For those who haven’t experienced the wholesome taste of imported Franziskaner from Munich, Germany, I feel for you. This beer is a favorite of mine. It seems to only get better with each time. The thing is, Franziskaner is not just a beer, it was a way of life in Germany.

According to the official Franziskaner website, this Weiss has been brewed since 1363, and was the first privately owned brewery in Munich. Beer was not only a way for people to relax and have a good drink; it was a way for people to survive. Lords in Germany forced bonded peasants to pay tribute to them by brewing beer. Thus, Franziskaner was born.

Actual written documentation of beer being brewed in Germany dates back to the year 800 A.D. In the year 1516, the Bavarian Purity Brewing Law was instated- guaranteeing a quality result every time. With this much history behind a beer, there is no way Franziskaner can disappoint you.

I came across this beer by random shopping. I thought the label looked cool and the beer looked decent. In turn, I found one of the best brews I have ever tasted, and will continue to support Franziskaner’s business for years to come.

Unfortunately I have not found a bar or pub that serves Franziskaner on tap in Sacramento. But, you can take a short trip down to the neighborhood supermarket where Franziskaner will be available. It usually runs about $3.15 for one 22 ounce bottle.

It surprised me to find out that Franziskaner is a malt liquor. It is by far the best tasting malt liquor I’ve ever had! This Hefe-Weiss runs around 6% alcohol in volume. It is mild; yet bitter enough to let you know that you are getting what you paid for. It has a short bite to it at first and then is followed by a sweet, aromatic smoothness that tickles your tongue with flavor. It is brewed with malt, barley, wheat, and a hint of clove and banana flavors.

According to the brewer’s at Franziskaner, the reason their beer is so good and has such a pure distinctive taste is due to the fact that the beer is 90% water. The water is taken from an underground well 650 ft. deep that is filtered through many layers of rock for thousands of years. The hops, wheat and barley all make this brew great, but the clean taste of well water puts this beer on another level.

If you like hefeweizen, I also recommend Widmer Brothers from Portland, Oregon. It is a wheat beer with a distinct, mellow flavor. Not as good as Franziskaner, but still quality.

This beer is perfect for a hot, sunny day barbequing, or perfect if you’re just relaxing at home, watching a game. Either way, Franziskaner comes through. Plus, they have one of the coolest insignias of any beer: A Franciscan friar rubbing his belly with a fresh mug of some superb malt. If you like beer, you’ll like Franziskaner.

Galen Kusic can be reached at [email protected]