What's a good Weiss beer similar to Franziskaner.
December 3, 2004 10:43 AM Subscribe
Beer Filter: My local beer store introduced me to, and then stopped carrying, Franziskaner. What's another good Weiss beer that I have a chance of finding here in New Hampshire (where we cater to the NASCAR taste range)?
There's a similar beer* I found in Montreal (whose name escapes me) that's available around here, but it's like $8.99 a four-pack, so that's not realistic (in that I went through cases of Franziskaner each month).
*Similar to my taste buds, not necessarily another Weiss, I guess. I realize that's not as helpful as I was thinking.
There's a similar beer* I found in Montreal (whose name escapes me) that's available around here, but it's like $8.99 a four-pack, so that's not realistic (in that I went through cases of Franziskaner each month).
*Similar to my taste buds, not necessarily another Weiss, I guess. I realize that's not as helpful as I was thinking.
way to spell allgäuer there, dorian.
/hangs head in shame
posted by dorian at 10:50 AM on December 3, 2004
/hangs head in shame
posted by dorian at 10:50 AM on December 3, 2004
You should keep an eye out for Hoegaarden. (Their page is only in Flemish so mostly useless, unless you speak Flemish, but Google finds many good reviews of the beer itself.)
I don't know if you can find it there, but if you can, Belgian beer is the way to go!
posted by librarina at 10:51 AM on December 3, 2004
I don't know if you can find it there, but if you can, Belgian beer is the way to go!
posted by librarina at 10:51 AM on December 3, 2004
I'll second the Hacker-Pschorr Weisse suggestion; it goes exceedingly well with a plate of bockwurst, kraut, and potatoes.
posted by Danelope at 11:02 AM on December 3, 2004
posted by Danelope at 11:02 AM on December 3, 2004
The Michigan Brewing company bought the rights to Celis White and has brought it back on the market.
posted by beowulf573 at 11:18 AM on December 3, 2004
posted by beowulf573 at 11:18 AM on December 3, 2004
Response by poster: I've actually seen Celis around here somewhere. How's the Pale Bock?
posted by yerfatma at 11:21 AM on December 3, 2004
posted by yerfatma at 11:21 AM on December 3, 2004
There's a similar beer* I found in Montreal (whose name escapes me) that's available around here, but it's like $8.99 a four-pack...
Out of curiosity, this wouldn't be one of Unibroue's, would it? Maybe the Blanche de Chambly or the Don De Dieu? (The fact that's it's a Québecois beer sold in four-packs makes it seem likely to me. And Unibroue rocks, especially their "Maudite" ale.)
Also, Tabernash's Weiss and Dunkel Weiss beers are quite good. Bell's makes a nice Winter White, but it's seasonal and I don't think it's distributed in the Northeast. And I'll second the Hoegaarden recommendation.
Finally, you might check out what Tastings.com has to say on the subject.
posted by Johnny Assay at 11:30 AM on December 3, 2004
Out of curiosity, this wouldn't be one of Unibroue's, would it? Maybe the Blanche de Chambly or the Don De Dieu? (The fact that's it's a Québecois beer sold in four-packs makes it seem likely to me. And Unibroue rocks, especially their "Maudite" ale.)
Also, Tabernash's Weiss and Dunkel Weiss beers are quite good. Bell's makes a nice Winter White, but it's seasonal and I don't think it's distributed in the Northeast. And I'll second the Hoegaarden recommendation.
Finally, you might check out what Tastings.com has to say on the subject.
posted by Johnny Assay at 11:30 AM on December 3, 2004
Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr Weisse, and Hoegaarden are all excellent.
I like Paulaner the best of the three—it's the spiciest, holds up to food, and does well year-round.
Bell's is a fantastic brewery. But I tried Bell's Winter Ale and wasn't impressed. The Two-Hearted is still their best.
posted by mealy-mouthed at 11:47 AM on December 3, 2004
I like Paulaner the best of the three—it's the spiciest, holds up to food, and does well year-round.
