Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse - Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu

rangerred

Tennessee

3.25/5  rDev -20%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12oz bottle into a weizen glass.

Pours a hazy brownish orange with a one finger head. Pretty poor head retention and lacing.

Smell is quite yeasty with loads of clove coming through along with a light musty odor. A small amount of bubblegum and orange too.

Taste has a lot of bubblegum and clove but not a whole lot of orange. A definite yeasty quality is there but nothing is present in large amounts. Honesty it taste really watered down. Mouthfeel is extremely watery.

Overall I was a little disappointed by this beer. I'm not sure how fresh it was but I have had much better hefe's. Might have to revisit it sometime.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2012 21:29:48 | More by rangerred

woosterbill

Connecticut

3.08/5  rDev -24.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On-tap at the Volunteer pub in London.

A: Cloudy orange-gold body with a fine tan cap that settles into a ring. No lace. Ok.

S: Lots of clove, spicy malt, banana bread. There's some very artificial vanilla sweetness, too. Not terrible, but a little off. Average at best.

T: Sweet clove, banana, and bready malt. Long, sticky finish. Tasty, but heavy.

M: Frothy, highly bubbly medium body. Ok.

O: I've certainly enjoyed this one more out of the bottle than I did this time on tap. Even at its best, though, Franziskaner can't touch the real top-notch weizens.

Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

03-30-2012 19:34:35 | More by woosterbill

killianf

3.88/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

500ml bottle into Weizen glass

A: Pours cloudy orange with a 3 finger head foaming well over the glass. Decent lacing, and a film of head is retained all the way down. Fairly carbonated.

S: Very fruity smell. Citrus and spice notes first, with a slight hint of banana. Also quite a grassy smell.

T: Starts with a clove kick on the back and top of the mouth, citrus fruits also present, and with a banana aftertaste (and burp).
Very fruity beer and the clove is strong but not at all overpowering.

M: Medium bodied, with a slightly watery finish. Quite fizzy on the tongue.

Overall: A good refreshing Hefe, and one definitely worth trying. However it wouldn't be my favourite in the style, possibly top 5. Would recommend to a Hefe fan.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2012 17:46:52 | More by killianf

BigPlay1824

New York

4.68/5  rDev +15.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed in a weizen glass

A: pours an extremely hazy hay color with an incredibly large amount of carbonation bubbles and two fingers of fizzy pure white head that lingers beautifully and becomes creamy on top before dissipating and leaving some bubbly lacing around the glass
S: really great wheat aroma and a solid lemony scent to back it up and add a great zest at the end
T: begins with a great taste typical for the style with bready notes and clove as well as a slight banana in the finish, lemon notes really add depth and character in the middle to even it out and add some real nice interesting-ness to it
M: a bit intense on the carbonation, drinks fizzy but thin, leaves the mouth rapidly and cleanly
O: this is, IMO, the best representation of the style ive seen thus far, just so well crafter, incredibly complex and simple at the same time, the attention to detail and quality is evident from the moment it hits the glass

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2012 01:39:11 | More by BigPlay1824

tdm168

North Carolina

3.55/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a cloudy orangish yellow with a thick layer of soft, cloud-like white head that fades to a thin lacing. The nose offers intense clove spice and a mild banana fruitiness. Wheat and straw dominate the character of the flavor with some clove and yeasty undertones. The mouthfeel is very crisp and heavily carbonated which lightens the body considerably.

Smooth and refreshing, this is a nice, drinkable beer. The high level of carbonation detracts from the flavor. The bubbles exploding on the palate don't allow for the flavors to really come through. Overall, this is a solid Hefe worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2012 20:45:04 | More by tdm168

Darkmagus82

Montana

3.85/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from bottle into fluted glass

Appearance – Pours a hazy yellow-orange color with a very large billowy white head. The head has really good retention and lasts for some time before giving way to a moderate level of lacing.

Smell – The smell is very peppery in nature. A nice lemon aroma is also mixed in there with a good yeasty smell as well.

