When we hear Weihenstephaner, it is logical that the immediate association is with Hefe Weissbier. Weihenstephaner Vitus, we may have heard or seen it, but it isn’t easy to choose it even though it is an excellent label, which pairs wonderfully with various dishes.
The Weihenstephan brewery has been operating since 1040 and is known for its Weiss, but Vitus is a relatively recent addition, as the beer was launched in 2007. Weihenstephaner Vitus is a Weizenbock, a stronger wheat beer. It is part of the German beers ending in -us and is named after St. Vitus or Veit, one of the fourteen martyrs of the Catholic Church, who was canonized in the 7th century, although he lived and was martyred in the 4th century. In fact, according to legend, he is also associated with the brewery, since it is said that “if it rains on his feast day, it will rain for 30 days, and the barley will not like it.” The feast of St. Vitus is on June 15th.
Weihenstephaner Vitus is released in the brewery’s brown bottle with the main label on the bottle’s body having brown shades, and the one on its neck bearing an image of the Saint.
Opening the beer and pouring it into the glass, the space is filled with aromas. In the glass, we have a cloudy blond beer –darker in color than golden blond– with a thick white-beige head that lasts a long time. On the nose, the aroma of yeast dominates with the well-known white-fleshed fruits, peach, apricot, and banana, notes of vanilla, and spices such as cloves. In the mouth, the carbonation is noticeable, with a medium to full body. Sweet taste from the malt, delicate bitterness, slightly astringent and dry. The yeast also dominates the mouth, therefore the fruits, as well as the spices. There is a tang, both in the taste and in the aftertaste, which is reminiscent of ginger. The aftertaste of Weihenstephaner Vitus is bittersweet, slightly dry, long-lasting, and mildly intense, with a spicy finish. Don’t be scared by the alcohol, it sounds strong, but it’s great for colder days.
It pairs well with smoked and grilled fish and meat, blue cheese, chicken salads and sweet and fruity desserts. Try it in a recipe with ice cream. It is ideally served between 8°C and 10°C, in a 500ml glass. Don’t forget that it is Weiss and unfiltered. It is produced by the Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, in Freising, Bavaria. In Greece, it is distributed in bottles and kegs by Deals SA.
Information
Category: Top Fermented | Weiss | Weizenbock
Origin: Germany
Producer: Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan
Distributor (GR): Deals SA
Color: Ξανθό σκούρο
IBU: 17
Alcohol: 7,7% abv
Serving Temp.: 8-10oC
Glass: Τουλίπα, Teku
Bottle: 500ml
Price (GR): ≈€3,30
