AleSour Ale

Berliner Weisse

A very pale, sour, refreshing, low-alcohol wheat ale. In Germany, it is classified as a Schankbier denoting a small beer of starting gravity in the range 7-8°P. Often served with the addition of a shot of sugar syrups (" mit schuss ") flavored with raspberry (" himbeer ") or woodruff (" waldmeister ") or even mixed with Pils to counter the substantial sourness. Has been described by some as the most purely refreshing beer in the world.

Alcohol
2.8 - 3.6% ABV
2.2 - 2.8% ABW
IBU
3 - 8
International Bitterness Units
Color
2 - 3 SRM
4 - 6 EBC
Gravity
OG: 1.028 - 1.032
FG: 1.004 - 1.006

Appearance & Mouthfeel

Color
Very pale straw in color. Clarity ranges from clear to somewhat hazy. Large, dense, white head. Always effervescent.
Clarity
Very pale straw in color. Clarity ranges from clear to somewhat hazy. Large, dense, white head. Always effervescent.
Body
Light body. Very dry finish. High carbonation. No sensation of alcohol.

Aroma & Flavor

Malt
A sharply sour, somewhat acidic character is dominant. Can have up to a moderately fruity character. The fruitiness may increase with age and a flowery character may develop. A mild Brettanomyces aroma may be present. No hop aroma, diacetyl, or DMS . Clean lactic sourness dominates and can be quite strong, although not so acidic as a lambic. Some complementary bready or grainy wheat flavor is generally noticeable. Hop bitterness is very low. A mild Brettanomyces character may be detected, as may a restrained fruitiness (both are optional). No hop flavor. No diacetyl or DMS .

Technical Specs (Plato)

Original Gravity7.1 - 8 °P
Final Gravity1 - 1.5 °P