Taste – The taste begins with a nice wheaty base infused with some lighter citrus flavors. A good presence of yeast is also detected at the forefront of the taste. A peppery flavor develops more in the middle of the taste. It lasts throughout the rest of the taste profile and in the end mixes in with a more biscuit malt body leaving a nice somewhat spicy flavor on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – A medium bodied beer with a rather average level of carbonation. Makes for an easy drinking brew which is quite appropriate for the style.

Overall – A good brew that is easy to drink. It has some nice peppery flavors as well as some very nice aromas.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2012 00:54:56 | More by Darkmagus82

Drinkerofales

California

4/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours cloudy golden yellow, with a traditional huge white head. Minimal lacing, but good retention. The beer darkens as more yeast exits the bottle, leaving ghosties in the beer.

Smell is on par, yeasty, dry malt, with a light fruity citrus.

Taste is mellow malt, yeast, hint of citrus. A dry finish makes for a nice feeling.

The almost medium body seems lighter, but it has some definite body. A light bubbly sting happens on the front of the tongue, but doesn't overpower.

A good example of a wheat beer, the Germans do this right. A few others do this better, but I was happy with this beer.

DOA

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2012 19:13:58 | More by Drinkerofales

bierfreundlich

California

4.15/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Pours a hazy gold color with a one-finger off-white head.

S - The aroma is composed of lots of yeast smell followed by sweet over-ripe bananas and a tiny bit of clove.

T - Yeast is very present at the front followed by a spicy clove flavor. Banana doesn't seem to come through as it does in the smell.

M - The carbonation "stings" your tongue as you drink it and leaves your mouth fairly dry.

O - I love this beer! It has been my go-to beer until recently. Perfect during the spring and summer on a hot day. Very light and rejuvenating!

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2012 01:56:32 | More by bierfreundlich

BlackBelt5112203

South Carolina

3.95/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

500 mL bottle poured into a weizen glass at refrigerator temperature

L - Deep gold color and hazy, 3 finger white foamy head, ok retention, not great lacing.

A - Grainy wheat smell, hint of banana in there with maybe the slightest bit of bubblegum. That's right, bubblegum.

T - Definitely grainy, sweet, with maybe a little bit of spice. Can taste the banana as it rolls over my tongue. Slightly tart finish. Not bitter at all. Alcohol not noticeable at all.

F - In my opinion, this is the best part of the beer. Creamy mouthfeel and dry but very carbonated and thus very refreshing. This simply feels great in my mouth and the carbonation tickles my throat as it goes down.

O - This is a pretty good hefeweizen that I can definitely see myself drinking on a hot summer day. Thinking about sitting on the porch drinking this stuff makes me very happy. It is extraordinarily refreshing and has the perfect amount of alcohol for that occasion.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2012 01:43:15 | More by BlackBelt5112203

Louski

Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-Tap into the Infamous Tall Franziskaner Glass

Appears a nice dark gold with about a half a finger's worth of head. Smelled like a typical Hefeweizen with a strong citrus scent. The citrus is most apparent in the taste but it balances well with the wheatiness of the beer. A great beer for the summer which is why it's so popular under the shade of tree in the German Biergartens.

Serving type: on-tap

03-02-2012 02:09:03 | More by Louski

thedoubler55

New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle served in a weizen glass:

A: Cloudy orange in color, a nice off white head at the top that stays for a while, a nice coating of lacing around the glass as you drink.

S: Honey , lemon , yeast, A nice note of citrus fruits throughout.

T: Very well balanced brew, just like the nose with more of a wheat taste and slight bitterness thats perfect.

M: Smooth, light bodied, nice amount of carbonation.

D: A great summer brew, enjoyed this beer a lot.

Serving type: bottle

02-29-2012 15:05:33 | More by thedoubler55

Everydayoff

Thailand

4.1/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

500ml bottle poured into a weizen glass by freshness date.

A:
Hazy yellow amber color with massive fluffy white head, the retention is very good by slowly dissipating to tight everlasting foamy layer covering on top. Some clingy laces manifest upon the descendent path. Carbonation is actively high.

S:
Mellow fruity, estery note contain banana, apple, citrus. Rich malty comes to support with bread, a bit spice from clove and phenol.

