Hacker-Pschorr Dunkle Weisse
Bottle purchased at Beertopia, in Omaha, NE. Best by 6/2011 on bottle (why did I buy this?) Poured into a Weihenstephaner weizen glass. Pours a fairly large, thick head composed of small bubbles. Peering at the body, I notice aggressive streams of carbonation and the opaque character; obviously unfiltered. Very dark copper brown in color away from light, when held up to a source, the body is a caramel brown color with orange highlights. Head descends in a few minutes, eventually becoming a 0.5cm cap atop the beer. Some lacing, mostly dots and streaks, are left along the sides of the glass. Aroma of malt sweetness, some vanilla, bananas, not much clove. Taste is largely of dark barley and wheat malt, with mildly expressive banana esters and some residual spicy clove phenols. I imagine this was much stronger and enjoyable fresh. Beer is medium-bodied, with bit of wateriness around the edges. Carbonation level is high enough that this moves pleasantly along on the palate while sampling. Finish is pleasantly dry, inviting the next sip. I know this was an old beer and I'm somewhat disappointed that I bought it, but did so because it's rarely seen in these parts. Will revisit again when I can find a fresh bottle.