Bell's is a fantastic brewery. But I tried Bell's Winter Ale and wasn't impressed. The Two-Hearted is still their best.
posted by mealy-mouthed at 11:47 AM on December 3, 2004
Weihenstephaner is excellent, too. I'll second Hacker-Pschorr and Paulaner's. It's a shame you can't get the Franziskaner any more, though, as it is my favorite.
posted by norm at 11:52 AM on December 3, 2004
posted by norm at 11:52 AM on December 3, 2004
Does it need to be imported? Smuttynose (brewed in NH) makes a Hefeweizen (Weizenheimer).
Ommegang (NY) makes a brew called Witte that is, IMO, excellent. A belgian-style white.
Allagash (ME) also makes a terrific white. And their Belgians are pretty damned tasty too.
posted by bDiddy at 11:55 AM on December 3, 2004
Ommegang (NY) makes a brew called Witte that is, IMO, excellent. A belgian-style white.
Allagash (ME) also makes a terrific white. And their Belgians are pretty damned tasty too.
posted by bDiddy at 11:55 AM on December 3, 2004
Response by poster: Blanche de Chambly it is. It's kind of scary that it was easier to make a lazy comment here than find that damn name again. It's an awesome beer.
Does it need to be imported?
Certainly not. Smuttynose is in most every grocery store here. I've just had mixed luck with it. I'll give that a shot tonight if luck holds.
posted by yerfatma at 12:11 PM on December 3, 2004
Does it need to be imported?
Certainly not. Smuttynose is in most every grocery store here. I've just had mixed luck with it. I'll give that a shot tonight if luck holds.
posted by yerfatma at 12:11 PM on December 3, 2004
You can also try out Leffe, which a friend of mine drinks religiously when it's available. I'll second Johnny's Unibroue speculation, as well as bDiddy's entire list of recommendations (I'm a Smuttynose fanatic and drink copious amounts of their IPA).
Since you're in NH, you could try and make it down for the Boston Beer Summit Winter Jubilee January 22nd (full disclosure: I'm the volunteer coordinator for Beer Summit. It's my hard lot in life to find people who are willing to sit around all day and drink, pour, and talk about beer). Basically, you show up and brewers try to get you to taste their beer. It's a good time.
While in town, we'll send you to some of the awesome liquor stores to pick up enough beer to last you till the end of winter.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:12 PM on December 3, 2004
Since you're in NH, you could try and make it down for the Boston Beer Summit Winter Jubilee January 22nd (full disclosure: I'm the volunteer coordinator for Beer Summit. It's my hard lot in life to find people who are willing to sit around all day and drink, pour, and talk about beer). Basically, you show up and brewers try to get you to taste their beer. It's a good time.
While in town, we'll send you to some of the awesome liquor stores to pick up enough beer to last you till the end of winter.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:12 PM on December 3, 2004
I see you have a Trader Joes in NH. Whatever you do, steer clear of the Kvietinis Baltas Weiss beer there. I just bought some over the weekend and man, that stuff was pretty retched.
I second Unibroue and Ommegang. Heavenly beer. But if you want a traditional Weiss, you can't go wrong with the brands dorian recommends.
posted by Otis at 12:13 PM on December 3, 2004
I second Unibroue and Ommegang. Heavenly beer. But if you want a traditional Weiss, you can't go wrong with the brands dorian recommends.
posted by Otis at 12:13 PM on December 3, 2004
Paulaner is hands-down the best, with Augustiner coming in second, but I seriously doubt you're going to find that in Nascar land. In fact, I dare say you will not be able to find a single Dunkles Hefe in NH. I'm sure my SO will jump into this thread at some point because it's a NH thread and she's from there.
For light Hefe, you'll probably be able to find Hoegaarden, which is decent (and by decent, I mean, "for a non-German Hefe.")
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 12:14 PM on December 3, 2004
For light Hefe, you'll probably be able to find Hoegaarden, which is decent (and by decent, I mean, "for a non-German Hefe.")
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 12:14 PM on December 3, 2004
I like the Pyramid Hefeweissen, myself. But I haven't tried many of the Weiss beers, so it may be crap compared to the Franziskaner that you normally have.
