Dr. Fritz Briem 1809 Berliner Weisse (500ml)

“I have heard and read of this sour beer for some time now, but finally got up the gumption to buy a bottle of 1809. This beer was brewed in an attempt to recreate a nearly extinct style that was unique to Berlin Germany. According to the bottle, Napoleon and his troops dubbed the Berliner Weisse as the “champagne of beer” after their conquest of Prussia. This beer surprised me many times over. First, the brewing method was simple. No boiling of the wort is done and hops are added to the mash (soaking grains). Second, an interesting strain of yeast called Lactobacillus (lactic acid) is used during fermentation to impart a sour/tart component. My nose registered the tart yeast immediately as the aroma had a bite to it at first. Very effervescent and fruity, it possessed similar notes of banana and clove common to Hefes but on a lighter side. There is a strong bready aroma due to the wheat. Aromatic notes of lemon make this almost tea-like. For the most part I say it is clean and zesty.