United Nations of Beer

Weihenstephaner Vitus Weizenbock

by Bret
(Las Vegas, NV)

Weihenstephaner Vitus Weizenbock (7.7% ABV)
Staats-Brauerei Weihenstephan, Germany
Visit the UNOB's German beer guide

This beer was great, and it better be. Not to be rude, but the label and website claim this is the World's oldest brewery, they should have a lot of practice at brewing beer. I also love the name because I am a huge fan of the band St. Vitus who wrote lots of songs about beer drinking.

The scent of this beer is strong with yeast and citrus aromas, followed by mild wheat under notes. There is a light hop bitterness and a slight amount malt which tickles the nose. There are some slight spicy notes as well which accentuate the earlier aromas.

Vitus pours with a very cloudy, pale, yellowish, straw color and a thick, foamy white head that dissipates instantly. While it is hard to notice without a bright light, there is a moderate carbonation and no yeast deposits.

The flavor is strong with wheat and yeast flavors which stay on the tongue for 5-7 seconds. There is a mild bitterness and spiciness which add to the complexity of the taste and make this a very smooth and drinkable beer.

As you drink the beer a light fruitiness of mild citrus taste are evident and could be more pronounced with the addition of a lemon or orange slice.

The mouthfeel is smooth in texture which coats the palate with wheat and yeast. This beer is very refreshing and the moderate carbonation make this very refreshing and easy to drink. There is a mild warming of the mouth associated with the higher alcohol content, but it passes quickly.

Overall, this is a great beer with a lot of body and complexity. The wheat and yeast flavors compliment each other very well, and the mild citric taste is not as overbearing as other wheat beers I have consumed. The mild spicy notes also make it a treat to drink.