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Paulaner Isar Weisse – summery enjoyment in a new style – What could be better in Munich in the summer than relaxing by the Isar River, enjoying the sun with a barbecue or a cold beer, and dangling your feet in the cool water? In my opinion, it doesn't get any better! Now there's a beer that aims to embody exactly that: I've been browsing Paulaner's summer range for you and discovered, tasted, and approved of the Isar Weisse – the Munich brewery's new, light wheat beer. The Isar Weisse is a redefinition of the classic Paulaner Hefeweizen Leicht (light wheat beer) and has thus become a lighter alternative for warmer days. It's perfect whenever you want something with that certain something in your beer. I got myself a bottle to try, interviewed Paulaner's head brewer, and asked him what's changed.
The Isar Weisse contains 3.41 THP3T alcohol.
Paulaner Isar Weisse – the light wheat beer from Paulaner
The first question that comes to mind when looking at the new Isar Weisse is, of course, "What's so new about it?" The answer becomes clear after the first taste. The flavor and recipe have been changed, thanks in part to the use of Citra hops – more on that in the taste test. The design of this light Paulaner wheat beer is also new, with its label featuring the tagline "refreshing, hoppy, light.".
And of course: the name is new, from Hefeweizen Leicht to Isar Weisse. The namesake is, unmistakably, our beloved Munich Isar River, which meanders through the city, provides refreshment on hot days, and is considered Munich's ultimate recreational hotspot. The connection to a light and carefree lifestyle, embodied in a new and equally light Paulaner wheat beer, fits all the better.
Light citrus aromas in the finish: The Paulaner Isar Weisse
The Paulaner Isar Weisse taste test
Even as you pour it into the glass – ideally chilled to a refreshing 7 degrees Celsius – the vibrant orange hues of this light wheat beer are enough to make your mouth water. The nose offers a hint of banana and citrus aromas, thanks to the new "Citra" hop variety, which lends a pleasantly fruity note. With the Isar Weisse, you can clearly taste the typical full-bodied wheat beer experience, yet at just 3.41% alcohol, it's a very light and utterly carefree beer. The anticipated "kick" at the end is also present. The Isar Weisse owes its well-rounded flavor profile to the perfectly developed aroma of the Paulaner specialty malts used. In character, the Isar Weisse is aromatic and refreshing. It is brewed with the hop varieties "Hallertauer Tradition" and "Citra" as well as the malt varieties "Light/Dark Wheat Malt", "Pilsner Malt" (light barley malt) and "Munich Malt" (dark barley malt). While I haven't personally tested this combination, Paulaner recommends it from a culinary perspective: light salads or grilled fish with a baked potato.
Tastes great on its own or with light summer dishes.
In conversation with Mr. Dahncke – 1st Paulaner Brewmaster
In connection with the Isar Weisse, I was honored to become acquainted with Christian Dahncke – the first Paulaner brewmaster, who has been working at the brewing kettle at Paulaner since 1993. „A small and experienced team came together for the Paulaner Isar Weisse. Our goal was to brew a light yet full-bodied wheat beer,“ says Christian Dahncke about the beginnings of the Isar Weisse. The key to the new Paulaner wheat beer's unique character and flavor was to be the recipe and the selection of hops. „For us as the Paulaner brewery team, a full body was particularly important during development. Nevertheless, we wanted to brew a „normal“ wheat beer with a touch of „summer lightness“,“ Christian Dahncke continues.
During recipe development, it was important to consider the trend towards lower-alcohol beers. "We therefore deliberately chose to hop the Isar Weisse with the 'light' Citra hop variety," Dahncke explained in an interview. I also learned that the original gravity was increased and subtly adjusted during the mashing process for the Isar Weisse. The satisfaction is evident in the concluding statement from Paulaner's head brewer, Dahncke: "Our desire to create a wheat beer that embodies the Munich lifestyle while simultaneously quenching thirst has been perfectly achieved. The Isar Weisse tastes good, light, and fresh, yet still manages to impress with a harmonious fullness!"„
1. Paulaner Brewmaster Christian Dahncke (© Paulaner)
I also learned that the connection to the Isar River is very important to Paulaner, which essentially provided the basis for the name of their new wheat beer. While the water for Paulaner beers doesn't come directly from the Isar – but from a depth of 190 meters – Paulaner's connection to Munich and the Isar is naturally strong. Sustainability and environmental protection play a major role, and so does supporting resource conservation when you reach for a case of Paulaner. The brewery supports various Munich projects and environmental organizations, such as the association "Deine Isar eV," which works to maintain the ecological balance of our Munich river, and does much more to ensure that our Munich – including its beer – remains our Munich.
Information and competition for the Isar Weisse (CLOSED!)
Paulaner Isar Weisse is available year-round in 0.5-liter bottles and 20-bottle twin cases. If your mouth is already watering just reading this, you're in luck! ...Giveaway ended (deactivated); terms and conditions deactivated.
+++ This article was created in cooperation with the Paulaner Brewery Group Munich. Thank you! +++
Pictures:
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- Light citrus aromas in the finish: Paulaner IsarWeisse wheat beer
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- Paulaner IsarWeisse wheat beer with 3.41 THP3T alcohol.
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- Tastes great on its own or with light summer dishes.
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