Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen - Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

iannutter

Colorado

4.68/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I've been using BeerAdvocate for quite some time now and even though I studied in Austria (on the border of Bavaria in Salzburg), I have never written a beer review. However, during my time abroad, I honed my senses for good beer.

This hefeweizen really surprised me, because it only has a few superiors that I've encountered, even in the land of this beer type's origin, Bavaria.

As to the appearance, it appears exactly as a Hefewiezen ought to, albeit without the head retention that is so sought after in craft brewing. However, the color and cloudiness are picture perfect.

To me, the smell isn't exactly anything to write home about, but the second the beer hits the taste buds, an explosion of flavor occurs, telling a tale of citrus and a hint of cloves.

The mouthfeel is rich and velvety, exactly as an unfiltered wheat beer ought to be.

Overall, this is a great American (and therefore cheaper) alternative to the German (Bavarian) progenitors of this style.

Prost!

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2012 06:43:21 | More by iannutter

JamesQuaff

California

4.25/5  rDev +4.2%

05-23-2013 02:54:15 | More by JamesQuaff

TheConnMan

Michigan

4/5  rDev -2%

05-23-2013 02:10:31 | More by TheConnMan

Kreko7

California

3.75/5  rDev -8.1%

05-22-2013 19:55:17 | More by Kreko7

Rdc67

Kentucky

3.75/5  rDev -8.1%

05-22-2013 19:53:20 | More by Rdc67

Hana

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +10.3%

05-22-2013 03:41:23 | More by Hana

notchucknorris

California

4.3/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

For whatever reason, I've completely overlooked this beer the past few years. Finally, I decided to give it a try this year. I'm an idiot for not doing this a long time ago.

A: Pours a cloudy burnt golden color with tons of visible carbonation in the glass. A nice, creamy white head settles to about 1/2 finger.

S: An awesome combo of banana and clove with some bready malt. A touch of earthiness in there as well.

T: Really nicely done here. An initial hit of clove and bready malt, followed by a nice, but not too sweet, dose of banana bread and wheat bread. Finish brings just a kiss of earthy hops and some orange peel. Prickly carbonation and a light and creamy mouthfeel. Not a whole lot about this I would change. This is a keeper.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2013 01:33:55 | More by notchucknorris

poopsmitherson

Georgia

3.5/5  rDev -14.2%

05-21-2013 23:44:38 | More by poopsmitherson

Kingcurio

Oklahoma

4/5  rDev -2%

05-21-2013 01:52:32 | More by Kingcurio

jrfehon33

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -2%

05-21-2013 01:28:42 | More by jrfehon33

Lucoli

New York

3.5/5  rDev -14.2%

05-21-2013 01:19:32 | More by Lucoli

banger7

New York

4.25/5  rDev +4.2%

05-21-2013 00:51:12 | More by banger7

Lazy_Genius

Florida

4.25/5  rDev +4.2%

05-20-2013 23:30:59 | More by Lazy_Genius

InspectorBob

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -2%

05-20-2013 16:00:24 | More by InspectorBob

Illmaticzx

North Carolina

4/5  rDev -2%

05-19-2013 19:05:51 | More by Illmaticzx

Rainier

California

4/5  rDev -2%

05-19-2013 06:06:18 | More by Rainier

deranged

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -8.1%

05-19-2013 03:02:57 | More by deranged

whatsgoody

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -2%

05-19-2013 02:15:45 | More by whatsgoody

JamesMN

Minnesota

3.76/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75

Appearance: Slightly hazy light golden hue with about a two finger white head. Followed the directions on the bottle when pouring to get some of the yeast in there.

Aroma: Light clove and a bit of banana. Some esters from the yeast. Not all that aromatic but pleasing.

Taste: Pretty much watery wheat in the first half before giving the palate some clove spice and the signature banana flavor that makes this style memorable. The finish is definintely the high point of the flavor and has a nice crispness to it. The cloves linger in the aftertaste. One dimensional but refreshing all the same.

Mouthfeel: Between thin and medium in body with good effervescence. A bit prickly because of the spice but highly drinkable and even sessionable if you like the style.

Final Thoughts: Although Kellerweis won't blow your palate away with flavor, it is still a good beer to enjoy on a hot summer day or as an aperitif. Yet another well done beer by Sierra Nevada. It's a tad pedestrian but definitely still craft. Would I drink it again? Yes, summer has only just begun.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 01:52:27 | More by JamesMN

BeerForMuscle

New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev +4.2%

05-19-2013 00:50:46 | More by BeerForMuscle

Hallertau

Wisconsin

3.5/5  rDev -14.2%

05-18-2013 21:50:24 | More by Hallertau

bluestar0828

Virginia

4.5/5  rDev +10.3%

05-18-2013 21:10:07 | More by bluestar0828

jbarletto

Massachusetts

4.75/5  rDev +16.4%

05-18-2013 15:04:28 | More by jbarletto

mattsucks

Ohio

3.5/5  rDev -14.2%

05-18-2013 13:57:30 | More by mattsucks

jkane101

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -2%

05-18-2013 00:40:58 | More by jkane101