1809 Berliner Weisse - Brauerei Weihenstephan, Freising

I've been to Berlin. Yes, they make a big deal about the Berliner Weiss style. It's been four years since I've had one so my recollection of what today's modern Berliner Weissbiers taste like might be a little hazy. I bring that up because this beer, brewed by Dr. Fritz Briem at Brauerei Weihenstephan, is specifically labeled a "1809 Berliner Weisse" ...so I'm going to assume my 2006 Berliner Weisse tasted a bit different. What I do remember of the Berliner Weiss is a sweeter than sour fruit character in a light bodied wheat beer. That vague memory set my expectations pretty well, because that's what this 1809 Berliner Weisse is like, but there is a whole lot more to it...

I tried to find my most elegant Weiss glass for this beer, because above all else I remember the German beers being served in some of the most beautiful glassware I've ever handled. I settled on a half-tulip, half-flute Pilsner style glass. The beer poured into this glass with quite a bit of vigor, no amount of tilting the glass would minimize the head. The relatively narrow opening at the top of the glass concentrated the aroma so I got the full effect of the lemony, apple essence in this beer. The most surprising thing about this aroma was how similar is was to Chardonnay. It may just be that I drink cheaper Chardonnay... but there was an instant connection in my mind when I smelled this beer. That white grape vinous quality carries through to your taste buds as well.

The flavor of the 1809 Berliner Weisse was nothing short of amazing. It is sour. It is sweet. It is bubbly. All of those qualities are combined to make one rather delicious beer. The first thing you'll notice is the tartness, even before you taste the sour. You'll start to pucker and then the sweet fruit flavors will hit your tongue, followed by the sour fruits and yeast. It's a symphony, expertly orchestrated by a maestro. A little more sour or tart and the whole thing would be a different experience. Too sweet and this beer would taste half as complex and half as good.

The 1809 Berliner Weisse is a example of why German beers have been held in such high regard for so long. I'd recommend this beer to anyone who is interested in Wits, German Hefeweizens, Weissbiers or sour ale. If you know a white wine drinker who is looking to find a reason to switch to beer, this will make their day.