Weihenstephaner Helles - 2021 USA Debut?

When did this reformulation occur (recently)?

As regards how a specific hop variety expresses itself in a resulting beer there are indeed many variables.

There is the hop crop variables of where exactly the hops were grown (which hop farm and specific location on that hop farm), the season (2020 vs. 2019 vs....) and exactly when the hops were harvested (e.g., early harvest vs. late harvest). In the context of Simcoe hops you can hear John Kimmich (The Alchemist) discuss this in the below video (the time mark: 8:35 and thereafter).

Then there are the variables of hop processing. How quickly from time of harvest to when the hops are processed (e.g., pelletizing). How were the processed hops stored (ideally very cold). Etc.

And how the hops were utilized in the brewing process will have impacts. Were the hops solely used for kettle additions? If so, how much and when were they added to the boil? Multiple additions? Were they used in conjunction with other hop varieties? Etc.

Cheers!



FWIW I personally preferred the Simcoe hops of yore that featured pine flavors.

 

Okay, I have to confess: not even the pandemic kept me from traveling to the Fatherland a couple of times this year....

 

Tell me where in IL you are... I'll be steering clear.

 

Stay away from my beer fridge.... Well, if you want to swing by, I'll have a beer with you, how is that? Western Suburbs of Chicago.

 

Have you quarantined for 2 weeks since travel to Europe? And tested negative?

 

I think either in 2018 or 2019 they did the reformulation with Saphir. I recall it having a different taste profile in 2019 compared to when I drank it in 2017.

 

Lmfao

 

Been back for about 6 weeks after my most recent trip. I conduct a rigorous regimen of taste testing of fermented beverages. If you can still smell and taste it, you don‘t have covid

 

Thanks doc! I feel better already!

 

Cans of their new Helles and HefeWeissbier are coming in early 2021:

https://mybeerbuzz.blogspot.com/2020/11/weihenstephan-to-launch-cans-in-us.html

This is from their Facebook page:

 

IMO, Firestone Walker nailed it with Pivo Pils.

 

Muthafuckasaywhat!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

SIGN ME RIGHT UP!!!!

 

Nailed what? A lagered APA? It's sure no true German or Bohemian Pils I've ever tasted.

 

I'm thought Pivo is the style of Italian Pilsner, no?

 

This thread has very recently become 'entertaining'. I shall make some popcorn.

Cheers!

 

I thought FW Pivo Pils was garbage - IPA masquerading as a "pilsner"

 

My apologies. Perhaps I should’ve been more clear with the context. I was referring to what I thought was the successful use of saphir hops in that particular beer. Not the authenticity of the style.

 

That makes more sense... if you like Saphir, that is. I just wish they wouldn't have labeled the beer "Pilsner."

 

Correct you are.

From their website:

Pivo is the beer that helped kick the doors down and liberate American pilsner from the clutches of industrial beer. Inspired by the dry-hopped Tipopils from Birrificio Italiano, Brewmaster Matt Brynildson drew upon multiple European influences to create this one-of-a-kind beer that sparked a legion of new craft pilsners across the U.S. Impeccably balanced. Floral aromatics, spicy herbal nuances and lemongrass notes from German Saphir hops.

I thought they pretty much achieved what they set out to do.