Review of "Tis Not the Season" Hefeweizen

I brewed this hefeweizen during Teach a Friend to Homebrew day, at the beginning of November. I have decided to call it "Tis Not the Season" Hefeweizen, because German wheat beer styles are usually served during the spring and early summer, rarely during the cold winter months. However, it was my wife's turn to pick the beer recipe, as she had not done so for several batches, and she was craving a nice hefeweizen. So, to work I went, and I was fairly pleased with the result.

Brewed: 11/1/2008

Kegged: 11/10/2008

Original Gravity: 1.043

Final Gravity: 1.012

IBU: 14

Alcohol By Volume: 4.0

Carbonation Volume: 2.5 (13 psi at 40 degrees F)

The beer pours a cloudy straw color, sort of like one of those fiber-supplement drinks you see advertised on TV. I know this is not a flattering description, but it was the first thought that came to mind. The beer has a very pillowy white head that lasts for several minutes as the beer was consumed. This is perhaps the most pillowly head on a beer I have ever made. I imagine it is due to all of the wheat that was in the grain bill.

The hefeweizen has a very pleasant smell. The smell of fresh yeast is very strong, similar to the smell you get from Starr Hill's "Love" wheat beer, which is unfiltered. There is a spicy clove smell that is fairly strong, while the banana and other tropical fruit scents sit in the background (which is just how my wife likes it, as she can't stand bananas).

After a month in the keg, the beer has definitely smoothed out. It has a very fresh flavor that is nicely balanced with the light hopping that went into the beer. At first, I was not pleased with how the beer turned out. It seemed to be too light on body and there was a unpleasant bitterness on the back of the tongue. This has faded away, leaving a very nice and refreshing beer. I taste a creamy smooth mouthfeel, along with some faint clove, banana, and pear flavors. It tastes very much like it smells. There is a small bit of residual sugar on the back of the palate, but it does not build up or get in the way as you finish a pint.

While "Tis Not the Season" for a hefeweizen, I find it very seasonal, indeed.

Merry Christmas to you and may you find time for family, friends, reflection, and good beer in this crazy holiday season.

Homebrew Tasting - Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

Our homebrew club had its second-ever homebrew tasting last Tuesday, December 2nd, at a member's house. Over 20 people attended the event and I estimated that close to 50 different beers and ciders were on hand for tasting. CAMRA members have been working towards having another tasting for several months now. Most people in the club state that lack of tastings were the one thing that they hoped would change as CAMRA moves forward.

Several notable facts about the tasting include:
- Excellent beer, ranging from sour Belgian ales to cider, to holiday spiced beers to hefeweizens, were available. I honestly mean excellent beer. I was stunned at the breadth of styles and skill that homebrewers here in Central Virginia demonstrate.
- Open tasting format that allowed the brewers to circulate and discuss their beer as it was being poured. This worked well for our loosely-organized club and allowed the brewers to receive feedback on the spot.
- Excellent food, including some homemade bread and cheeses. I was supposed to bring some spent grain bread . . . but sometimes life gets in the way.
- Impromptu live music provided when several attendees picked up our host's instruments and started playing. They were actually quite good.

Feedback provided about the event has us thinking of making the following changes for next time:
- Have better name tags so people can get to know each other's names without having to keep asking.
- Provide a sign-in sheet that asks people to list the beer they brought. Several people commented they wish they had something to write down notes on to ask for recipes and tips later.
- Have these events more often, as they are a lot of fun and what the homebrewing hobby is all about.


A great time was had by all. Thanks to our host and all of the CAMRA supporters who came out and tasted the variety and excellent beer that can be made at home.