Redbud Berliner Weisse - Independence Brewing Co.

Independence Brewing Co. opened its doors in Austin, Texas, in 2004 and they have been putting out creative beers and stalwart staples ever since. And while Stash IPA or Native Texan Pilsner first come to mind when I think of Independence Brewing, this time around I’m checking out their Redbud Berliner Weisse.

I was leery about venturing into the world of sour beers, but Redbud Berliner Weisse gave me a great place to jump from. This wheat beer is highly sessionable at 4.9% ABV with a low 12 IBUs. The malt used to make this beer are white wheat, pilsner, oats, and flaked barley, giving it a bright yellow color and a slight haze. The hops used are Columbus and Amarillo. I wondered why those hops were chosen compared to a noble hop when I thought about the lemony notes in Columbus hops and the liveliness and tart characteristics in Amarillo hops. I think it was an interesting but astute hop pairing for the beer, but as anybody who has tried a Berliner Weisse knows, it’s not the hops, but the tart, tingling, lactobacillus bite that makes these beers unique, and Redbud has it. 

What I really enjoyed right from the start was the instant bite and tartness as soon as the beer landed on my tongue. It was very effervescent and lemony, but not overbearing, especially after it cleansed the palate clean and dry like champagne or white wine. 

If you are looking for a really complex and deep thinking beer, this isn’t it, but one thing I find interesting about Berliner Weisse beers is how they quickly become more complex and palatable for folks looking for a gentler, smoother drink compared to the bitter IPAs. A straightforward Berliner Weisse is just the first step on a ladder, and while it stands up great on its own, when additional flavors are added it can become a whole new, refreshing drink. Independence has no problem adding complexity and fruitiness to their Redbud Berliner Weisses, and they do so nicely with the varieties like Blueberry Acai Lime, Strawberry Raspberry, and I believe at one point they also had a Cucumber Berliner Weisse. 

This Redbud beer is a great one for people wanting to get started in the world of sour and tart beers, and the varieties that follow make it an even more interesting drink. Independence Brewing says that Redbud pairs well with oily, salty, and starchy foods and fruity sorbets. Beyond those, it also pairs well with a warm spring day. 

Visit Independence Brewing’s taproom in Austin if you have the chance, or look for them in a liquor store or bar near you.

Drink up!

Mr. Brew