Hopfenweizen
A highly carbonated wheat ale retaining banana-clove yeast character but layered with pronounced hop aroma and firmer bitterness, resulting in a more assertive and structured profile. Compared with Weizen, it is hoppier, firmer, and less purely yeast-led.
Defined by the combination of weizen yeast character with modern hop intensity.
ABV, IBU and colour
This section summarises the typical alcohol strength, bitterness level and colour range of Hopfenweizen within the GBI model.
Taste profile
The sensory profile below shows the typical intensity range of the 15 core flavour dimensions.
Fruity, phenolic, and hop-aromatic with higher intensity, balanced by wheat softness and elevated carbonation.
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What gives Hopfenweizen its character
These structural drivers help shape its characteristic sensory profile.
- A very high wheat share strongly increases haze potential and can add some fullness to the body.
- A high priming rate contributes a strong increase in natural carbonation.
- High hop loading contributes substantial hop aroma and perceived bitterness, with smaller contributions to astringency and finish length.
- Late dry hopping strongly increases fresh hop aroma and can also increase perceived bitterness.
- Yeast in suspension can create a soft, natural haze.
- Pilsner malt provides a pale grain base with relatively restrained malt aroma.
- Late-boil-focused hopping shifts the emphasis away from IBU toward hop aroma, while still contributing some perceived bitterness and finish length.
- Hefeweizen yeast contributes pronounced yeast-derived aroma, commonly combining banana-like esters with clove-like phenolic notes.
- Moderate grist intensity provides more extract, supporting somewhat higher gravity, body and alcohol strength.
- Strong phenolic spice.
- Strong fruity esters.
History
Modern Hopfenweizen combines the expressive banana-and-clove fermentation of Bavarian wheat beer with substantially more aroma hopping. Schneider Weisse and Brooklyn Brewery's 2007 Hopfenweisse collaboration became an influential reference for the modern interpretation.
How Hopfenweizen compares to other beer styles
This comparison shows meaningful differences in sensory ranges and style character based on the GBI data.
Hopfenweizen vs Dunkelweizen
Compared with Dunkelweizen, Hopfenweizen has:
- a lighter color
- less intense malt aroma
- more intense hop aroma
- more bitter
Other differences:
- Hopfenweizen can have a stronger alcohol impression.
- Hopfenweizen can have a longer finish.
- Hopfenweizen can have citrus, tropical and stonefruit hop notes.
- Dunkelweizen has caramel malt notes; both styles have raw Wheat and doughy malt notes.
Hopfenweizen vs Weizenbock
Compared with Weizenbock, Hopfenweizen has:
- a lighter color
- less intense malt aroma
- more intense hop aroma
- more bitter
Other differences:
- Hopfenweizen can have a lighter body.
- Hopfenweizen can have a milder alcohol impression.
- Hopfenweizen can have a shorter finish.
- Hopfenweizen can have citrus, tropical and stonefruit hop notes.
- Weizenbock has melanoidin and honey-like malt notes; both styles have raw Wheat and doughy malt notes.
Compare Hopfenweizen with another beer style
Choose any GBI beer style to compare sensory ranges and style character.
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Related styles
Other variants within the same style group as Hopfenweizen.
Style details
- Origin: Germany — Originating from German brewing traditions.
- Glassware: Weizen Glass — Classic tall Weizen glass built to support large foam heads and showcase wheat beer aromas.
- Serving: Bottle — Served from bottle.
- Conditioning: Bottle-conditioned — Naturally carbonated in the bottle.
- Aging vessel: Stainless — Aged or matured in stainless steel.
- Packaging: Bottle — Packaged in bottle.
Commercial examples of Hopfenweizen
The following commercial examples illustrate widely recognised expressions of Hopfenweizen in the market.
- Schneider Weisse Hopfenweisse
- Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Dry-Hopped
- Ayinger Brauweisse Hopfenstopfer
Hopfenweizen – Competition winners and medalists
Medal winners for Hopfenweizen from major beer competitions. Categories follow each competition's official classification and may include stylistically adjacent interpretations.
2025 competition results
European Beer Star 2025
New-style Hefeweizen
- Gold – TAP5 Hopfenweisse – Schneider Weisse , Germany
- Silver – Stiegl-Hausbier Gipfelstürmer – Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg , Austria
- Bronze – Camba Jager Weisse – Camba Bavaria , Germany
Source: European Beer Star ( official website )
2024 competition results 3 medalists
European Beer Star 2024
New-style Hefeweizen
- Gold – CLUB BIER 05 White IPA – Liechtensteiner Brauhaus , Liechtenstein
- Silver – Stiegl-Hausbier Gipfelstürmer – Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg , Austria
- Bronze – Jager Weiße – Camba Bavaria , Germany
Source: European Beer Star ( official website )
2023 competition results 3 medalists
European Beer Star 2023
New-style Hefeweizen
- Gold – TAP5 Hopfenweisse – Schneider Weisse , Germany
- Silver – Cosmos White IPA – CHOPFAB BOXER , Switzerland
- Bronze – Camba Jager Weisse – Camba Bavaria , Germany
Source: European Beer Star ( official website )