Lanesplitter's House Bavarian Hefeweizen - Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

madvermin

California

3.95/5  rDev 0%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had on-tap at The Lanesplitter in Berkeley, where it is the second of their house ales (the other being a pale ale brewed by Drake's.) Based on reviews for the regular Hefeweizen by FW, this is definitely a different beer. Abv was unavailable.

Pours a thick, dull, almost opaque orange with a touch of brown. Head is half a finger, fizzy, and dissipates fast. Lace isn't there at all, but the body is good looking.

Nose has a faint herbal rosemary which is strange but nice. More citrus than expected as well, to go with a bit of banana and a nice wheaty backbone.

The taste is very citrusy for the style, with enough banana to keep to its roots. Very full wheat taste with a semi-dry finish. Excellent balance, with the citrus being a very nice complement to the rest of the flavors.

Mouthfeel is quenching and crisp from the citrus but also creamy and full due to everything else. Drinkability is fantastic, as every sip is flavorful but keeps it balanced and smooth. Nothing overpowering. Lanesplitter got a couple of good beers brewed for them to keep as their house beers; this one is only $3.25/pint during happy hour making it almost as good of a deal as the pale.

Serving type: on-tap

04-01-2011 01:37:55 | More by madvermin