T:
Fruity ester leads by banana and citrus. Malt lends some sweet and bread touch supporting. Spicy phenolic adds more complexity along with ghost-like bitterness from hop.

M:
The body is medium, smooth mouthfeel with some good crisp from decent carbonation.

O:
Harmoniously running through yet smooth without fail, it’s definitely one of the examples of a good traditional Hefe.

Serving type: bottle

02-29-2012 03:49:54 | More by Everydayoff

dvdov

North Carolina

3.93/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a bottle into a pint glass.

A - Somewhere in between deep gold to burnt orange color, relatively cloudy through light. Bubbles appear out of nowhere and head grabs onto the glass, but finishes with one to two fingers of head.

S - Not too overpowering. Heavy scent of bananas, and a little citrus, with a small hint of honey.

T - Very light, banana taste is present throughout. Citrus flavor is there but way more subtle than was expected. Crisp, summery taste but with a creamy finish.

M - Once again, light. Alcohol is hardly noticeable. There is a feeling of heavy carbonation, and slight acidity.

O - This beer has had good memories for me since I first tried it in Germany, and it didn't disappoint on second try. It's very subtle and I like how it doesn't go overboard with citrus. Great session beer for late spring or early summer.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2012 01:36:12 | More by dvdov

Dodo2step

Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

P- Thanks to Ray in Pittsburgh

A-a light lemongrass color with a 2 finger fluffy head that eaves a splotchy lacing on the pint glass. Carbonation bubbles rise furiously to the top.

S- banana dominates the nose with some peppery spice to complement it.

T- banana and the pepper spice come out in the tongue more. Thats pretty much it.

M- A creamy banana with carbonation that rounds it out.

O-Not a bad hefe..i may not be the best judge because im not a big hefe fan. But well done. I like the banana in this one.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2012 22:56:54 | More by Dodo2step

troysoy2

Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Ah, a break from all the DIPA's and RIS's.

Poured from a bottle into a pint glass, and immediately was impressed by a light, fluffy two fingers of head with decent retention. Not much lacing, but that's whatever. The body is a nice cloudy, pale orange yellow.

Smell is light, a bit sweet. Banana, cloves, and a touch of citrus.

The taste is quite nice. Definitely get the banana and clove presence. A nice, sour yeastiness compliments a nice, dry finish. Not too sweet, and rather refreshing. It's not in your face at all, and actually, it's quite nice.

A solid example of the style.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2012 03:58:23 | More by troysoy2

Dave128

Kentucky

3.9/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I've had this a few times on tap in in the bottle over the years and now I'm sitting down to review. Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a Duvel tulip.

A - A moderate pour yields a 2 finger head that dissipates slowly into a thin disc. Color is orange into amber. I remember it being more yellow than this. It is cloudy but evenly so. No floaties.

S - Smells like a wheat beer. A lot of fruity yeast smell.

T - Complex flavor. Citrus peel and bananas. Slightly metallic and sour aftertaste but that's evident in most hefeweizens.

M - Light bodied with average carbonation. Creamy feeling in the mouth.

O - A solid hefeweizen that is a good comparison for others of the style. It is consistent and complex. Overall a very refreshing beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2012 18:04:30 | More by Dave128

Douberd

Netherlands

3.33/5  rDev -18%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Poured from a can of 500 ml. The colour is a very muddy yellow, with a one finger head that didn't last long.

Nice fruity smell, with strong bananas aroma.

Taste is bitter.

Thick bodied with quite a carbonation, leaves a dryness.

Overall a very nice beer.

Serving type: can

02-06-2012 19:03:59 | More by Douberd

TheAlamoWrocker

Texas

4.05/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This brew has always had memories for me and so if my review is high that is probably mostly memories. Reviewed February 3, 2012. Poured a 12 oz bottle into a Weizen glass.

A: This poured a nice cloudy Sunglow. This was one of my first pours into my shorter Weizen glass and because of that the pour was over 3+ fingered. The head lasted all the way till the end.

S: A nice strong fruity banana. A nice sour yeast is nicely present and this is what dominates this brew.

T: Sour yeast, banana, and coriander.

