Let's Talk About Weihenstephaner

I think what goes against them is they're ancient, especially compared with new pop-up breweries. One of my few craft beer friends spoke ill of Weihenstephaner when we talked beer for a bit. His reasoning was "it's just the same ol', same ol' ". I agree. They are absolutely phenomenal beers. How many times did their name pop up on the "What's the best beer flavored beer?" thread? Quite a few. I know I responded with a Weinhenstephaner offering. They just lack that edgy, new brew status, or hard-to-find rarity to sell by the case. I know I'm guilty of picking up something new, or different over something old and trusty in this hobby.

 

Really? Every Binnys I have been to carries them and a good amount of small shops have them (that carry a decent German selection).

 

Awesome brewery. I'm a big fan. Product availability (inconsistent) and high price (relative) hurt the brand. Also, freshness concerns (from all the "turding"). Unfortunately most people (not BAs) have never heard of it.

 

Really. I've mentioned this before (I'm sure you haven't followed my every post ), but the closest Binny's to me is an hour's round-trip. I wish they'd open a store further north than Buffalo Grove and further east than McHenry.

And before you bring up DiCarlo, they aren't terribly close to me either... and to tell the truth, there's a lot of beer withering on their vines these days.

 

I always see it on the shelves for a great price and pick up their hefe often. I don't really care about bottle dates on anything but IPAs, so I don't know how long their stuff has been sitting, but every beer I've had from Weihenstephaner has tasted phenomenal.

 

@steveh I figured it had to come down to location.

 

Yeah, as much growth as there is up north, it's funny how some of the staples of Chicagoland haven't made the move -- or are just now starting.

 

The first rule about Weihenstephaner is you don't talk about Weihenstephaner.
For real, they are among the group of beers that turned me down the path of righteousness

 

Their great! Whole lineup is outstanding with exception of their pilsner which isn't quite my taste in a pilsner.

VITUS = best value /quality beer on the planet IMO. Old Chub a close 2nd.

 

I was talking about Weihenstephaner's prices versus other German beers, not other crafts.

 

I have been to their brewery in Freising Germany. Awesome place as it sits a top a hill looking over the city and countryside. All their offerings are spectacular with my favorite being Korbinian---mother's milk for me.

 

I have a beer crush on vitus!

 

Yes their Fest Bier is top notch...a little lighter than most Marzen style Octoberfest beers. Very similar to the Sierra Nevada offering this year.

 

Continuous? Well that have been on that site since 1040, except for the 4 times they burned down, the plagues, famines etc.

From the website, 1085 entry.
"Between 1085 and 1463 the Weihenstephan Monastery burned down completely four times, was destroyed or depopulated by three plagues, various famines and a great earthquake."

Check the timeline.
http://us.weihenstephaner.com/history

The continuous story is like my Grandfather's axe that I have. On the fourth handle and second head.

 

Love everything they make. My kids buy me the gift packs for Christmas most years because they know I love it.

 

OF course they have incredible beers - almost a thousand (!!!!!!!!!!) years of experience they have to be doing something right. I do put Schneider & Sohn right up there with the Weissbeirs but you can't go wrong with either of them. The only issue here in the States is to consistently find them all fresh - sometimes they can be a bit older than prime.

 

I am for sure happy that Weihenstephaner is so plenteous. I can get it almost anywhere, and it is just balls out beautiful beer.

 

Kristalweissbier is probably their weakest offering, imo, but still incredibly good when compared to other examples of the style.

 

You can't beat a Weihenstephaner weissbeer on tap in Germany. Just fantastic!

 

You are not the only one. Weihenstephaner rocks! I think a lot of BA members agree with this because most of this breweries' ratings are really high.