Imagine your brain 🧠 is sizzling like a bratwurst at Oktoberfest. The numbers, the spreadsheets, the endless bull 🐂 you’ve been listening to where everyone talked in circles – it was enough to make you do the polka. You go through the door of your suburban castle 🏰 and you make a beeline for the fridge, your sanctuary. There, nestled between the leftover mom’s meatloaf and a science experiment that once resembled lettuce, is salvation: a frosty bottle of “In Excélsis,” the Hefe-Weizen that promises redemption.
With the grace of a saint and the anticipation of a sinner, you pop the cap. The hiss of the escaping carbonation was the choir of angels heralding the end of his daily purgatory. You take a long, deep swig, that golden elixir cascades down your throat, extinguishing the fires 🔥 of the day. Dat powerful thirst you’ve just had is quenched my friend.
As this wheaty bliss works its magic, your muscles uncoil and your mind is cleared… This is no true love 💕 story of alcoholism, this is the magic of Hefe-Weizen.
Seelos Brauhaus & The Legacy of Bavarian Hefe-Weizen
Willkommen, fellow bier aficionados, to another premium German bier review where history and hops intertwine to tantalize your taste buds. Today, we delve into the frothy depths of Hefe-Weizen, a beer that not only refreshes but carries with it a tale as rich as its flavor and introduce In Excélsis, Seelos Brauhaus‘ latest adventure.
The drink of History my Brahther!
The story of wheat beer is steeped in tradition and Catholic history. In the heart of Bavaria, a decree known as the Reinheitsgebot or the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, mandated by Duke Wilhelm IV, allowed only barley, hops, and water to be used in beer brewing. This law aimed to prevent competition between bakers and brewers for wheat and rye, ensuring the availability of affordable bread for the populace.
However, the tale takes a divine turn when the Catholic monks, known for their brewing prowess, were granted an exception to this rule by the King. They were allowed to use wheat in their sacred concoctions, giving rise to the heavenly Hefe-Weizen. This exception was a blessing for the monks and as they used this liquid bread 🍞 to break the fast 💨 after sacrificing during Lent or simply for as an offering to the intentions of others. Never underestimate the power 💪 of prayer and fasting. In fact with Hefe-Weizen you can see, taste, and feel God’s love for us and His creation in action.
Paulaner Hefe-Weizen: After Work’s Reward
Paulaner’s version of this classic style is a testament to the monks’ legacy. It’s the perfect companion after a long day’s labor or when you’re winding down from the lively festivities of Oktoberfest. With its **cloudy golden hue** and **flavors of banana and clove**, it’s a masterpiece of brewing that has earned its place as Germany’s number one wheat beer 🍺 .
Paulaner’s Hefe-Weizen, also known as Hefe-Weissbier Naturtrüb, is a masterpiece of German brewing. It’s the top-selling wheat beer in Germany and a favorite around the world. The beer presents a hazy yellowish-orange color with a generous head of fluffy white foam. The aroma is a delightful blend of citrus, banana, and a hint of spices like black pepper and clove. On the palate, it delivers a robust wheat flavor with a refreshing finish. The mouthfeel is full, fluffy, and airy, making it a perfect choice for warmer weather, like the Beach 🏖️ or pool 🏊♂️ club believe it or not…
At 5.5% ABV es ist perfekt 🤩!
In Excélsis:
Seelos Brauhaus, a name that resonates with quality and tradition, has crafted their own Hefe-Weizen, aptly named “In Excélsis“. Using the same meticulous brewing techniques as Paulaner monks, Seelos Brauhaus offers a divine experience that pays homage to the original while carving its own identity in the world of wheat beers. 🍻
Here’s a page or two from traditional Latin mass book where this meaning is from:
Ready for an Oktoberfest style Weissebeir Showdown?
During Oktoberfest, the Spaten brewery presents its own take on the Hefe-Weizen, a lighter, more golden variant that contrasts with the traditional amber Märzen usually associated with the festival. It’s the “Franziskaner”. It’s a refreshing option for those who prefer a crisper, less malty experience yet very smooth with a bit more banna flavor than more Weisse beirs. With Spaten as the owner of this beer, you will still find it sold in classic US 12oz bottles.
Comparatively, Hacker Pschorr, another brewery with deep roots in Bavarian brewing history, offers a Hefe-Weizen that’s full-bodied and rich, with a **sweet and bready aroma** complemented by a touch of banana. Hacker Pschorr is owned by Pauler and you will find it bottled and canned in the same way. This beer is by far the best as they come. It’s a darker, more robust version that stands as a testament to the diversity of wheat beers available at “The” world’s most famous beer festival.
Don’t forget too now about this hidden Jem from Munich. The brewery most notably associated with the Hefeweizen style is Schneider Weisse. It’s a little darker and a bit heavier perhaps but smooth like snow ❄️ that you’ll be tempted to drink another one again and again.
Schneider Weisse was created by two brothers in 1872 after they acquired the Weisses Brauhaus in Munich, which is the oldest wheat beer brewery in the city.
The Verdict
Whether you’re a fan of the lighter Spaten, the heartier Hacker Pschorr, or the smooth Schneider, there’s no denying the allure of a well-crafted Hefe-Weizen. Paulaner’s brew remains The classic, a refreshing reward that pairs perfectly with the joyous exhaustion of Oktoberfest revelry (make sure you drink it second as to not to destroy your palate) or the simple pleasure of relaxing after Ein Harte Tag Arbeit.
And one more note about Oktoberfest and Weisse biers. We have found throw extensive research that this is best enjoyed after 2 to 3 liters of of the bright yet malty and very delicious Oktoberfest biers. Then, just like a at hard day of work at the old mill, it’s the best option to finish out the rest of your Fest. Don’t ask us, just ask the the 2 Germans (father and son in-law) in the feature image of this article. Those guys couldn’t have contributed more to the knowledge we have written down here that was given to us in half broken German and English over two liters of Paulaner Oktoberfest while sharing schnapps with our foreign allies.
So here’s to the monks, the priests, the nuns, the brewers and the families who spend time together over God’s gift to us in Weisse brew. He truly wants us to be happy 😃. Prost to Der Hefe-Weizen!
Dan Weimer, Brewmaster
