27C - Lichtenhainer

ABV: 3.5-4.7%
OG/FG: 1.032-1.04/1.004-1.008
SRM: 3-6
IBU: 5-12

Overall Impression

A sour, smoked, lower-gravity historical central European wheat beer. Complex yet refreshing character due to high attenuation and carbonation, along with low bitterness and moderate sourness.

Appearance

Tall off-white head, rocky and persistent. Yellow to gold color. Fair clarity, may be somewhat hazy.

Aroma

Moderately strong fresh smoky aroma. Light hints of sourness. Medium-low fruity esters, possibly apple or lemon. Moderate bready, grainy malt. The smoke character is stronger than the bready notes, and the smoke has a clean, fresh quality as if the grain was freshly smoked. The beer has a bright, lively quality. No hop aroma. The smoke is not at all harsh, and the beer is not phenolic.

Flavor

Moderately strong fruity flavor, possibly lemon or apple. Moderate intensity, clean lactic tartness without any funkiness. Similar smoky character as aroma (clean, not harsh), medium strength. Dry finish, with acidity and smoke in the aftertaste. Low bitterness; the acidity is providing the balance, not hops. Fresh, clean palate and slightly puckery aftertaste. The wheat character is on the low side; the smoke and acidity are more prominent in the balance. The lemony, tart, or green apple flavor is strongest in the finish, with smoke a close second. No hop flavor. No THP.

Mouthfeel

Tingly acidity. High carbonation. Medium to medium-light body.

Style Comparison

In the same general historical lower-alcohol central European wheat beer family as Gose, Grodziskie, and Berliner Weisse; has elements of all of them but with its own unique balance – sour and smoke is not found in any of the other styles. Not as acidic as Berliner Weisse, probably more like a smoked Gose without coriander and salt, or a Grodziskie with Gose-like acidity.

Ingredients

Smoked barley malt, wheat malt, Lacto, top-fermenting yeast. Grists vary, but the wheat would typically be 30-50%.

History

Originating in Lichtenhain, in Thüringia (central Germany). Height of popularity was towards the end of the 1800s, and was widely available throughout central Germany. Like a pre-1840s Berliner Weisse.

Comments

Served young. Smoke and sour is an unusual combination that can be an acquired taste.

Commercial Examples

Live Oak Lichtenhainer, Wöllnitzer Weissbier