Judge’s Review: 84 Rating – Weihenstephan Festbier by Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan

Festbier | Seasonal | Germany

By Richard Wong

Judges Rating: 84
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 35
Mouthfeel: 6
Overall Impression: 17

Weihenstephan Festbier by Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan was judged as a Festbier, Category 4B, according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines. 
The beer poured did not have any carbonation whatsoever. It was flat in the glass. The beer had a very light yellow hue with very good clarity. It was nearly transparent in the glass and beautiful. The flavor of this beer revealed a nice malt backbone with a sweetness and light hop bittering.  A very light bread-like quality was in the background. The body/mouthfeel of this beer was light and tasted flat. This is due to a lack of carbonation, which perhaps occurred somewhere in the shipping process. Nevertheless, the beer could have been better with the carbonation giving it more structure and body. However, I did find it still very flavorful, and it truly represents the Festbier category. The beer style is a rather mild category and so it is a very drinkable beer, especially during Oktoberfest where one could drink myriad steins of this festive beverage.