BJCP 10C · German Wheat Beer

Weizenbock

A Bavarian wheat beer with the strength of a bock: rich malt, banana, clove and dark fruit, with gentle alcohol warmth and plenty of carbonation.

Weizenbock by the numbers

Alcohol (ABV): 6.5 – 9.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
Bitterness: 15 – 30 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
Color: 6 – 25 SRM12–49 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
Original gravity: 1.064 – 1.090on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
Final gravity: 1.015 – 1.022on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040

From the palest to the darkest shade the style allows.

What Weizenbock is like

A strong wheat beer that combines the malt richness of a bock with the yeast character of a weizen. Pale versions are fruitier, and dark ones add caramel and dark fruit. The alcohol is noticeable, but in a pleasant, well-integrated way.

Appearance

Deep gold to dark brown, depending on the version, and hazy. Dense, long-lasting white to tan head.

Aroma

Rich malt with bread, caramel or dark fruit, alongside banana, clove and sometimes plum or raisin notes. Soft, clean alcohol and barely any hops.

Flavor

Abundant wheat and Munich malt, with toasted bread, caramel and dark fruit over a background of banana and clove. The bitterness is low and the finish semi-dry, with alcohol warmth. It shouldn't have intense roast.

Mouthfeel

Medium-full to full body, creamy. Medium to high carbonation and moderate alcohol warmth.

Where Weizenbock comes from

The first known example is Schneider's Aventinus, from 1907, created as an answer to barley-based doppelbocks. Pale versions came later, and today two variants are recognized, pale and dark.

Ingredients

At least half the grist is malted wheat, with pilsner, Munich or Vienna and caramel or dark malts in the darker versions. German noble hops in small amounts. Weizen yeast.

Brew it yourself

How to brew Weizenbock at home

Pitch a good amount of healthy yeast and oxygenate well. Ferment at 17-19 °C (63-66 °F): any warmer, at this gravity, and the yeast produces fusel alcohols and too many esters. The typical mistake is fermenting warm and getting a hot, cloying beer without the balance that defines it.

Food pairing

Try it with game, aged cheeses or apple strudel.

Glassware: weizen glass, tall and open at the top, to show off the head and the haze.

Classic examples

Schneider Weisse Tap 6 Unser Aventinus
Weihenstephaner Vitus

Frequently asked questions

How strong is Weizenbock?

Between 6.5% and 9.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.

How bitter is Weizenbock?

It has 15 to 30 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.

What color is Weizenbock?

Gold to dark brown: 6 to 25 SRM (12 to 49 EBC).

What food pairs well with Weizenbock?

Try it with game, aged cheeses or apple strudel.

Which styles are similar?

If you like it, also try Dunkles Weissbier, Doppelbock and Dunkles Bock.

If you like Weizenbock, try these

BJCP 10B