German-Style Leichtes Weizen – German Origin Ale Styles

German-Style Leichtes Weizen Style

  • Color: Straw to copper-amber
  • Clarity: If served with yeast, appearance may be very cloudy.
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Very low to medium-low
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Not present to very low
  • Perceived Bitterness: Very low
  • Fermentation Characteristics: The phenolic and estery aromas typical of Weissbiers should be present but less pronounced in this style. The overall flavor profile is less complex than Hefeweizen due to a lower alcohol content and there is less yeasty flavor. Diacetyl should not be present.
  • Body: Low with a lighter mouthfeel than Hefeweizen. The German word “leicht” means light, and as such these beers are light versions of Hefeweizen.
  • Additional notes: These beers are made with at least 50 percent wheat malt. They are often roused during pouring, and when yeast is present, they will have a yeasty flavor and a fuller mouthfeel.

German-Style Leichtes Weizen Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.028-1.044 (7.1-11 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.004-1.008 (1-2.1 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 2.0%-2.8% (2.5%-3.5%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 10-15
  • Color SRM (EBC) 3.5-15(7-30 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Ale Styles – German Origin Ale Styles – German-Style Leichtes Weizen