I have become more and more interested in wheat beers. I am actually thinking about trying to brew my own, but I feel like I first need to have an understanding of some of the basic differences. I realize there is a good book out on the subject of brewing with wheat, but I was hoping you guys might be able to give this beer-beginner some straight feedback from a few examples I currently have sitting in front of me. I decided to do a small tasting this evening and brought home a couple examples. I only opened three for now. I decided to compare a Harpoon UFO White, Harpoon UFO Hefeweizen and a Paulaner Hefeweizen. Definitely an interesting comparison. I am sure you guys are much more familiar with terminology than I am at this point and are likely familiar with these beers. I don't note a whole lot of difference between the UFO White and UFO Hefe except that perhaps the Hefe is slightly more bitter. What specifically might actually cause this difference?
Alternatively, and much more interestingly, the Paulaner is definitely different from the Harpoon beers. The key difference is what I believe is described as a strong banana flavor which is something I note much more in imported Hefeweizens. What is causing that flavor?
I appreciate the input. Just trying to be really basic about all of this and figure out what causes certain flavors that I like and don't like and how they differ.
Alternatively, and much more interestingly, the Paulaner is definitely different from the Harpoon beers. The key difference is what I believe is described as a strong banana flavor which is something I note much more in imported Hefeweizens. What is causing that flavor?
I appreciate the input. Just trying to be really basic about all of this and figure out what causes certain flavors that I like and don't like and how they differ.