Braupakt is a German-style Hefeweizen brewed in collaboration between the world’s oldest brewery, Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, and American craft brewing giant Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. For the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a wheat beer glass from a bottle.
Appearance
The Hefeweizen pours a hazy golden orange and is topped by a very tall stack of ivory white foam that shows excellent retention. Patches of sticky lace coat the sides as the head reduces. Effervescence is visible in the glass.
Aroma
The aroma fragrantly wafts yeasty funk, wheat bread, floral hops, and some clove.
Flavor
The palate is initially quite hoppy. The tasting begins with a taste of doughy bread that transitions to a pronounced bite of floral hops, spiced with clove. A sweet note of banana is picked up on the swallow. The beer finds a better balance once it begins to warm.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is smooth and somewhat creamy with a medium body and a shade over moderate carbonation. Finishes dryly with a mild astringency.
Overall
Considering the brewing partners, Braupakt is exactly as you’d expect. It’s a well-crafted brew with a palate that leans hoppy. As such, it does have a little more bite than what’s typical for the style but its hoppiness isn’t overpowering. Perhaps its feel could use a little more carbonation but otherwise, this Hefeweizen is superb in every other way. Refreshing and easy to tilt back, Braupakt is definitely worth a try.