the aroma with subtle ripe banana and pear. Hops are light and ride with the effervesce and clove. Sweetness and clove battle it out in the finish as the dryness tries to creep in also.
Notes: Decent, a bit one-dimensional for the style. Easy to drink which comes more from the mouth feel than the flavour. When it comes to wheat beers in general this one lands just above mediocre unfortunately.
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4.08/5 rDev +17.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
AlthoughIt is not good as Franziskaner I like it. It deserves respect.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
AlthoughIt is not good as Franziskaner I like it. It deserves respect.
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4.65/5 rDev +34.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Probably my favourite beer, certainly of the wheat variety anyway. Rich, tasty and always satisfying...Perhaps there are more interesting, niche varieties out there (in Germany, at least) but this is a solid winner !
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Probably my favourite beer, certainly of the wheat variety anyway. Rich, tasty and always satisfying...Perhaps there are more interesting, niche varieties out there (in Germany, at least) but this is a solid winner !
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3.5/5 rDev +1.2%
Erdinger Weissbier is one of the Bavaria's weakest weissbiers. The appearance isn't as cloudy as other weissbiers and you can actually see through the beer which is a big strike in weissbier. The upfront taste is heavy with fruit & clove which aren't as strong as other weissbiers and the backend taste finishes a touch dry and bitter. Definitely leans more towards the bitter side and at times hints at a pilsner flavor. I rarely if ever drink or buy this. And now that Erdinger has come out with the superior Urweisse which is much better than the normal Weisse, there's really no reason to drink this anymore.
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Erdinger Weissbier is one of the Bavaria's weakest weissbiers. The appearance isn't as cloudy as other weissbiers and you can actually see through the beer which is a big strike in weissbier. The upfront taste is heavy with fruit & clove which aren't as strong as other weissbiers and the backend taste finishes a touch dry and bitter. Definitely leans more towards the bitter side and at times hints at a pilsner flavor. I rarely if ever drink or buy this. And now that Erdinger has come out with the superior Urweisse which is much better than the normal Weisse, there's really no reason to drink this anymore.
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4.5/5 rDev +30.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
One of the world's best hefeweizens
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
One of the world's best hefeweizens
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4.09/5 rDev +18.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Simply delicious, how is this just an "ok"? Had this one right from the bottle and it was fantastic. Usually I don't get a lot of aroma drinking from the bottle, but this one had that clear hefe smell. Wheat, spice, banana, and some orange zest notes. Tastes follows with banana and spice taking the lead with orange bread underneath. I'd gladly have this hefe anytime.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Simply delicious, how is this just an "ok"? Had this one right from the bottle and it was fantastic. Usually I don't get a lot of aroma drinking from the bottle, but this one had that clear hefe smell. Wheat, spice, banana, and some orange zest notes. Tastes follows with banana and spice taking the lead with orange bread underneath. I'd gladly have this hefe anytime.
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5/5 rDev +44.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I don't understand giving this anything but A grade.
The BA score shows 80, does that mean B- grade beer?
The Bros give it a 74,.. does that mean C grade beer?
Ya'll are nuts, it's A grade,… let's give it a 95,… how would I improve it to 100,… I wouldn't,.. it's perfectly all well as far as my feel and sensibility, according to my body.
It's a nice fresh, medium, balanced, very pleasant beer,...it's excellent,… nice n balanced,… I love it.
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look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I don't understand giving this anything but A grade.
The BA score shows 80, does that mean B- grade beer?
The Bros give it a 74,.. does that mean C grade beer?
Ya'll are nuts, it's A grade,… let's give it a 95,… how would I improve it to 100,… I wouldn't,.. it's perfectly all well as far as my feel and sensibility, according to my body.
It's a nice fresh, medium, balanced, very pleasant beer,...it's excellent,… nice n balanced,… I love it.
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5/5 rDev +44.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I dont understand the lower ratings... this is an unbelievably good brew imho.... it is smoothe... flavorful... and a pretty pour.... it is a bit pricey and has somewhat of a "light" beer head.... but it is super tasty for backyard sitting
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look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I dont understand the lower ratings... this is an unbelievably good brew imho.... it is smoothe... flavorful... and a pretty pour.... it is a bit pricey and has somewhat of a "light" beer head.... but it is super tasty for backyard sitting
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4.25/5 rDev +22.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Good representation of the style.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Good representation of the style.
