My choice of beer on a Sunday morning, to accompany brunch is ALWAYS a Hefeweizen. The yeast strain provides a banana & bubblegum flavour that is a signature of the style. If you aren't familiar with the style, it's a sweet & fruity tasting cloudy ale that typically contains a high percentage (up to 50%, sometimes more) of wheat in the grain bill.
Two of my favorite Hefe's are Robson Street Hefeweizen, by Granville Island Brewing, and Hefe-Weisbier by Paulander Munchen. Both of these are excellent Hefe's and my top picks for the style. So what's the difference between the two?
Robson street is a Canadian west coast Hefeweizen. I'm a big fan of Granville Island and it was a pleasant surprise when I came across this beer. It's smooth and fruity with an effervescent flair, yet easy going nature. There's something a little bit more new school brewing about this beer with its very banana ester forwardness. I love this beer and it's an A (88) in my books.
I also recently discovered Paulander Munchen's Hefeweizen in an issue of "On Tap Magazine" that I picked up at my local Lcbo. It peaked my interest so I gave it a shot. FYI, on a side note, Robson Hefe is $2.40 while Paulander costs $2.80. Maybe it's just because of the importing? Anyways...
Paulander has a very distinctly balanced profile. There's something very traditional about this beer and no particular element overpowers another. It's a very calculated recipe that must have taken ages to perfect. The one thing that I really notice about Paulander is it's sweet mouthfeel aftertaste. I'm reminded 5 minutes after my last sip, by the taste in my mouth, that I've been drinking Paulander. It's delicious and leaves me wanting more and more. I'd rate Paulander a distinguished score of A (85), slightly less then that of Granville Island.
Both beers are excellent. This is a very close comparison of two powerhouse brews. As I mentioned before, I indulge in them as they were ment to be enjoyed: as a breakfast beer. This is not a pairing for pizza and spicy wings so don't waste your time. If you're nursing a hangover, add a pint of Hefeweizen as a good morning sidekick to your bacon & eggs to help lift your spirits. It's a delicious treat that's a delectable alternative to IPA's and other bitter beers. Drink it cold, drink it often.
Support your local brewery!
Chris
