Beer: Weihenstephaner Vitus

Used with permission
Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan

Brewery: Braurei Weihenstephan Freising, Germany

Overview: Another beer from the Weihenstephaner beer selection.  I was quite impressed with the Korbinian, and needed more validation that the oldest brewery in the world knows how to make good beers.  The Vitus is not quite what I expected, but certainly makes me want to look at the other options on their menu.

Aroma:Wheat bread, some sugary sweet with citrus blossom notes.  Mildest hints of banana and clove.  Lemon peel with raisins sprinkled on top.  Some alcohol, but not overwhelming.

Appearance: Cloudy straw color, with hints of orange in the darkest areas, reflection from bottom of glass may appear almost white.  Thick foamy white head.

Flavor: Much smoother and maltier than the aroma would indicate.  Some alcohol warmth in the back of the throat.  Almost a light caramel sweetness at first with some darker sweet molasses flavors which the beer's color belies.  Some lemon carries through to the flavor, but almost as a dessert to the wheat and the sweet.  Hints of vanilla and perhaps cinnamon float up to the nose from the throat.  Definitely can leave a trail of hot alcohol on the tongue reminiscent of a vodka shot taken yesterday evening.  Slightly chewy mouthfeel which cuts the slickness potential of the higher alcohol.

Overall Impression: While this does not have the typical darker color expected of a weizenbock (it looks more like a witbier), Weihenstephaner beers do have that rich history that makes me think they know what they are doing.  In truth, this seems like a strong hefeweizen, and as such, it is still an enjoyable beer.  I would have to recommend trying this beer at some point, but I can't quite put my finger on when would be the appropriate time.  The higher alcohol content tends to make it slightly less refreshing for a casual beer than a standard strength hefeweizen might be and push it into a winter warming category.  Meanwhile, the refreshing flavor and citrusy tones in the beer make it more of a summer or fall selection than something you would drink in a serious conversation in a darkened pub in the midst of winter.  Still, it's an excellent beer, worthy of a taste or two when you want to kick your wheat beer up with just a little bit of punch.

Vitals:
Style Weizenbock
Price $3.99/1 pt. 0.9 oz bottle
Found In Regional Liquor Store
Alcohol Content 7.7% by volume
Availability Year-round
Bitterness 17 IBU

Rating: 96