Tag: Wheat Beer
Bayerischer Bahnhof Leipziger Gose
Alongside Berliner Weisse, Gose (pronounced “goes-uh”, two syllables) is one of a few styles of German beer that all but disappeared during the 20th century, a list that also includes Lichtenhainer and Grätzer. Also similar to Berliner Weisse, Gose was a style whose production was limited to a specific place, in this case the area surrounding the town of Leipzig in central Germany. Today, there are only two breweries producing Gose, and Bayerischer Bahnhof is both the largest and the only one exporting their beer to the U.S.
In his book Brewing With Wheat, Stan Hieronymous describes Gose as “a sour wheat beer spiced with coriander and salt.” Along with these ingredients (themselves unusual for German beer), Gose brewers used lactic acid bacteria, resulting in the sourness he refers to. Whether or not spontaneous fermentation was used farther back in the history of brewing this style is not known, but it is certainly possible in light of historical descriptions of the beer.
Since the end of World War II, production of Gose has been extremely limited if it took place at all. In 2000 the Bayerischer Bahnhof Gasthaus and Gose Brauerei began producing in a renovated historic train station, and Gose accounts for 30% of the beer that they produce annually.
Their Gose is brewed to an original gravity of 1.044, finishing with an ABV of 4.5%. Wheat and pilsner malts are used, along with Northern Brewer hops to the tune of 10 IBUs, salt, coriander, and lactic acid bacteria which is added prior to the boil. The brewery uses a weizen yeast and a cool fermentation in cylindro-conical tanks to reduce the amount of esters and phenols produced by the yeast. The bottled beer is bottle-conditioned to achieve 2.5 volumes of CO2.
Tasting Notes
The beer pours slightly hazy and pale golden in color with ample carbonation that builds up a fluffy white head. The foam drops somewhat quickly, leaving little lacing on the glass. The nose is both bright and earthy, with notes of fresh baked bread, citrus, gentle hops, and malt. The palate is light bodied with medium carbonation. The flavors are made up of leafy, herbal hops, citrus, wheat bread, a soft maltiness, and a slight sourness akin to a young lambic. Quite refreshing and very enjoyable on this warm day that I’m trying it. The finish is long-lasting with a gentle sourness, along with citrus, earthy hops and cereal notes.
Good summer beer. Not quite as refreshing as a berliner weisse, but very enjoyable on a warm day. Highly recommended if you’re a fan of wheat beers and interested in trying something that’s a fair way off the beaten path.