Set up in 2007, Bavarian craft beer brand And Union is the product of a father, a son and his business partner, with a focus on rationality and simplicity – the basic principles of modernism – at the helm. Working with brew-masters from four small, family-run Bavarian regional breweries, all of And Union’s craft beers are brewed in a traditional manner, using just barley, yeast, hops, and water. And as a result, the brewing process for the unfiltered and unpasteurised beers is not rushed and can take up to 16 weeks to complete.
“A true and traditional unfiltered Bavarian Weiss… with a modern twist”, And Union’s ‘Steph Weiss’ is matured for eight weeks and presented in a striking, sunshine yellow can. Inside, the beer has a hazy golden-orange complexion, topped with a foaming white head that’s quick to disperse. On the nose, an explosion of tropical fruit aromas such as mango and banana are teamed with some orange (juice and rind) citrus notes, plus pepper and clove. Unexpectedly, given the tropical fruit aromas generally associated with bitter American hops, ‘Steph Weiss’ is less bitter than it is soft, fruity and juicy. Flavours of banana and orange continue onto the palate, as does the clove, complete with some bread notes and prominent sweet vanilla.
With a lasting creamy, smooth finish replete with clove spiciness, ‘Steph Weiss’ is an interesting, very easy-drinking brew. Though the body is robust, the alcohol potency (5% ABV) is misleading on the tongue. Just don’t drive home after a few cans “for F@#k’s sake”, as the can’s small print insists.
Further information on And Union can be found at andunion.com.