Edelweiss Wheat Beer Launch: Tasting the Alps at Home
In June 2021, HEINEKEN Malaysia launched Edelweiss, a wheat beer from the Austrian Alps, across Peninsular Malaysia in bottles, cans and on draught. Since launch parties were still on hold, I got to try it at home with a tasting kit from the Edelweiss team.
The Tasting Kit
It was exciting to unbox. The kit came with perfectly chilled Edelweiss, proper glassware and an Alpine-inspired grazing platter to pair with it. It was a fun way to bring a little taste of the mountains home at a time when travel was not possible.
What Does Edelweiss Taste Like?
Edelweiss has a golden colour with a natural cloudiness, which is typical of wheat beers, since some of the yeast and wheat proteins stay in the beer. It is smooth and easy to drink, with a refreshing finish and a subtle fruity aftertaste. If you usually find lagers too bitter, a wheat beer like this is a gentler place to start.
On draught, it is served from the Edelweiss Blade, a compact draught machine used in selected bars and restaurants.
A Bit of History
Edelweiss comes from near Salzburg in the Austrian Alps, and its brewing heritage goes back to the 17th century. It is named after the edelweiss flower that grows in the Alps, and it remains one of Europe’s popular wheat beers.
Pairing and Serving Tips
Wheat beers are very food-friendly. Try Edelweiss with a cheese and charcuterie board, as in the kit, or with lighter dishes like salads, grilled chicken, seafood and mildly spiced Asian food. Serve it well chilled in a tall glass, and pour slowly at an angle to get a nice foamy head.
At launch, a 4-pack of 330ml cans was priced at RM32.50 in supermarkets. Please enjoy responsibly.
