Weissbier, also known as Weizenbier or Weißbier, is a type of wheat beer that originated in Bavaria, Germany. The name "Weissbier" means "white beer" in German, referring to the yellowish-white tinge imparted by the pale wheat and barley malts used to make the beer. Weissbier is a top-fermented beer, which means it is brewed with a special strain of yeast that ferments at warmer temperatures than the yeast used to make lagers. This yeast strain gives Weissbier its unique flavors, which can include banana, clove, and bubblegum.
Weissbier is a larger category of German wheat beers, which also includes Hefeweizen, Kristalweizen, and Dunkelweizen. Hefeweizen is the most well-known type of Weissbier, and is usually packaged unfiltered, with plenty of yeast turbidity in the finished beer. Kristalweizen is a clear version of Weissbier, while Dunkelweizen is a darker version made with darker, more highly kilned malts.
Weissbier is one of the most popular beer styles in Bavaria, holding greater than one-third of the market share. It is also popular among craft brewers worldwide.
