A few years ago, a friend turned me onto Schöfferhofer’s Grapefruit Hefeweizen while we were celebrating the end of summer at Plattduetsche Park’s beer garden in Franklin Square. What a treat; it is like a juice box in a beer can. I have been a huge fan ever since and would often get to Plattduetsche as early as possible on our return visits because they would often sell out of their stock early in the night. Because of its popularity, it was often sometimes difficult to find on retail shelves.
Schöfferhofer has recently released its third and newest flavor of German hefeweizen, the passion fruit blend. Although I am still a diehard fan of the grapefruit, I have to say the new flavor is a nice blend. From the first sip, you can taste the passion fruit. You don’t have to guess whether there is a fruitiness to it; it is upfront and center. But do not be fooled, you still know you are enjoying a beer. I liken it to my mother’s homemade fruit salad, which always brings back great memories of family get-togethers.
I cannot say that I am a beer aficionado or could tell you the distinct differences between beers, canned versus bottled, filtered versus unfiltered, etc., but hefeweizen is a solid beverage. It’s hard to explain a hefeweizen to someone who has never had or doesn’t realize that they’ve had one before but this unfiltered beer is a perfect vessel for a fruity pairing, with equal quantities of German Hefeweizen and passion fruit juice. The alcohol content at 2.5 percent ABV makes this easy to enjoy without overindulging.
Schöfferhofer now has three flavors: grapefruit, pomegranate and now passion fruit. They are widely available at your local grocer or beverage store. This beer is perfect for the last days at the beach, after a game or anywhere you might find yourself enjoying a beer responsibly.
Visit www.schofferhofer.us to learn more, to find a local store retailer or to see some interesting mixology recipes using Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen.
