Weizenbock

Recipes:: 2,148
BJCP 2021:: 10C
Era:: Traditional
Origin:: 🇪🇺 Central Europe
Fermentation:: Top
Color:: Amber
Strength:: High
Taste:: Malty

Profile

Weizenbock is a strong, malty, fruity, and spicy wheat-based ale that combines the best malt and yeast characteristics of a Weissbier (pale or dark) with the strength, body, and alcoholic warmth of a bock. While in some respects similar to Doppelbocks due to their strength and malt-driven character, Weizenbocks retain the signature yeasty qualities that align closely with traditional Bavarian Weissbiers.

This style presents itself with a rich melange of flavor and aroma - complex breadiness from wheat intertwines with the varied esters typically reminiscent of bananas, cloves, and sometimes vanilla. This is all laced together with caramel, toasty bread or molasses notes from its malt backbone. Notably darker variations impart richer malt complexity expressed through flavors of dark fruits like raisins, plums, or prunes. The color can range from pale amber to deep dark brown but typically has a lovely unfiltered haziness due to suspended yeast. A notable off-white head that's creamy and long-lasting tops this effervescent brew. Weizenbock has a harmonious dialogue between its components; the robust malt character meets phenolic yeast attributes without completely overpowering them. Hopping tends to be minimal – just enough to provide balance – so hop bitterness, flavor, and aroma usually take a back seat. Alcohol content is warming though not harsh or impeding drinkability given the style's refreshing quality often linked to its moderate carbonation level.