Beer connoisseur or not, you might have heard the name ‘Hefeweizen’ at least once. Ever wondered how this German wheat beer became so popular and iconic? Let us take you on a little journey, where you can get to know the history of Hefeweizen, its brewing process, what makes it unique, the best food combos, and finally, why you should choose Little Miami Brewing Company, one of the best local craft breweries in Cincinnati, to try a sip of this golden bliss!

Hefeweizens are easy to drink and very refreshing. Being one of the oldest beers in history, you would think it is a marvel how hefeweizen has survived for so long, let alone become one of the most popular beers in the world. And that’s why we are here – to unlock this secret!

The Origins of Hefeweizen

Hefeweizen’s origins can be traced back to Bavaria, Germany, in the 16th century. The name ‘hefeweizen’ comes from two German words – ‘hefe’ meaning ‘yeast’ and ‘weizen’ meaning ‘wheat’. Though the style originated in the 1520s, the German regulations, known as the ‘purity law’ prevented the brewing of this beer. This law mandated that beer should only be brewed with barley, hops and water. (The role of yeast was not discovered back then, and hence was not added as an active ingredient). This rather bizarre law was established due to the huge amount of wheat and other ingredients added to the beers, resulting in a scarcity of ingredients needed for baking bread.   

However, the rulers of Bavaria took a liking to wheat beer and hence, a single brewery, owned and operated by the Dukes of Degenberg, was allowed to brew it. Their popularity rose and later, more craft breweries began producing it, as the rules relaxed. When the last of the Dukes passed away, leaving no heir, the brewery fell into the hands of the royals, the Wittelsbachs. Brewed in traditional German style, hefeweizen still occupies a significant place among Germany’s beer exports. 

What Makes It Special?

If you have heard about the hype around this wheat beer, it is only natural to wonder, ‘What’s so special about it’? Well, its unique characteristics, of course! Hefeweizen is classified as a type of weissbier, which is German for white beer. The key ingredients for this beer include wheat malt, barley malt, a noble German hop, Bavarian yeast and water. Hefeweizen’s distinct feature is its signature flavors – notes of banana, vanilla and clove. This can also include notes of bubblegum and nutmeg. These distinct flavors are produced by the type of yeast used in brewing hefeweizen. The phenolic and fruity aroma of the beer, coupled with the distinct spicy aroma of the hefeweizen yeast, makes it easier to distinguish. 

Hefeweizen typically has at least 50% wheat malt and a remarkably foamy white head. This beer’s classic hazy look is attributed to it being unfiltered, with the yeast being suspended in the beverage. The hop flavor and its familiar bitterness are comparatively low in a hefeweizen. The sweetness of malt is also rather underplayed. Ranging from a pale straw to an amber in color, this beer has a moderate alcohol content, usually ranging between an ABV of 4-6%.  The body can range from medium to full. The recommended serving temperature for hefeweizen is 40-45° F. 

Brewing This Iconic German Beer

Wheat beers have a reputation for being one of the harder beers to brew. Hefeweizens are brewed using 50-70% wheat malt, with pilsner malt for the rest of the base malt. The brewing process can vary depending on the location and type of brewery. Here is a brief breakdown of the brewing process of hefeweizen: 

• The malted grains are steeped in hot water, in a process called mashing. This liquid which contains the sugars released from the malt is called wort. 
• The next step is to add hops to the wort. A noble hop variety is preferred, the most suitable ones being Hallertau and Tettnang. The bitterness of hops and the sweetness of malt should be carefully balanced. 
• The wort containing the hops is boiled and yeast is added to this once the decoction is cooled. Thus begins the fermentation process that eventually transforms sugar into alcohol. 

Hefeweizens, like most ales, taste best when consumed fresh. Hefeweizen is brewed using a specific Bavarian yeast strain that gives it its signature taste and aroma. The temperature during fermentation should also be taken into account, as this can have an impact on the flavor profiles. Open fermentation around 60-65° F is usually followed for brewing this wheat beer. Craft breweries especially, have the freedom to experiment with different brewing methods and ingredients to make their products taste unique and special. 

Hefeweizen: What Sets It Apart From Other Wheat Beers?

