How Long is A Hefe Weizen Fresh?

[batches_brew]

I read here, from various posters, that a hefeweizen is better young. Is this true and what's the recommended shelf life if so? 6 months?

Not that my beer will last that long.

I'm a green brewer so that's why I'm asking.

Edit: Sorry, I meant for this post to be in the General Beer Discussion.

 

[homebrewer_99]

If you drink one and it gives you farts right away it's too green.

Drinking a HW too young is a common practice. I prefer my HW to be at least 1 month old. I've had them over 1 year old and they seem to become smoky, or have a burnt flavor to them. Not that that's a bad thing. Some of us who have spent some time in Germany actually enjoy the flavor. Some not.

I have to tell you that 1-3 months old would be my best guess range.

 

[Professor Frink]

I agree with 1-3 months, though last time I was at my folks place, I popped open one of my Hefes that was 5 months old and it was still mighty tasty.

 

[batches_brew]

Cool. Thanks for the info.

 

[rico567]

Neither of the two hefeweizen batches I've made so far (Lemon Coriander Weiss and Hank's Hefe from MW) have lasted long enough to know. Started drinking both after about a month in the bottle and they were probably gone by a month or two later. Both excellent.

 

[SFsorrow]

I just cracked open a Hefe from a batch I bottled about a month ago and it is just as good as it was once it finally became carbonated (just a little over two weeks ago), I think I just got used to it's flavor and now really enjoy it. As luck has it I just bottled another batch earlier this evening.
I wouldn't want it to sit around for too long, not that it would in my house, but a few months is not going to kill any beer.