There’s something about beer as a communal drink. It's a social phenomenon without equivalent, in my estimation, and one that brings people together across cultural, economic, and even gender lines. Okay, especially across gender lines. But really, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a pub, not knowing a soul, and ended up chatting away about beer, life, politics, the fair sex, just about any topic under the sun. I’m sure other beverages can promote this effect as well, but I have never observed it as much as I have when beer, the drink of moderation, is flowing.

The first time I observed this was about five years ago in Worcester, Massachusetts when I enjoyed the conversation of a gentleman I had never met before. He had pulled up a stool next to me at the somewhat crowded bar, ordered a pint of Guinness and we soon struck up a conversation on beer that lasted a good two hours, focusing on craft beer in general, the state of the industry, and more importantly the thirty taps before us.

Not too long ago it happened again, this time at Taco Mac in Kennesaw, Georgia. I happened to be sitting next to a friendly looking fellow and as soon as he spoke I realized he wasn’t from around the area (but then in Metro Atlanta, few people seem to be from Georgia). Turns out he is originally from Manchester, England, and we passed a pleasant evening chatting about brew. Leave it to beer to make friends of a guy from Rhode Island and a guy from England in a pub in Georgia.

One of the beers I enjoyed during our conversation was Paulaner Hefeweizen. This has always been a favorite of mine, a delicious and refreshing wheat ale that I greatly enjoy. I was drinking it on tap, generally the best way to drink beer. Hefeweizens are an exception, however. The yeast in the bottle conditions and preserves the beer, so my observations will be similar to what you will experience with bottled Paulaner Hefeweizen.

My first glass was served with a slice of lemon wedged upon it. This seems to be common practice today when you order wheat beers at a restaurant or bar. It can make a hefeweizen more refreshing, and indeed I enjoy mine that way from time to time, but for the most part I prefer my hefeweizen unadulterated so that I might enjoy its unique flavors.

Paulaner is the leading brewer in Bavaria, Germany, the birthplace of hefeweizen. Established in 1634, it is a Munich landmark and is famous among beer enthusiasts worldwide for its delicious pale lagers, Salvator Doppelbock, and of course its hefeweizen.

Paulaner Hefeweizen pours to a cloudy yellow orange color with a thick head formation and a spicy clove nose. The palate is crisp and tart, extremely refreshing with light notes of fruit and stronger ones of clove and banana. Alcohol is slightly higher than average at 5.6% by volume. Last night I popped open a bottle of Paulaner Hefeweizen, and in that form it seems to have a more noticeable vanilla character. Either way, this is a very tart and very refreshing brew.

A wonderful beer for summer weather, though I enjoy it throughout the year. Recommended with succulent Weisswurst sausage or a pork knuckle and served in a tall weissbier glass. It’s also great with friendly conversation.


Recommended: Yes