Wheat beers are any beers brewed with a large quantity of wheat malt, in addition to barley malt. Wheat beers, believed to be first brewed by the Sumerians, have been a part of beer history from ancient times. The most popular types of wheat beer, aside from hefeweizen, include Belgian witbier, American wheat ale and Berliner Weisse. Though most of these beers have a cloudy appearance, filtered and clear versions are available as well. 

Witbier, which is Flemish for ‘white beer’, is a Belgian-style beer brewed using pale barley malt and unmalted wheat. Notes of citrus, coriander and orange peel make this cloudy beer one-of-a-kind. American wheat beer uses 30% or more wheat malt and is more hoppier and bitter than the original German wheat beer. Another German classic, the zingy and tart Berliner Weisse is highly carbonated and often has sweeteners like woodruff or raspberry syrup added to it.    

As for the hefeweizen, its fruity and sweet flavors make it stand out from the rest. Unlike other beers, hefeweizen does not rely heavily on the aroma or flavor of hop. If anything, the bitterness of hop is rather subtle on the palate, elevating its fruitiness and the phenolic flavors of the beer. The Bavarian yeast strains used for its fermentation give them their distinct flavors. Light and refreshing, this soft-textured beer is a summer-time favorite. 

When hefeweizen was brought to America by German immigrants, it became an instant hit. But we tweaked the beer to suit their palates, using American yeast strains. This resulted in a maltier version. Increased usage of hops and lower amounts of wheat malt are other key differences between these styles. 

The perfect food pairings for Hefeweizen

Hefeweizen is supposed to be served in a weizen glass, large and beautifully shaped like a vase. The narrow base and wide mouth enhance the aromas and flavors of the beer. This highly carbonated ale with a crisp finish can be paired with a wide range of foods, due to its non-complex yet unique flavor profile. 

You can always rely on these classic beer foods to do the trick:

• Smoked pork
• Pizza
• Seafood (especially shellfish)
• Fried chicken
• Cheese 
• Salad

And of course, some traditional  German delights that pair amazingly with hefeweizen include:

• Weisswurst
• Wiener Schnitzel
• Pretzels 
• Bratwurst 
• Sauerkraut

What options do we have at Little Miami? 

Our taproom pizza kitchen offers you nachos, bavarian pretzel sticks, and a variety of salads and sandwiches. Don’t forget our delicious cheesy pizzas – they have a fanbase of their own! Take a look at our menu for more details. We also have monthly specials and this time, it’s strawberry summer salad and chicken enchilada pizza – and if this isn’t a sign for you to grab a glass of hefeweizen…

Bottoms Up at Little Miami Brewing Company

Imagine yourself on a hot, sunny day, relaxing on a rooftop, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Little Miami River. You have a refreshingly chilled glass of frothy hefeweizen in your hand and a delicious cheesy chicken pizza to go with it. The light breeze on the rooftop, the gorgeous riverside, the chatter of family and friends, and above all, the best beer and amazing food pairings – you can have it all at Little Miami Brewing Company!

We are a microbrewery in Cincinnati, Ohio, known for our award-winning craft beers and delectable array of food. Our mission is ‘to make other people passionate about beer as we are’. Here at Little Miami, you can have great beer, great food and great fun with your family and friends. Take a peek at our craft beer menu and explore our varieties of best-selling craft beers, with their unique, creative and delicious flavors!

Currently, our best-selling hefeweizen is the classic Bavarian wheat beer, named Pterodactyl, with notes of banana and clove. Pair it with our mouthwatering delicacies this summer for a perfect evening! And why stop there? You can have a tour of our taproom, have a blast with our live music shows and check out our new stock of specialty and seasonal beers. We even offer non-alcoholic options for all teetotallers out there! We have got something for everyone on our menus. A reminder for the dog-lovers – we are pet-friendly, so you can bring along your furbaby. (Just make sure they don’t find their way into the taproom)!

Take a Sip of This Timeless Classic Next Weekend

If you are still confused as to why hefeweizen remains such a beloved beer, maybe it’s time to try one for yourself! Visit us at www.littlemiamibrewing.com and check out our variety of delicious craft beer! With golden beer, mouth-watering food, amazing scenery and friendly beer lovers, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable weekend of your life. Whether you are planning a corporate dinner, casual party, or dream wedding, we have the perfect venue for you. And the best food and drinks – there’s no party without them! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep yourself updated on upcoming events, specialty and seasonal beers and more! Happy drinking!