Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse is a Hefeweizen brewed by Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a wheat beer glass from a bottle.
Packaging art for the Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse by Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu
Appearance
The ale pours a lightly cloudy marigold hue and is topped by a towering stack of puffy white foam that shows excellent retention. The head slowly collapses to a domed mound and then a thin layer resting atop the ale.
Aroma
The aroma is bright and spicy with a scent citrus and clove. Hints of bubblegum and wheat bread appear as the beer warms.
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Flavor
Doughy bread leads the palate and is followed by a juicy bite of orange peel with just a squeeze of lemon. The finish is spiced with clove and a sweet note of banana mellows the tartness.
Mouthfeel
Its feel has a relatively smooth draw that becomes slightly prickly on the backend. Medium body and moderately-high carbonation.
Label art for the Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse by Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu
A Beer By Any Other Name
“Franziskaner” is the German name for a Franciscan monk, but unlike the monastic Paulaner brewery, this brewery was named for its location across the street from a Franciscan abbey. Operations were merged with Spaten in 1922. The Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse also goes by the names Franziskaner Weissbier and Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Hell.
Overall
The Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse presents well. Its aroma is pleasant. Banana is usually featured in the style but citrus dominates this brew. Regardless, this Hefeweizen still tastes great. And when that tartness is combined with its effervescent feel, this brew is an easy drinker.
This made a great German Beer Cheese Dip for soft pretzels! So in love!