Review - Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's Kellerweis
"Kellerweis is one of the only American Hefeweizens made using the traditional Bavarian style of open fermentation. This difficult and labor-intensive technique adds uncommon depth and flavor complexity. Our hazy-golden hefeweizen is deeply flavorful, refreshing and perfect for a sunny day. To serve, pour two-thirds into a glass, swirl and pour the rest." -- Sierra Nevada Brewing
Pours a pale straw color with a small fizzy white head with little retention and some thin wispy lacing. Settled, it has a darker golden color with a slight haze and a completely diminished head. Very little carbonation. Light lemon fruity esters popped out of the glass initially. The lemon zest seemed to get stronger as time goes on. Along with the fruit, a decent amount of malts - doughy, bready - were detected. Initial taste is loaded with a pleasant sweet lemon flavor, and the finish flavor carries a sweet dough-like characteristic. Light and medium in body, the Kellerweiss was slightly watery and drinks very smoothly. With a soft carbonation feel and no warming presence, our palate was left in a pleasant state - not too dry, not too slick - just right.
The fruity flavors were hopping around our palate like a kid in a mosh pit at a KORN concert. This is very smooth and drinkable. It's not too complex - but it's not meant to be.
Reviewed on August 20th, 2009.
