Beer O'Clock: München Weissbier

I should have tried this beer during Octoberfest.

I normally pass the imported beer section when I visit my friendly neighbourhood LCBO, and I really shouldn't. I mean, the Ontario craft beer scene is awesome but it's not the be-all and end-all. I should learn to broaden my horizons.

And it wasn't in the LCBO where I found this German ale. I just happened to be cutting down an aisle in one of my local grocery stores, heading toward the front cashiers, and I happened to make a shortcut of the beer and wine aisle.

Coincidence. Pure coincidence.

I saw a lot of cans that I recognized but my eyes fell upon this seemingly festive label. And while the illustration on the can isn't a Christmas-festive theme, the greens and reds, mixed with the foliage at the top of the can—accentuated, no doubt, by the Christmas music that was flooding the store's speaker system—made me think of the holidays.

I'm no stranger to the Paulaner Brewery label. I've had beer from this Munich-based brewery in the past, and likely, I've had this wheat ale before. It's just that I don't remember the last time that I've had this beer (Untapp'd was no help) and I certainly have never sat down and given the brew enough thought to warrant a review.

Until now.

So while Octoberfest is far behind us, other holidays are upon us. Does this wheat ale make for a festive brew?

Weissbier (Munich Wheat Beer: 5.5% ABV)
Paulaner Brauerei
München, Germany

Appearance: pours an unfiltered, apricot-gold with miniscule effervescence. The head is white and starts with a thick, dense foam, but settles to a thin but solid cap.

Nose: banana and pear are distinct, and I'm reminded of a saison.

Palate: there's a dankness about it but the fruit still comes through, although subtly. The mouthfeel is dry but still with loads of effervescence and a bit of mineral, almost flinty. There's practically no finish.

Overall impression: it's a pretty simple wheat ale. It has a fragrant nose, a non-complex body, and a finish that cleanses the palate. As decent as it is, though, each sip did not have me clamouring to take another. It was refreshing, easy-drinking, but seemed to me to be missing any distinct characteristic.

Beer O'Clock rating: 🍺🍺

Paulaner has been around since 1634 and this Weissbier is touted as Germany's number-one wheat ale. Far be it from me to argue with that claim but I've had wheat ales that I've enjoyed more.

If you've never had a wheat ale before and want to start with something authentic, I would recommend this brew. But I find that the Belgian wheat ales that I've had give just a bit more flavour.

Cheers!