What’s In My Fridge: Stoudt’s Brewer’s Reserve Dunkel Weizen

Here’s a new segment called What’s In My Fridge, where I review something you probably don’t see every day that somehow ended up in my refrigerator. Today’s selection is Stoudt’s Brewer’s Reserve Dunkel Weizen.
Stoudt’s is, in my humble opinion, one of the most underrated breweries anywhere. In the craft beer world, where the theory “bigger means better” sometimes dominates, Stoudt’s takes pride in making exceptionally drinkable beers and have been doing so for over twenty years now. You will also find two of the greatest beer advocates around in founders Ed & Carol Stoudt (The First Lady of American Craft Beer).

I picked up this beer at the brewery on a memorable road trip of Pennsylvania breweries back in February that I’ll eventually get around to writing about. Here are the particulars:
Name: Stoudt’s Brewer’s Reserve Dunkel Weizen (called Festival Reserve on the bottle)
Brewery Location: Adamstown, PA, USA
Style: Dunkel Weizen
ABV: 5.0%
Package: 25oz Cork-finished bottle
Availability: Only available at the brewery. (Trust me; going to the brewery is worth the trip)

After fighting w/the cork to open it up, it pours a very dark brownish orange. The head is tan, has little retention, & has tiny bubbles. The aroma is typical wheat beer (banana, clove). Taste is sweet, smooth & slightly malty. The banana & clove do come through nicely, along w/a little bit of bread. Finish has a quick sweet kick to it.
Overall, they hit the style on the head, like I would expect anything less from them. Easy to drink, it will take no difficulty finishing off the entire 25oz bottle. For food pairing purposes, I’d serve this beer w/fish, some nutty cheeses, & fruit salad.
Drink Better.