South German-Style Bernsteinfarbenes Weizen – German Origin Ale Styles

South German-Style Bernsteinfarbenes Weizen Style

  • Color: Amber to light brown. The German word Bernsteinfarben means amber colored.
  • Clarity: If served with yeast, appearance may be very cloudy.
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Distinct sweet maltiness and caramel or bread-like character arises from the use of medium-colored malts.
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Not present
  • Perceived Bitterness: Low
  • Fermentation Characteristics: The phenolic and estery aromas and flavors typical of Weissbiers are present but less pronounced in Bernsteinfarbenes Weissbiers. These beers should be well attenuated and very highly carbonated. Diacetyl should not be present.
  • Body: Medium to full
  • 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.

South German-Style Bernsteinfarbenes Weizen Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.048-1.056 (11.9-13.8 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.008-1.016 (2.1-4.1 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.8%-4.3% (4.8%-5.4%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 10-15
  • Color SRM (EBC) 9-13(18-26 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 – South German-Style Bernsteinfarbenes Weizen