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3.83/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy yellow/orange with a huge blooming head that sticks to the glass nicely,a great pour.I pick some apple and peach notes wich is different for a hefe and quite appetizing the spice aroma is more subdued.Taste is quite fruity as well quite citruisy leaning on the orange side not much spiciness comes thru until after a few sips but it comes thru nicely near the end of my glass.I had low expectations for this brew from other reviews but I thought it to be a well made easy quaffer nice and fruity a winner.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy yellow/orange with a huge blooming head that sticks to the glass nicely,a great pour.I pick some apple and peach notes wich is different for a hefe and quite appetizing the spice aroma is more subdued.Taste is quite fruity as well quite citruisy leaning on the orange side not much spiciness comes thru until after a few sips but it comes thru nicely near the end of my glass.I had low expectations for this brew from other reviews but I thought it to be a well made easy quaffer nice and fruity a winner.
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2.96/5 rDev -14.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
Appearance This beer is gorgeous. It is light, hazy yellow in color with tons of good, healthy carbonation and a white, monster, foaming head that stayed until I drank through it.
Smell The light yeasty base has some good coriander and is nicely complimented with banana and peach notes. I can also pick up the traditional clove, although barely.
Taste The flavor came across as rather heavy-handed. The tart fruits lost their light, fluffy feeling from the nose and the yeast just wimped out.
Mouthfeel This is light-bodied, of course, with some fluffiness in the mouthfeel. The fruits were heavy and overly hopped.
Drinkability Sorry, but I just couldnt finish this heavy-handed off-style effort by Erdinger.
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look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
Appearance This beer is gorgeous. It is light, hazy yellow in color with tons of good, healthy carbonation and a white, monster, foaming head that stayed until I drank through it.
Smell The light yeasty base has some good coriander and is nicely complimented with banana and peach notes. I can also pick up the traditional clove, although barely.
Taste The flavor came across as rather heavy-handed. The tart fruits lost their light, fluffy feeling from the nose and the yeast just wimped out.
Mouthfeel This is light-bodied, of course, with some fluffiness in the mouthfeel. The fruits were heavy and overly hopped.
Drinkability Sorry, but I just couldnt finish this heavy-handed off-style effort by Erdinger.
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2.71/5 rDev -21.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
Pale golden color, cloudy but less so than many a hefe. Thick white head, good retention. Average appearing carbonation. Aroma of sweet malt, esters, wheat, honey, and some banana. Taste is unbalanced, too sweet and leaning toward honey. A powdered sugar mouthfeel adds to the abundance of sweetness to distract from the good elements of the beer. Light to medium bodied with aggressive carbonation on the tongue. Not smooth at all. Lacking in spice and banana. Easy to drink one but too sweet for another. A pass.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
Pale golden color, cloudy but less so than many a hefe. Thick white head, good retention. Average appearing carbonation. Aroma of sweet malt, esters, wheat, honey, and some banana. Taste is unbalanced, too sweet and leaning toward honey. A powdered sugar mouthfeel adds to the abundance of sweetness to distract from the good elements of the beer. Light to medium bodied with aggressive carbonation on the tongue. Not smooth at all. Lacking in spice and banana. Easy to drink one but too sweet for another. A pass.
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3.22/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Poured one and a half Erdinger Hefe-Weizen beers into a 22 oz Weizen glass. Strange that the names are so mixed but all on the same bottle.
A- Straw yellow look with a short lived fluffy white head that falls quickly to a quarter inch ring and froth. So so for a bottle fermented brew.
S- Getting better with strong hints of lemon grass and musky yeast. Cellar torn musk like shelves linger in the nose with sharp hints of citrus peels gone sour. Spicey peppercorns are noticed.
T-M- Lightly sweetened lemon herb flavors upfront. Slightly dulled and watered down for the style IMO but nevertheless a good combo for drinkablity. Aftermath is a floral mix of malty yeast with a dry feel till the last bite.
O- Very drinkable for the style just lacking the hardcore aspects of the true Hefeweizen brew.
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look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Poured one and a half Erdinger Hefe-Weizen beers into a 22 oz Weizen glass. Strange that the names are so mixed but all on the same bottle.
A- Straw yellow look with a short lived fluffy white head that falls quickly to a quarter inch ring and froth. So so for a bottle fermented brew.
S- Getting better with strong hints of lemon grass and musky yeast. Cellar torn musk like shelves linger in the nose with sharp hints of citrus peels gone sour. Spicey peppercorns are noticed.
T-M- Lightly sweetened lemon herb flavors upfront. Slightly dulled and watered down for the style IMO but nevertheless a good combo for drinkablity. Aftermath is a floral mix of malty yeast with a dry feel till the last bite.
O- Very drinkable for the style just lacking the hardcore aspects of the true Hefeweizen brew.
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3.31/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Appearance: Very vocal when poured! Huge head! Vigorous carbonation. Head lasts after pour for some time. Wonderful golden (cloudy) color. Looks very refreshing.
