Tour Guide, London, United Kingdom
| 2 mins read
Happy Friday, everyone!
At the moment, groups of people in pubs are limited to 6, and this could change at any time over the next few months. Friday's have therefore lost their significance somewhat, and here in the UK, it isn't easy to start the weekend traditionally. So with that in mind, I am writing an occasional beer review, hopefully inspiring you to find something similar over the next couple of days.
Today it's a classic weissbier, an ale from the oldest brewery in the world Weihenstephan in Munich, Germany. Also, a prestigious brewing school, my old employer Alistair Hook from Meantime Brewery was the first non-German to graduate from there. He had to learn to speak German to do it too! Although weisse means white in German in this context, it refers to it being a wheat (Weizen) beer, i.e. often 50% or more of the grain used is malted wheat. I first drank it on a sunny day at the Englischer Garten in Munich back in the eighties and was blown away. Flavours include bananas, cloves and a hint of nutmeg (all coming from the yeast- or hefe in German). It goes particularly well with a wide range of food, especially Thai and salads. I like it with Indian food too. This one comes in at 5.4% by vol and should be served chilled. The yeast in the bottom of the bottle is optional, but I prefer to drink it as it adds flavour and a lovely haze to the beer. Other very good weissbiers are available from Paulaner, Erdinger, and Schneider amongst others, with modern craft brewers also coming on board. There are also some tremendous Belgian wit beers, but that's a tale for another day. Happy weekend! Visit www.alesandtalestours.com for more articles and info.