Today’s craft beer review is of the Franziskaner Weissbier Hefe Weissbier (Hell) from the Spaten-Franziskaner-Brau Brewery located in Munich, Germany.

I have yet to have a Franziskaner.  I’ve heard much about them, therefore I’m looking forward to trying it and enjoying myself.

Franziskaner is now a subsidiary of Spaten/InBev, but from all I’ve read they have pretty much kept the original recipe, so……

While looking at the website, franziskaner.com, I stumbled upon this general description.

All of Franziskaner’s weiss beer products – Hefe-Weisse Hell and Hefe-Weisse Dunkel – are top-fermentation beers noted for their agreeable carbonation levels and zesty wheat flavour.  The consistently high quality of our products makes Franziskaner weiss beers a refreshing taste sensation of a special sort.  All Franziskaner weiss beers are brewed in strict adherence to the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516.

Without further ado…… let’s get it poured.

This brew came in a no-nonsense, 12 oz. bottle with an ABV of 5.0%.

The appearance was of an orangish/yellow color.  Very cloudy with some brighter yellow highlights around the bottom.  The cap was bright white, rather creamy with real nice size, decent retention and some ok lacing.

The aroma was a little more tame than most of the Hefe’s I have encountered.  To me this was a good thing.  It has all the typical fragrances one would expect:  coriander, lemon citrus, banana, cloves, spices and hints of wheat/grain, however I judged that they seemed to be a bit more balanced, softer, subdued and cohesive.  Not bad really.

The taste was very reminiscent of the smell.  The wheat/grain profile was more distinct, but the spices were more insignificant.  The lemon and banana flavors were accounted for, however they were neither robust nor underscored, but seemed to sit right in the middle.  As I made my way through the beer, I began to get the familiar “bubblegum” characteristic, which sweetened the analysis a tad.

The mouthfeel was medium/thin, smooth, crisp, refreshing and relatively dry.  Very easy going on the palate by leaving faint traces of flavor.

This was a pretty good beer.  I wouldn’t say that it was outstanding, but I wouldn’t describe it as poor either.  It seemed to fall right down the middle.  It had everything a good Hefe should.  It fit the style.  I was not surprised by anything nor was I distracted by anything.  It was easy to drink.  Enjoyable.  Perfect for warmer weather and could be enjoyed by most anyone.  It was solid.  That’s about it really.  Would I have another?  Sure.  I could have a few, no problem.  The low ABV allows for this to be a perfect session beer.  Give it a try if you see it.

Thanks to all who have read, commented and encouraged this blog.  It’s great fun.

Until next time…. Cheers!!!

Score:  3.75 out of 5
Grade:  B