1. Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbier
The topic of this article is Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbier. Weihenstephan is the world’s oldest brewery, and Kristall Weissbier is one type of the famous German wheat beer. The term “Kristall” indicates that this wheat beer has a clear and transparent appearance. Hence, it’s known as a Weissbier, or wheat beer.
Research shows that by filtering out the yeast, the beer not only has a transparent color but also a lighter taste. Therefore, while it is made like a traditional Weissbier (wheat beer), the filtration process removes the turbidity and richness typically associated with wheat beers, resulting in a clear beer.
As described by “Kristall Clear,” the beer maintains its flavor and aroma while being clean and light. The brewing process for this beer combines traditional German beer brewing techniques with modern technology to produce such a beer.
2. Weihenstephan
1) Weihenstephan Story
As mentioned earlier, Weihenstephan is the world’s oldest monastic brewery, located in Bavaria, Germany. Talking about the history of this brewery starts in the year 1040, giving it a thousand years of history. It’s considered the most foundational place for Weissbier in Germany, and it also operates a brewing academy.
Among the products brewed here, the ones imported to Korea include Hefeweissbier, Weissbier Dunkel, Kristallweiss, Vitus, Korbinian, and non-alcoholic versions. These are sold individually as well as in lucky box formats that include various memorabilia.
2) Tasting Notes
First off, the foam is light and dissipates quickly, which was a bit disappointing for someone like me who enjoys foam. However, the carbonation isn’t lacking. When you smell it, you get the sweet aroma typically associated with wheat beer. The distinctive clove and banana-like aromas common in traditional Weissbier are fainter.
Tasting Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbier, reveals a unique profile. You can definitely taste the wheat beer, with the subtle sweetness and hints of banana and clove reminiscent of Hefeweiss, but without the heaviness, accompanying a refreshing lightness.
3) Product Information
Product Name: Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbier
Food Type: Beer
Country of Origin: Germany
Ingredients: Purified Water, Malt, Wheat Malt, Hops, Yeast
Alcohol and Volume: 5.4%, 500ml
Manufacturer: Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan
3. Overall Review
In summary, Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbier feels like it sits somewhere between a refreshing lager and a hefty Weissbier. It’s smooth and light, making for easy drinking, and offers a unique take on Weissbier that feels akin to a light lager.
While the charm of Kristall is undeniable, I personally prefer the foamy and robust taste of traditional beer, so given a choice between Hefeweiss and Kristall, I would choose Hefeweiss. Recently, when recommending a beer to someone, I suggested Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, but I feel this product doesn’t quite match up.