First off, I gotta ask where you got these bottles, Ed. I've never seen anything like them before. Very cool shape...I'm used to 12's, 22's and 750mL's. Anyway...
Uncapping / Pouring / Aesthetics: Nice hiss at uncapping. Poured the whole thing (swmbo and I shared) without having to swirl the last bit---I guess that's because you counterpressure filled them. Nice head, doesn't last long, average bubble size and matrix. The color and cloudiness is hefe to a tee. Looks very tempting!
Aroma: Ah, hefe...a little sourness from the wheat, and the banana-cloveyness from the yeast. The one thing that stands out (in a very good way) is a very subtle, elegant woodiness. This is the same characteristic that I got in my Bohemian Pilsner. It's got to be the hops...saaz maybe? I can't remember what Ed uses, but I really like this extra layer. Damn fine.
Palate: Nicely done here. Very Bavarian in style, which is what I'd expect from the brewer. Subdued banana at first---more clovey---but as it warms up, the banana esters start to come out. All of this is very typical for commercial examples of the style, which is great, but what I most appreciate here is the stunning flawlessness of this beer. I've always held to the belief that there is a peak where hefe's are as good as can be, and so the brewer's task is to achieve this level of flawless hefe-ness. And I can't say that I find any flaws in this beer.
Proximity to the Style: Color, aroma, palate, finish...this is hefe as it was meant to be.
Overall Impression: This might be the best homebrewed hefe I've come across. Like I said, it's without fault or flaw; it's refreshing and light without being bland; it's complex without being overwrought. I'm definitely going to need this recipe...
Thanks for the honor, Ed. Wish I could offer you more constructive criticism, but all I can say is: don't change the recipe one bit.