Also, I was never really that impressed with the Celis beers, but beer is so subjective, that its hard to tell what other may like.
posted by stovenator at 12:14 PM on December 3, 2004
Also, I was never really that impressed with the Celis beers, but beer is so subjective, that its hard to tell what other may like.
posted by stovenator at 12:14 PM on December 3, 2004
Paulaner is my all-time favourite and when my limited supply ran out from Germany, I started asking my local Liqour Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) if they could stock it. Eventually they did and now I can get it any old time I want.
posted by KathyK at 12:26 PM on December 3, 2004
posted by KathyK at 12:26 PM on December 3, 2004
I never liked Celis either (or Blue Moon for that matter), they just seemed like weak imitations of the style. I like my Weiss beer to taste like Weiss beer (highly carbonated, citrus flavors) and I like my Pales Ales hoppy as hell.
posted by Otis at 12:27 PM on December 3, 2004
posted by Otis at 12:27 PM on December 3, 2004
I like the Pyramid Hefeweissen, myself.
Pyramid is rarely seen on the East Coast since the microbrew bubble burst, which is a shame. Their Pale Ale was one of my favorites.
posted by Mayor Curley at 12:37 PM on December 3, 2004
Pyramid is rarely seen on the East Coast since the microbrew bubble burst, which is a shame. Their Pale Ale was one of my favorites.
posted by Mayor Curley at 12:37 PM on December 3, 2004
Pyramid is rarely seen on the East Coast since the microbrew bubble burst, which is a shame.
Pyramid makes some of my favorite beer, and is based here in Seattle, along with the Red Hook Brewery. There's also a Red Hook in Portsmouth, NH and, while they do offer several good varieties, their Winter Hook is quite awful. I made the mistake of bringing some (waters untested) to Thanksgiving, and it was a tragedy.
posted by Danelope at 12:51 PM on December 3, 2004
Pyramid makes some of my favorite beer, and is based here in Seattle, along with the Red Hook Brewery. There's also a Red Hook in Portsmouth, NH and, while they do offer several good varieties, their Winter Hook is quite awful. I made the mistake of bringing some (waters untested) to Thanksgiving, and it was a tragedy.
posted by Danelope at 12:51 PM on December 3, 2004
Tabernash Weiss - The best Weiss in the world. It is from Longmont, Colorado but does have some regional distribution - FWIW.
posted by majikwah at 1:03 PM on December 3, 2004
posted by majikwah at 1:03 PM on December 3, 2004
The Pale Bock is ok, but it's not my cup of tea so I'm not a good judge.
I waver back and forth between Celis White and Paulaner Hef, luckily most places in Houston carry one or the other, so I'm not forced to choose. The Pyramid never worked for me, there was a slight aftertaste I didn't care for.
Celis Raspberry was one of my all time favorites before Miller put them out of business. The new owners haven't yet brought a version of it out yet. Perfect for those 100+ degree F Houston summers.
The local microbrewer, St. Arnold's also make a white, but I don't like it near as much as their IPA, Amber, or their current Christmas Ale. Also I doubt it available much outside of Texas.
posted by beowulf573 at 1:15 PM on December 3, 2004
I waver back and forth between Celis White and Paulaner Hef, luckily most places in Houston carry one or the other, so I'm not forced to choose. The Pyramid never worked for me, there was a slight aftertaste I didn't care for.
Celis Raspberry was one of my all time favorites before Miller put them out of business. The new owners haven't yet brought a version of it out yet. Perfect for those 100+ degree F Houston summers.
The local microbrewer, St. Arnold's also make a white, but I don't like it near as much as their IPA, Amber, or their current Christmas Ale. Also I doubt it available much outside of Texas.
posted by beowulf573 at 1:15 PM on December 3, 2004
There's a great store out here in beer-lovin' Seattle called Bottleworks that imports very high quality stuff from around the world. Maybe use their site as a reference?
posted by glyphlet at 1:36 PM on December 3, 2004
posted by glyphlet at 1:36 PM on December 3, 2004
After a summer spent in Belgium, I would say my favorite Belgian-type ale is Chimay, especially the 750ml bleue Grande Reserve. Bottles were ~3 euros, whereas in the states they are available but run 9.00 or so. This is in southern california.
Delerium Tremens, difficult to miss with their pink elephant logo, is a close second. My friend and I found the official "Delerium Cafe" in a back alley down restaurant row in Brussels, (right near jannekin pis) and it became a regular stopping point. I have seen this in Whole foods market in southern california. I think a 750ml ran about 6.50.
