Kloster Andechs Head of Public Relations Martin Glaab Talks Andechser Weissbier Dunkel

We spoke with Kloster Andechs Head of Public Relations Martin Glaab about Andechser Weissbier Dunkel.

Who was responsible for the recipe for this beer?
After Andechs Abbot Odilo Lechner initiated the production of wheat beer at the Andechs monastery brewery in the early 1990s, the new “Andechser Weissbier Hell” quickly found many new fans after it released in 1993.

The monks of the monastery, in close cooperation with the responsible master brewers, decided four years later to brew a dark wheat beer with a completely independent taste after the light wheat beer.

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
What clearly sets our dark wheat beer apart from many other dark top-fermented beers is its distinct but never intrusive roasted aromatic character. Just like the light wheat beer, it surprises with a harmoniously balanced complexity of flavor that invites all the connoisseur's senses to taste another side of our dark wheat beer with the next sip.

What makes this beer truly World Class?
We simply do not compromise when it comes to our dark wheat beer. This begins with the fact that we brew our dark wheat beer – like all other dark beers from our monastery brewery – exclusively with selected roasted malts from malt houses in the south of Germany. Of course, this decision has its price, but we are deeply convinced that this methodology makes the beers better and more memorable.

What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
Our dark wheat beer is much more than the sum of its appearance, smell, taste, aroma and mouthfeel. It is therefore very difficult to single out a “favorite aspect.”

It captivates the eye with its typical and distinctive chestnut color. The yeast turbidity is opal and finely structured. This is complemented by a very creamy and fine-pored head. For the connoisseur's nose, our dark wheat beer offers a harmonious interplay of fruity aromas, especially ripe banana and pineapple, with subtle caramel and cocoa tones.

Our dark wheat beer is elegant and tangy on the palate. It impresses with a round and soft body. A light caramel sweetness combines harmoniously with a fine hop bitterness and the finish is soft and refreshing.

How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
Quite simply because it is an absolute insider tip. It's not trendy, it's not mainstream and it's not a quick thirst-quencher. It is an exceptional wheat beer that stays in the memory and leaves its mark. It wants to be discovered, tasted and enjoyed in peace. Just take the time to enjoy it, mirroring the time and passion that we have invested in this beer here on Bavaria's Holy Mountain.

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