Clarkson Integrator

Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: J. Scott Odorisi McGregor's Grill and Tap Room offers over 131 different beers. Eighteen of the beers offered are wheat beers. Some are of German descent, others are local brews.

This week I will continue to explore the varied and fascinating style of wheat beers. I'll discuss a local brewery's interpretation of the style, along with two products from the Weihenstephan Brewery in Germany. The Hefeweissbier Dunkel is cloudy and heavy, like many wheat beers, including the Hefeweissbier from last week. They can also be clear and smooth, like Kristalweissbier. I had the opportunity to try the Kristalweissbier, on tap at "McGregor's Grill and Tap Room" in Rochester.

The Weihenstephan Kristalweissbier was one of the eighteen types of wheat beers offered on tap at McGregor's last weekend. It is a filtered form of the Hefeweissbier, which retains the tastes, though somewhat subdued. The cloudy particulates are removed, giving the Hefeweissbier a smoother feel. If a cloudy and strong wheat beer doesn't appeal to you, the Kristal might be a better place to start. It was presented to me in the proper wheat beer glass, which allowed complete, awe inspiring appreciation of its crystal-clear character. It is one of the most drinkable beers I have ever had. I will probably choose this over its cloudy brethren next time I'm presented with the option.

The Weihenstephan Hefeweissbier Dunkel is another form that wheat beers can take. Dunkel means "dark." It has less of the wheat and yeast flavor, with more of a malty and slightly bitter flavor. It is cloudy, like most wheat beers, when poured, and two shades darker than the Hefeweissbier. Personally, I feel that it is a step down from the fully, cloudy, and powerful Hefeweissbier. However, it's another wonderful example of the wheat beer's possibilities.

I congratulate Weihenstephan for keeping the alcohol content low in these exemplary beers. All of them have 5.3 - 5.4% ABV, which bestows a 500 mL portion upon the drinker without a significant alteration of abilities. This allows fans continued appreciation and cognition throughout the experience.

As McGregor's beer list contained eighteen examples of wheat beer, I felt it was only proper to give another, non-German, variety a try. I noticed the Southern Tier Heavy Weizen, so I asked for it, liking the sound of a heavy beer. It was presented in a goblet, instead of the wheat beer glass, which I thought to be unusual. Perhaps it isn't given the proper wheat beer treatment because it was brewed in New York, rather than Germany. It could also be because it is an abomination of the wheat beer style, I have yet to decide.

Continued...

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