Leffe, mentioned before, is excellent with food. Leffe Blonde is superior to leffe brun and trippel.
Gulden draak is very strong and heavy and strangely sweet, almost like mead. I am looking for more.
Hoegaarden, mentioned before, is an excellent white beer. The glass is very distinctive and very large as well. The brewery that owns hoegaarden also puts out a side label called 'die verboten vruct/le fruit defendu', or "the forbidden fruit" that is excellent, but I doubt you could find it stateside.
Of the german breweries, my favorite wheat beer was Augustiner. My favorite Dunkel (dark beer) was from Lowenbrau. Paulaner was also very good. Of the big 5 Muenchener breweries(Augustiner, Paulaner, Lowenbrau, Hofbrau, Hacker-Pschorr) , the only one I didn't get to visit was hacker-pschorr. But I'm sure its good too.
posted by spatula at 1:45 PM on December 3, 2004
Delerium Tremens, difficult to miss with their pink elephant logo, is a close second. My friend and I found the official "Delerium Cafe" in a back alley down restaurant row in Brussels, (right near jannekin pis) and it became a regular stopping point. I have seen this in Whole foods market in southern california. I think a 750ml ran about 6.50.
Leffe, mentioned before, is excellent with food. Leffe Blonde is superior to leffe brun and trippel.
Gulden draak is very strong and heavy and strangely sweet, almost like mead. I am looking for more.
Hoegaarden, mentioned before, is an excellent white beer. The glass is very distinctive and very large as well. The brewery that owns hoegaarden also puts out a side label called 'die verboten vruct/le fruit defendu', or "the forbidden fruit" that is excellent, but I doubt you could find it stateside.
Of the german breweries, my favorite wheat beer was Augustiner. My favorite Dunkel (dark beer) was from Lowenbrau. Paulaner was also very good. Of the big 5 Muenchener breweries(Augustiner, Paulaner, Lowenbrau, Hofbrau, Hacker-Pschorr) , the only one I didn't get to visit was hacker-pschorr. But I'm sure its good too.
posted by spatula at 1:45 PM on December 3, 2004
If you're looking to find something like the Franziskaner Weisse, stick with the German beers. I especially like Ayinger Brau Weisse and Schneider Weisse.
With respect to Hoegaarden, Celis and the other Belgian beers, they're not really at all like the German beers (and they're not supposed to be). And I have to disagree pretty severely with C_D, Hoegaarden is pretty much the Guinness of its style (as in the definitive example) and is much, much better than pretty good.
OK, now my beergeek dander is worked up: Red Hook and Pyramid are crap breweries. I've tried beer after beer between the two of them and they are always disappointing. In Seattle, I like Elysian but I haven't tried their beer in a while. Pike is pretty good (and the brewpub in Pike Place Market has Merchant du Vin imports on tap as well).
If it's available on the east coast, try Widmer's Hefeweizen. It's a typical American take on German hefeweizen. Rogue has massive distribution and they might have a hef as well.
Are there Whole Foods in NH? They seem to have a respectable beer selection and the section manager could probably order anything available from the distributors.
PS: I greatly second/third/whatever recommendations for Unibroue and Ommegang beers. Great stuff.
posted by turbodog at 2:13 PM on December 3, 2004
With respect to Hoegaarden, Celis and the other Belgian beers, they're not really at all like the German beers (and they're not supposed to be). And I have to disagree pretty severely with C_D, Hoegaarden is pretty much the Guinness of its style (as in the definitive example) and is much, much better than pretty good.
OK, now my beergeek dander is worked up: Red Hook and Pyramid are crap breweries. I've tried beer after beer between the two of them and they are always disappointing. In Seattle, I like Elysian but I haven't tried their beer in a while. Pike is pretty good (and the brewpub in Pike Place Market has Merchant du Vin imports on tap as well).
If it's available on the east coast, try Widmer's Hefeweizen. It's a typical American take on German hefeweizen. Rogue has massive distribution and they might have a hef as well.
Are there Whole Foods in NH? They seem to have a respectable beer selection and the section manager could probably order anything available from the distributors.
