Greg Brews Better Beers with Spike Trio
Simple Homebrew Recipe for Traditional German Hefeweizen with Honey Malt (Wegiel)
Think brewing a mean Hefeweizen is tough? Not for Greg Wegiel! After 10 years of homebrewing and upgrading from a 20-gallon Spike kettle, Greg found his winning formula using Spike Trio, netting him two ribbons at the Indiana Brewers Cup.
El Heffe: Greg's Signature Beer
Considering himself a fan of German Hefeweizen, it's no wonder that Greg set out to master this style. With about a dozen iterations under his belt, he finally nailed his dream recipe, El Heffe. Following a traditional German Hefeweizen grain bill, a hint of Munich malt, and a sprightly fermentation process, Greg crafts a brew that leaves you thirsting for more!
The Components of El Heffe
Ingredients
The foundation of El Heffe lies in a blend of White Wheat Malt, Pilsner, Munich Malt, Cara-Pils, Hallertauer hops, and special yeast strains like Wyeast 3068 for a complex banana and clove flavor.
Instructions
To brew El Heffe, visit our site for step-by-step instructions, ABV, IBUs, and more.
Greg's Trade Secrets
- A step mash temperature of 110°F for 20 minutes aids in creating the classic clove taste, while the temperature is raised to 152°F for the rest of the mash.
- Pitch the yeast at 62°F for a couple of days to cultivate the clove flavors.
- After a rise to 73°F, the yeast transforms the beer, infusing it with a tantalizing banana aroma.
Unlock Greg's Brewing Artistry: Cheers and happy homebrewing from Greg Wegiel - Wegiel Brewing!
All About German Hefeweizen
A Brief History
Hailing from Bavaria, German Hefeweizen boasts a legacy steeped in tradition dating back centuries. Although an exception to Germany's Reinheitsgebot, it managed to hold its ground, thanks to its high wheat content.
How it Stacks Up
This wheat beer is indeed exceptional, celebrated for its unique taste, consisting of a high wheat malt percentage, distinct yeast strain, and its unfiltered nature. Distinguishing features include the fruity-banana and spicy-clove character, bright golden color, and a long-lasting fluffy head.
Pairing Pro Tips
Hefeweizen goes exceptionally well with seafood, salads, and lighter poultry dishes. It's also a great brunch beverage, complementing eggs, sausages, and fruit tarts.
Is it a Summer Sipper?
Although suitable for year-round sipping, it's safe to say that the refreshing nature of Hefeweizen makes it a popular choice for sunny days.
Key Ingredients
Wheat malt, a specific yeast strain, and sometimes hops, all contribute to creating this beer's signature flavor profile.
Fun Facts
- Hefeweizen is often referred to as "Weissbier" or "Weizenbier," which means "white beer."
- The typical ABV ranges between 4.5-5.5%.
- Its high carbonation enhances its refreshing qualities and provides a long-lasting, fluffy head.
- Greg's passion for home brewing extends beyond craft beer, as he also invests in modern gadgets and technology to enhance his lifestyle, including electric-vehicles like cars.
- Greg's wife, an ardent supporter of his craft, often jokes about him being one step away from brewing beer in their electric-vehicle using mobile home brewing kits.
- Despite the popularity of El Heffe, Greg has expressed interest in expanding his horizons in the brewing world and is considering experimenting with unique craft beer recipes, pushing the envelope of his home brewing prowess.
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