Day 2: Durlacher Hoff Weissbier Hefeweissbier Dunkel

Okay, so I now know that a "dunkel" is a dark beer, so that part didn't surprise me. But as soon as I saw "hef" in there, I figured I was also dealing with a beverage made from wheat rather than barley, which was, in fact the case. Intriguing, since I'd never before had a hefeweizen that wasn't quite light in both colour and flavour, often accompanied by fruity or even spicy additives.

Intrigue progressed to excitement as I poured the beer. Definitely dark, but cloudy as wheat beers often are, and with a head that was foamy if thin and short-lived. I did not know what to make of the smell, as I've never smelled anything quite like it.

Excitement, unfortunately, turned mostly to disappointment here. I enjoyed the novelty of this beer, but that's about it. And I should mention that I'm really not a fan of hefs in general. There are some that I've enjoyed in the right setting, but given other options, I'm usually heading for barley-based beverages. It tasted thin and sort of, well, lifeless. There was a toasty quality that was nice, but it was put off by a yeasty, bready note that made sense (wheat beer) but didn't really work. Maybe wheats just shouldn't be roasted this much. Maybe they need the citrus and coriander that often accompany them. Maybe this stuff tastes absolutely amazing on tap and just doesn't translate well to an aluminum can.

At any rate, I'm glad I tasted it, but I don't want any more. No steins :(