PS: I greatly second/third/whatever recommendations for Unibroue and Ommegang beers. Great stuff.
posted by turbodog at 2:13 PM on December 3, 2004
You might be able to find the Paulaner in nascar-land.. I live in TN and I can get it at the local grocery (though this part of the state could very well be its own state compared to the rest of TN).
posted by mrg at 2:38 PM on December 3, 2004
posted by mrg at 2:38 PM on December 3, 2004
I have discovered that asking the manager of the shop to restock something you enjoyed often produces a good result, so I would try that.
I can't drink weissbeer - for some reason it doesn't taste pleasant to me - but my corner store was very obliging about restocking Anheuser World Select, which I am only mildly ashamed to admit that I like.
posted by ikkyu2 at 2:52 PM on December 3, 2004
I can't drink weissbeer - for some reason it doesn't taste pleasant to me - but my corner store was very obliging about restocking Anheuser World Select, which I am only mildly ashamed to admit that I like.
posted by ikkyu2 at 2:52 PM on December 3, 2004
And I have to disagree pretty severely with C_D
You have offended my honor! I demand restitution (a case of Hoegaarden will do).
I didn't mean to suggest it was bad -- it's a fine beer. But my palate requires darker, heavier stuffs.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 3:25 PM on December 3, 2004
You have offended my honor! I demand restitution (a case of Hoegaarden will do).
I didn't mean to suggest it was bad -- it's a fine beer. But my palate requires darker, heavier stuffs.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 3:25 PM on December 3, 2004
I think it's Harpoon that has one called UFO (unfiltered offering). It's definately available in the north-east, and it's not bad.
posted by princelyfox at 4:20 PM on December 3, 2004
posted by princelyfox at 4:20 PM on December 3, 2004
Response by poster: I tried Hoegaarden this weekend and it was like Blue Moon to me: undercarbonated. Guess I'm with turbodog on that (though I'm not with you on Pyramid being crap: Mayor Curley brought a case of that over one weekend and I had no complaints. Plus I work on Pease near Redhook, so I can't complain about them either-- it beats the alternative and it's readily available).
UFO is a Hefeweizen; I like Hefeweizen, but it's not quite the same.
posted by yerfatma at 4:56 PM on December 3, 2004
UFO is a Hefeweizen; I like Hefeweizen, but it's not quite the same.
posted by yerfatma at 4:56 PM on December 3, 2004
oh, I loves me some Hoegaarden. And Delirium Tremens is great, but very very strong.
posted by Vidiot at 5:25 PM on December 3, 2004
posted by Vidiot at 5:25 PM on December 3, 2004
Yerfatma - How is Fanziskanner not a Hefeweizen? Wiessbier = Hefeweizen. They come in both light (wiess) and dark (dunkel) versions.
posted by princelyfox at 6:37 PM on December 3, 2004
posted by princelyfox at 6:37 PM on December 3, 2004
Best answer: Well, it pretty much has to do with the yeast. A Hefeweizen is a Weiss beer with yeast suspended in the beer. Also, different characteristics will be attributed to the types of yeast used, amongst other things. Flavors and aromas like bananas and cloves are typical of a German Weiss beer, but you may not get those in a Belgian.
I may not be 100% correct in all of my details, but I know that a Weiss (or Weizen) is not always a Hefe-Weizen.
posted by bDiddy at 6:59 PM on December 3, 2004
I may not be 100% correct in all of my details, but I know that a Weiss (or Weizen) is not always a Hefe-Weizen.
posted by bDiddy at 6:59 PM on December 3, 2004
Have you asked your store if they would start ordering it for you again? I've had some success getting stores to order special cases of whatever for me if I'm a frequent customer - at one local store, they kept a particular Hagen Daz ice cream on the shelves for my boyfriend and an extra case of sparkling water for me. If they have some idea how much you are going to consume they'll probably be happy to order it.
