Weihenstephaner
Weihenstephaner comes from Freising in Bavaria, from a brewery that calls itself the oldest in the world. The best-known beer is the Hefeweissbier: an unfiltered wheat beer with banana and clove notes. Here you can read about its taste, how to pour it properly and which glass to use.
Weissbier from Weihenstephan
Weihenstephaner is the beer of the Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan in Freising, a city north of Munich. The brewery stands on the hill where Weihenstephan Abbey once stood and is owned by the state of Bavaria. It is located on the grounds of the Technical University of Munich, where brewers are also trained. Weihenstephaner calls itself the oldest brewery in the world.
The best-known beer is the Hefeweissbier: a wheat beer with yeast in the bottle, making it unfiltered and cloudy. No spices or peels are added, unlike in a Belgian witbier. The notes of banana and clove come entirely from the special weizen yeast. This makes the beer fresh, fruity and easy to drink. There is also an alcohol-free version brewed in the same style.
In brief
Hefeweissbier and the alcohol-free version
Gall & Gall sells two Weihenstephaner beers, both in a 50 cl bottle: the classic Hefeweissbier and the alcohol-free version.
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier
The classic Bavarian wheat beer, without coriander or citrus peel. The fresh acidity and fruit come from the yeast, and it is easy to drink.
Weihenstephaner Weissbier 0.0
The unfiltered alcohol-free Hefeweissbier. Fresh and fruity, with the same cloudy colour as the original.
How weizen is made and how it differs from witbier: read about it on our weizen page.
Banana, clove, and a fresh tartness
Banana & clove
You smell ripe banana and a hint of clove, typical of Bavarian wheat beer yeast.
Soft and fresh
Soft and full from the wheat, with plenty of carbonation and a fresh, light tartness. The yeast makes it creamy.
Short and fruity
The finish is fresh and light, with little bitterness. That makes it easy to drink.
Flavor profile of Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier (5.4%). The alcohol-free version is slightly lighter in flavor.
How to pour Weihenstephaner
Pouring a weissbier is a small ritual. Take your time, and you’ll get the familiar thick head.
Slowly and at an angle
Rinse the glass with cold water. Hold it at an angle and let the beer run gently down the side. Slowly straighten the glass as it fills.
More about pouring beer →The yeast on top
Leave a little beer in the bottle. Swirl the bottle a few times to loosen the yeast and pour it on top last. This makes the beer cloudy, as it should be.
Chilled, at 6 to 8 degrees
Drink weissbier chilled but not ice-cold. A slice of lemon is not necessary: it reduces the head and overpowers the yeast.
More about weizen →Weihenstephaner at the table
A refreshing weissbier pairs well with light and savory food, and of course with Bavarian cuisine.
Weisswurst and pretzel
The classic: white sausage with a pretzel and sweet mustard, as a late breakfast or lunch.
Salad and fish
With a salad with goat cheese, grilled fish, or prawns. The fruitiness and freshness pair well with light dishes.
Chicken and schnitzel
With roast chicken or a schnitzel with lemon. The carbonation cuts through the fat.
Soft cheese
With young cheese, Obatzda (Bavarian cheese dip), or a platter of sausage.
The right glass for Weihenstephaner
Weissbier belongs in a tall glass of half a litre or more: narrow at the bottom, slightly wider at the top, with room for a thick head. A tall, slender beer glass also works well. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything you still wanted to know about Weihenstephaner
Can't find your question here? Read more about weizen or contact us.
Everything about weizen →What is Weihenstephaner?
How much alcohol is in Weihenstephaner?
What is the difference between weissbier and witbier?
How do you pour a Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier?
Which glass do you use for Weihenstephaner?
Is there an alcohol-free Weihenstephaner?
Buy Weihenstephaner
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Weihenstephaner online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of October 9, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can see the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; you pay nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.