Erdinger is the wheat beer you see everywhere, the world’s best-selling weissbier, and there is a reason it travels so well. It is a smooth, approachable hefeweizen, a touch cleaner and lighter on the banana-and-clove than Weihenstephaner, which makes it an easy introduction to the style. I picked up a batch for this guide.
Erdinger Weissbier at a glance
| Style | Hefeweizen |
| ABV | 5.3% |
| Calories | Around 160 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Erdinger, Erding, Germany |
| Character | Gentle banana, clove, soft wheat, clean |
| Best served | Cold, in a tall weizen glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a smooth, approachable hefeweizen, a touch cleaner and lighter than the benchmark examples.
The full review
It pours a hazy pale gold with a big, fluffy white head. The aroma is a gentler hefeweizen, soft banana, a light clove note and a clean wheat backing, less intense than the very best examples.
The flavour is smooth and easy. There is a mild banana-and-clove character, a soft wheat body and a clean, refreshing finish. It is more restrained than a benchmark hefeweizen, which some purists dock it for but which makes it very approachable.
That approachability is its strength. It is consistent, widely available and easy to enjoy, a reliable everyday wheat beer rather than a showpiece. At 5.3% it stays refreshing and light.
It is not quite as characterful as Weihenstephaner, but as the world’s most popular wheat beer it is a dependable, enjoyable classic. A great gateway to the style.
There is a reason it travels so well: a smooth, approachable hefeweizen that is easy to enjoy anywhere.
- The world’s best-selling wheat beer
- Smooth and very approachable
- Consistent and widely available
- A great gateway to hefeweizen
- Less characterful than the best examples
- A touch restrained for purists
Who it is for
If you want an easy, approachable introduction to German wheat beer, Erdinger is ideal. Perfect for newcomers and for reliable everyday drinking.
Erdinger Weissbier FAQs
How is Erdinger different from Weihenstephaner?
Both are German hefeweizens, but Erdinger is a touch cleaner, lighter and more restrained on the banana-and-clove character, which makes it more approachable. Weihenstephaner is more intense and is generally rated higher by enthusiasts.
What does Erdinger Weissbier taste like?
Gentle banana and clove over a soft wheat body, with a clean, refreshing finish. It is a smooth, easy-going take on the hefeweizen style.
How strong is Erdinger Weissbier?
It is 5.3% ABV, a standard-strength wheat beer that stays light and refreshing.
Where to buy Erdinger Weissbier
Erdinger Weissbier is widely available across the US in bottles and cans. Buy it using the button above and drink it cold.
The verdict
Erdinger is the world’s most popular wheat beer for good reason, a smooth, approachable hefeweizen that is easy to enjoy anywhere. Not quite the benchmark, but a dependable and enjoyable classic.
FAQs
Who makes Erdinger Weissbier?
Erdinger Weissbier is brewed by Erdinger (independently owned by a non-profit foundation set up by the Brombach family).
What kind of beer is Erdinger Weissbier?
Erdinger Weissbier is a Hefeweizen, at 5.3% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Erdinger Weissbier?
Erdinger Weissbier has an ABV of 5.3%.
How many calories are in Erdinger Weissbier?
Erdinger Weissbier has Around 160 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Erdinger Weissbier gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Erdinger Weissbier is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Erdinger Weissbier taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Erdinger Weissbier made?
Erdinger Weissbier is brewed by Erdinger in Erding, Germany. For more from that country, see our best Germany beers guide.
What is a good alternative to Erdinger Weissbier?
If you can’t find Erdinger Weissbier, Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier is a close alternative in the same Hefeweizen category.
How do I open Erdinger Weissbier without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Erdinger Weissbier?
Cold, in a tall weizen glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
