Backpocket Pennywhistle Wheat

This Bavarian style wheat ale is 5.5% ABV and comes from the Backpocket Brewing Company of Coralville, Iowa.  They generally adhere to the Reinheitsgebot, or German Purity Law, using only water, barley,hops and yeast.

This beer pours a toasted dark honey golden and light amber in color. There is a very large head, appropriate for the style, that is white, thickly foamy and fizzy. It is very highly carbonated, with bubbles rising to the top rapidly and in large quantities, filling the head with large air gaps. The aroma is lots of toasted wheat, light herbs including cloves, grassy and lemony. The taste follows the aromas, primarily toasted wheat, but also several herbal notes, including cloves and a light sarsaparilla effect. This is nicely balanced, the yeast notes are very present, but don't overtake everything else.  I'm not a big fan of the banana notes in many weiss beers, and am glad they are not here. It is highly carbonated and pleasantly stings the mouth and throat. This beer is worth repeating.