BJCP 27 · Historical Beer
Lichtenhainer
A light wheat beer from Thuringia that's both sour and smoky: a rare balance between smoked malt and lactic sourness.
Lichtenhainer by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 3.5 – 4.7%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 5 – 12 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 3 – 6 SRM6–12 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.032 – 1.040on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.004 – 1.008on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Lichtenhainer is like
A low-alcohol, sour, smoky wheat beer, very refreshing. The smoke and sourness have to coexist without either one covering up the other, and the finish is dry.
Appearance
Pale gold to gold, with some haze. White head, often short-lived because of the acidity.
Aroma
Low to moderate wood smoke and clean lactic sourness, with a background of bread and wheat. Hops barely perceptible.
Flavor
Moderate lactic sourness, clean and refreshing, with smoked malt and a grainy background. Very low bitterness. Dry, slightly tart finish, with no pronounced funky character.
Mouthfeel
Light body. High, lively carbonation.
Where Lichtenhainer comes from
A traditional beer from the village of Lichtenhain, near Jena, in Thuringia, where it was drunk from at least the 18th century. It was lost in the 20th century and has been revived by a few craft breweries.
Ingredients
Smoked barley malt and wheat malt. German hops in low doses. Fermented with ale yeast and Lactobacillus.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Lichtenhainer at home
You can sour the wort with Lactobacillus before the boil (kettle sour) and then ferment with a clean ale yeast at 18–20 °C (64–68 °F). Use a beechwood-smoked malt and dial in the amount: the smoke should be moderate. Keep the bitterness very low, because hops inhibit Lactobacillus and also clash with the sourness.
Food pairing
Salads with goat cheese, smoked fish and mild cured meats.
Glassware: Teku glass, a tasting glass that works with almost any style.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Lichtenhainer?
Between 3.5% and 4.7% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is Lichtenhainer?
It has 5 to 12 IBUs, a very low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Lichtenhainer?
Straw to gold: 3 to 6 SRM (6 to 12 EBC).
What food pairs well with Lichtenhainer?
Salads with goat cheese, smoked fish and mild cured meats.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Berliner Weisse, Piwo Grodziskie and Gose.
If you like Lichtenhainer, try these
Classification and statistics: official Lichtenhainer guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.