Un ángel
Sankt Gallen Brewery

 

I don't have a good point of reference for how wheat wines are meant to look, but this isn't very attractive. Almost no head; flat-looking with a hazed, but not weizenbock-hazed, bronze body. But the aroma is extraordinary. Huge golden raisin sweetness. Bitter orange, clove, grappa, and orange pekoe tea. But there's a strong tropicália presence as well; underripe banana, roasted pineapple, rough rum, cream soda vanilla, Malibu. I've not smelled any beer quite like it.

The overall impression on the palate is surprisingly light. It doesn't have any of the doughy viscosity you'd usually expect from a strong wheat beer. It drinks like a VERY boozy cask bitter, with very low carbonation and a malty-yet-dry profile. The fruity aroma doesn't really translate to the flavor, replaced by notes of caramel corn, brandy, golden raisin, rye bread, and a sake-like umami. Quite a unique beer, and I love it for that, but it's also slightly wonky. I'd happily drink more... but not right away.