Beer pick of the week: Weihenstephaner Vitus
April 1st, 2009 by Jeff Holland in Drink
Liquid Candy: Weihenstephaner Vitus
Brauerei Weihenstephan
Freising, GER
7.7% ABV
This weizenbock is new to Georgia, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Beer Advocate and Sandy Springs resident Justin Michels, who rallied like-minded beer lovers to lobby the Georgia distributor of Weihenstephaner beers, Georgia Crown, to add this beer to their portfolio. For Georgia Crown, it was a simple matter of adding Vitus to its order from Total Beverage Solutions, the South Carolina importer that was already bringing the beer into the U.S. Just goes to show what some good old-fashioned agitation can accomplish. Show your appreciation by picking up a few bottles.
Vitus might be described as an imperial version of Weihenstephan’s world-class weissbier, packing more body and more flavor into a fruity, tart and refreshing Bavarian wheat beer. A huge, fluffy head of cotton candy-like foam sits atop the orange-gold beer, rising a full inch above the rim of the glass without falling over, eventually settling to a finger of off-white foam that you could probably use as shaving cream. Beautiful.
The traditional banana and clove aromas from the yeast are off the chain, combining with a distinct lactose note that conjures a banana cream pie from Picadilly. Banana haters need not apply. The initial taste is of sugar cookie and grainy wheat, followed by a Juicy Fruit center of banana, pineapple, and bubble gum. Just when you think you are drinking candy, a solid hit of tangy, slightly lemony yeast and spicy hops cleans up the palate. Coriander, clove, and sage linger in the long, mildly sour finish. As would be expected from a wheat beer, the mouthfeel is creamy, but with a slick almost oily character that is perfectly balanced by the active carbonation that holds that foamy cap all the way down.
Although the flavors beg to be savored, Vitus goes down as smooth as the mellowest hefeweizen. The alcohol is well hidden, with only the sweet slickness hinting at the high gravity. A remarkable beer that really has no equal that I have had. It would pair nicely with any number of foods, from salad to dessert.
April 1st, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I like Weihenstephaner beers. This one promises to be a very good springtime drink. Thanks for bringing it up to our attention.
I just saw on Green’s website that Bells product is expected to hit the shelves in April. Do you know more details about this, Jeff?
April 1st, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Where would I get this? I live in North Druid Hills.. Close to the Green’s on buford highway. They have it?
April 1st, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Miss Nikki, Unless they have sold out already, Green’s on Buford Hwy has Vitus. You might call just to make sure. I got mine at the Ponce location. You might find it at Total Wine and More, as well.
Lancelot, my inside source says that Bell’s should be in Georgia by the end of the month. UNfortunately, we likely won’t be getting the Two-Hearted, which is in limited supply. The amber, Oberon wheat, and porter should be part of the initial order. Look for a feature on the brewery in the coming weeks.
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:34 am
Thanks, Jeff. It’s a bummer about the Two Hearted Ale. What are the chances for the Hopslam to be on the shelves here?
On the other hand, do you think some select pubs will have the good stuff on draft for a few nights?
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
God this is a good beer. Remarkably easy to drink and packed with flavor. Found mine at Green’s on Ponce. Nice review!