If they don't carry it because they've switched distributors or something, never mind..
posted by sophie at 8:08 PM on December 3, 2004
If they don't carry it because they've switched distributors or something, never mind..
posted by sophie at 8:08 PM on December 3, 2004
Response by poster: Good thingyou were here bDiddy, 'cause I said that with 0 backup. I m ay break down and ask them to reorder since it was one of the clerks that turned me on to it in the first place. It just means pushing my way through the investors buying their daily cigarette carton and 6 very specific, very different lottery tickets.
posted by yerfatma at 9:14 PM on December 3, 2004
posted by yerfatma at 9:14 PM on December 3, 2004
C_D: fair enough, but I loves me my Belgian beers. What're you doing this weekend?
Vidiot: A bar I frequent has Delirium Tremens on tap now. What an amazing beer.
bDiddy: good desciption. Also, the reasons why Belgian wheats don't taste like German wheats are that Wits like Hoegaarden are spiced with orange peel and coriander. Different yeast strains probably affect the taste as well.
Besides Elysian in Seattle, my other fav Washington breweries are Dick's in Centralia and Grant's in Yakima.
posted by turbodog at 9:20 PM on December 3, 2004
Vidiot: A bar I frequent has Delirium Tremens on tap now. What an amazing beer.
bDiddy: good desciption. Also, the reasons why Belgian wheats don't taste like German wheats are that Wits like Hoegaarden are spiced with orange peel and coriander. Different yeast strains probably affect the taste as well.
Besides Elysian in Seattle, my other fav Washington breweries are Dick's in Centralia and Grant's in Yakima.
posted by turbodog at 9:20 PM on December 3, 2004
turbodog: You're right about the flavoring. Another difference between a (traditional) German and a (traditional) Belgian is that German beers are governed by that law that I can't spell (Reinheitsgebot) which states that the beer can contain water, yeast, malt, and hops. (note: yeast was not in the original law!) So, German beers a traditionally very strict, while Belgian beers are very very loose in what can be put in them. Orange peel, Coriander, what have you. But it is my opinion that the Belgian funk taste is due to the use of bacteria (lactobacillus?) to ferment in addition to or instead of harvested yeasts.
On that note, I read that Belgian breweries treasure the wood that grows over the open vats because that is where the bacteria comes from. So much so that when one brewery was expanding into a newer, bigger building, they took every other ceiling board from the old brewery and used them to build the roof over the vats in the new brewery. Readers of the Brewmaster's Table can back me up on that.
When I brewed a hefeweizen, I used special hefeweizen yeast which has a high flocculation, causing yeast suspension in the final beer. This beer smelled strongly of bananas. Since the only other ingredients were lots of malt, a little hops, and water, it was obvious where the aroma and fruity flavors came from. (hint: not the malt, hops or water)
posted by bDiddy at 9:47 PM on December 3, 2004
On that note, I read that Belgian breweries treasure the wood that grows over the open vats because that is where the bacteria comes from. So much so that when one brewery was expanding into a newer, bigger building, they took every other ceiling board from the old brewery and used them to build the roof over the vats in the new brewery. Readers of the Brewmaster's Table can back me up on that.
When I brewed a hefeweizen, I used special hefeweizen yeast which has a high flocculation, causing yeast suspension in the final beer. This beer smelled strongly of bananas. Since the only other ingredients were lots of malt, a little hops, and water, it was obvious where the aroma and fruity flavors came from. (hint: not the malt, hops or water)
posted by bDiddy at 9:47 PM on December 3, 2004
Ah, Delerium Tremens. If you can find their Delerium Noël in stores (it's that time of the year), buy it, you won't be sorry. Do note, though, that if you thought the Delerium Tremens was strong at 8.5%, the Noël will put you under the table with its 10%. But it's so, so worth it.
posted by Johnny Assay at 10:49 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by Johnny Assay at 10:49 AM on December 4, 2004
Response by poster: Behold the Power of AskMe: all of a sudden, Franziskaner is back in my local store. But now I have some alternatives too. Thanks everyone.
posted by yerfatma at 12:07 PM on December 4, 2004
posted by yerfatma at 12:07 PM on December 4, 2004
re: Delerium Noël. Wow. You've just given me something to look for.
posted by Vidiot at 12:25 PM on December 4, 2004
posted by Vidiot at 12:25 PM on December 4, 2004
This thread is closed to new comments.
(vaguely in order of preference, and all generally available in the east coast)
posted by dorian at 10:48 AM on December 3, 2004