Aroma: Notes of wheat & malt. Doesn't have the strong hay, farmyard smell of other hefe's. Smells closer to a pils.
Taste: Slight wheat flavor, but malt is more prominent here. Not as characteristic of other hefe's. Mild sweetness noticeable.
Mouthfeel: Light & crisp. Clean on the palette. Really carbonated & fresh tasting.
Drinkability: Highly drinkable. Goes down easily. Could drink a number of these.
Comments: I liked this for its crisp, refreshing taste, but didn't think it was the best example of a hefe. It didn't have the wet hay, farmy, wheaty smell & taste that I love in hefe's.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Appearance: Very vocal when poured! Huge head! Vigorous carbonation. Head lasts after pour for some time. Wonderful golden (cloudy) color. Looks very refreshing.
Aroma: Notes of wheat & malt. Doesn't have the strong hay, farmyard smell of other hefe's. Smells closer to a pils.
Taste: Slight wheat flavor, but malt is more prominent here. Not as characteristic of other hefe's. Mild sweetness noticeable.
Mouthfeel: Light & crisp. Clean on the palette. Really carbonated & fresh tasting.
Drinkability: Highly drinkable. Goes down easily. Could drink a number of these.
Comments: I liked this for its crisp, refreshing taste, but didn't think it was the best example of a hefe. It didn't have the wet hay, farmy, wheaty smell & taste that I love in hefe's.
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3.48/5 rDev +0.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
3.52/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
poured on draught into a weizen glass
A - pours a light gold color with a white head. active carbonation running up the glass.
S - a light wheat aroma with some clove.
T - a strong flavor of banana and a touch of malt sweetness.
M- very crisp.
D - very easy to drink, but it's not outstanding in its class.
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look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
poured on draught into a weizen glass
A - pours a light gold color with a white head. active carbonation running up the glass.
S - a light wheat aroma with some clove.
T - a strong flavor of banana and a touch of malt sweetness.
M- very crisp.
D - very easy to drink, but it's not outstanding in its class.
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3.71/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
The freshness label on this 16.9 oz. bottle indicates an expiration in two months. Pours with a nice, white, fluffy head (about the width of two fingers) and is highly effervescent. Light golden color and hazy due to suspended yeast (mit hefe).
Bready aroma is joined with lightly phenolic aroma of cloves. Fruity esters are slight, with a hint of bubblegum but not much banana.
Soft, grainy flavor hits the palette nicely and tastes refreshing. High carbonation level spreads the clove flavor evenly. The taste of bananas is more present in tasting than in the aroma. Mouthfeel is fluffy and light with a slight creaminess due to the suspended yeast.
Nice hefeweizen example and very drinkable. Great on a hot day.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
The freshness label on this 16.9 oz. bottle indicates an expiration in two months. Pours with a nice, white, fluffy head (about the width of two fingers) and is highly effervescent. Light golden color and hazy due to suspended yeast (mit hefe).
Bready aroma is joined with lightly phenolic aroma of cloves. Fruity esters are slight, with a hint of bubblegum but not much banana.
Soft, grainy flavor hits the palette nicely and tastes refreshing. High carbonation level spreads the clove flavor evenly. The taste of bananas is more present in tasting than in the aroma. Mouthfeel is fluffy and light with a slight creaminess due to the suspended yeast.
Nice hefeweizen example and very drinkable. Great on a hot day.
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2.94/5 rDev -15%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
The bottle had a drink by date of 3/06. It poured a large, thick head which dissipated quickly, leaving no lacing. It smelled like fresh bread with a hint of orange. The color was opaque pale copper. I wasn't overly impressed by the taste. Not bad, but nothing special. It was just a weissbier. It tasted like a yeasty bread, again, with a hint of orange. The mouthfeel was a little light for a weizen. The carbonation was a little heavy, but not too bad. The finish had a light alcohol taste, which the malt while drinking. The finish was also reminiscent of a white wine. Overall, I was unimpressed. It was worth a try, but I would probably not buy it.
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look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
The bottle had a drink by date of 3/06. It poured a large, thick head which dissipated quickly, leaving no lacing. It smelled like fresh bread with a hint of orange. The color was opaque pale copper. I wasn't overly impressed by the taste. Not bad, but nothing special. It was just a weissbier. It tasted like a yeasty bread, again, with a hint of orange. The mouthfeel was a little light for a weizen. The carbonation was a little heavy, but not too bad. The finish had a light alcohol taste, which the malt while drinking. The finish was also reminiscent of a white wine. Overall, I was unimpressed. It was worth a try, but I would probably not buy it.
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Erdinger Weissbier from Erdinger Weissbräu
3.46
out of 5
based on 1,956 ratings.