The Cali Squeeze beers you’ve come to love are all variations of one beer style — a Hefeweizen or, as we lovingly call it, a hefe. But what exactly is a Hefeweizen, and what makes it different from other types of beers? Let’s break it down.
Background
Hefeweizen beers originated in Germany, specifically in the Bavaria region. (Note that the “w” in Hefeweizen is pronounced like a “v”). The word literally means “yeast wheat” in German, but it is better translated as a wheat beer without the yeast filtered out of it before it’s packaged. You know that hazy IPA trend? German Hefeweizens are the original hazy beer. They’re cloudy in appearance because of “leftover” wheat proteins and yeast.
American Hefeweizens — like our beloved Squeezes — are the same, but with one exception. The yeast strains used to produce American Hefeweizens have a different flavor profile. While the German style offers a clove profile, the yeast used in American hefes are a bit more neutral or even fruity.
Similar Beers
So a Hefeweizen is a wheat beer, but what makes it different from other popular wheat beers?
Some other styles of wheat beers you may have heard of include Witbier and Berliner Weisse. Witbier are brewed with a Belgian yeast and spiced with orange peel and coriander, while Berliner Weisse beers are fermented for a more sour flavor. But any American wheat beer you’re familiar with is essentially the same as an American Hefeweizen.
Hefes and Fruit
The American-style Hefeweizen is a perfect base for a fruit-forward beer like Cali-Squeeze. The clove aroma in a German-style hefe would crash with the fruity flavors we love, but the more neutral profile of the American hefes provides a good canvas for the fruitiness to take center stage.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you’ve got some beer trivia to show off, call up your friends and crack open a variety pack. Use our Squeeze Finder to discover where Cali-Squeeze beers (and seltzers!) are available near you.
What else do you want to know about beer, seltzers, and Cali-Squeeze? Send us a message @calisqueeze and let us know.