M: This is easily one of the smoothest drink I have ever had. The alcohol taste isn't even there. this feels like a summer drink no questions asked.

O: This is just a nice easy drinker that I think those that don't know beer would even enjoy.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2012 22:18:12 | More by TheAlamoWrocker

bump8628

Oklahoma

4/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I've had this beer so many times I can't believe I haven't reviewed it. Luckily the bar down the road serves it in the proper glassware. Cloudy gold, big, dense white head. More banana pronounced than most in the style. Clove is in the background along with some vanilla. A nice wheaty, cereal note gives the beer some depth. Creamy with a lively dose of bubbles. Good stuff, and as a plus it's available all over the place these days. My preference is still for Weihenstephan and Schneider and Sohns, though.

Serving type: on-tap

02-01-2012 20:45:34 | More by bump8628

Dave1999

Virginia

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into my pint glass a very dull yellow with a nice big fluffy head.

Smells fruity with undertones of yeast and malts.

Tastes of banana and orange peel but was expecting a little bit more due to the smell.

The right level of carbonation, light and smooth.

A very good wheat beer, easy to drink. Would enjoy a few of these during the summer.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2012 15:59:40 | More by Dave1999

fullsweep

United Kingdom (England)

4.03/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

.5 L brown bottle poured into a pint glass tumbler.

A: Beautiful cloudy, tawny in colour, quite a lot of fizzy head, even with a slow, deliberate pour. Dissipates moderately quickly, leaving no lacing.

S: Mild spice with the sort of chalky/powdery scent with a mild sweetness too.

T: Upfront sweetness, but not distinctly fruity or malty, just sweet, but a mild sour presence as well.

M: Initially there was a thick, syrupy goodness, but that was quickly replaced by a bit of tangy fizziness. Underlying all is that chalky, almost powdery presence.

O: I love wheat beers, and here's another reason why!

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2012 23:04:56 | More by fullsweep

rufusb

Kentucky

4.43/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Great Heffa!!
A - dark brown, nice foamy head
S - "yeasty", breadlike, very pleasant aroma
T - Awesome! You can tell the German influence in the aftertaste, but is definitely not overpowering. Very pleasant
M - light carbonation, not heavy, but a creamy texture
O - one of the better Heffas I've tried. Great taste, no alcohol aftertaste. You've gotta try one!

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2012 07:11:48 | More by rufusb

Acho

Spain

3.95/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Cervecería San Julián, a bar with a nice and small selection of draft beers and good bottled ones, 3.50€ the 0.5L glass.
Typical appearance orange-ish hue with a head that crownes the glass nicely. Simple (nota in a bad way) smell, yeasty. Good refreshing taste, great for summers and spring, the mouthfeel is a little bit too carbonated for my taste, but that is not a great problem.
The mouthfeel is awesome, I have to admit it, after drinkin 3L last Saturday without problem.
A quite solid Hefe, it is pretty available here so why not drink it?

Serving type: on-tap

01-24-2012 21:35:58 | More by Acho

ncketchum

Wisconsin

3.43/5  rDev -15.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served chilled in a pilsner glass

A - pours a hazy dark yellow with lots of sediment. An aggressive pour leads to minimal head

S - not much here, hints of banana and clove, but really not much aroma. Maybe more will come out as it warms....

T - kind of light on the taste, sweet, malt, banana, wheat, what is there is nice, but again, maybe more will come out when it warms a bit.

M - smooth, no hint of alcohol, "crisp"

O - not bad, i just wish there was more here. Maybe I've become accustomed to the "doubles" and "imperials" i've been drinking lately, but I'm trying to keep the style in perspective. Nothing bad to say, I was just thinking there would be stronger attributes to this one.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2012 03:11:18 | More by ncketchum

Hopfenpeter

Maryland

4/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a Weizen-glass, the cloudy light golden beer develops a great three finger white head. It dissipates fast and leaves no lacing.
The smell is of banana, tart, yeast and citrus.
Tasting the beer you will experience the refreshing feel of fruity banana, citrus and yeast. The tart finish leaves a great mouthfeel.
A very refreshing Weizen!

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2012 01:56:39 | More by Hopfenpeter