Michelob Dunkel Weisse

Review Date 11/3/2008  By John Staradumsky

  Style: Dunkelweizen   Brewery: Anheuser-Busch   Country: USA   State: Missouri   $ Per OZ: $.09   ABV: 5.5%

About a year and a half ago or so as I type,Anheuser-Busch rolled out a "Bavarian-Style" Hefeweizen under their Michelob label. Being that I really can't resist any new beer, I picked some up, and was very much let down by it. It wasn't very Bavarian at all in style, and was rather lacking in the distinctive clove and banana flavors that make a Bavarian-style wheat beer, well, a Bavarian-style wheat beer.

Then, I heard that AB was up to it again, with another wheat beer, this time a Dunkel Weisse, again under their Michelob line. Seeing that the success of craft brewed beers is not a flash in the pan, AB is once again trying to "ape" the achievements of the microbrew set with niche beers all its own. You've probably heard of Budweiser American Ale due to the huge marketing campaign launched to promote it, but Michelob Dunkel Weisse may have slipped under your radar.

When I first heard about it, I was intrigued enough to give it a shot. OK, the Bud American Ale was an average beer, if a step in the right direction. But it seemed to be a bit better than previous efforts by America's largest brewer (even if the company is now foreign owned), so maybe the Michelob Dunkel Weisse might be decent, too.

Michelob Dunkel Weisse pours to a very muddy russet color with a light rocky head formation and a wonderfully spicy clove nose. As you pour this beer into your glass, you may notice some gunk in the bottom of the bottle. But as our old friend Douglas Adams might say, "Don't panic!". That's yeast, and it's supposed to be there in this style of beer. In fact, it's good for you, loaded with vitamin B.

To best enjoy Michelob's Dunkel Weisse, pour about two thirds into your glass, swirl what's left around to rouse the yeast, then decant. What? You think I'm kidding? Hey, don't take my word for it, Michelob tells you to do the same on the bottle. Once you do, you're ready to enjoy. Because this is a dark wheat beer, you should get some dark malt flavors. And you do, actually, of the chocolate and toasted nut variety.

It's the yeast that really proofs the pudding, though, and here it adds some delightfully spicy notes of cloves and fruity banana, with a hint of juicy apple and pear poking through too. The finish is balanced by a very refreshing tart wheat character. That makes this a very drinkable beer, indeed.

Surprise! This is one of the best beers I think I've ever tasted from Anheuser-Busch. It's delicious and drinkable yet full of flavor as well, and authentic Bavarian-style flavor at that. Definitely a beer worth seeking out and giving a chance, and a good beer buy at about $6.50 a six-pack.

Glad I tried it?  T

Would I rebuy it??