Previously, I had ventured to Kress Liquors’ wall of imports and picked up a mixed six. The Erdinger Hefe Weizen was the first that I had reviewed. I enjoyed that beer so much that I selected the Erdinger Pikantus Weizen Bock as the second beer. Erdinger has been brewing quality beer for over 125 years most of that time under the watchful eye of the Bromabach family. Today, the brewer calls itself the world’s largest wheat beer brewery and distributes to five continents.

Here is what Erdinger has to say about the Pikantus:

For some people, Erdinger Weissbier Pikantus ‘dark bock beer’ is a delicacy to be enjoyed in the colder months of the year. For lovers of strong beer, however, the season for Pikantus lasts a full twelve months. At 7.3% alcohol, this specialty wheat beer has a considerably higher alcohol content than other varieties produced by Erdinger Weissbräu. The dark bock beer owes its sharp and full flavor to the use of selected dark wheat and barley malts and a significantly longer maturing process. In contrast to many bock beers, Erdinger Weissbier Pikantus ‘dark bock beer’ does not taste too sweet. Despite its higher alcohol content, Erdinger’s master brewers have succeeded in retaining the smooth Pikantus flavor.

I found the Pikantus to be…

Appearance: Burnt Sienna (the kids had the Crayola box out and helped with the color) with light foam and good lacing.

Burnt Sienna (the kids had the Crayola box out and helped with the color) with light foam and good lacing. Aroma: Fruit (apricots, oranges, apples) with floral notes and a malty sweetness.

Fruit (apricots, oranges, apples) with floral notes and a malty sweetness. Taste: Well carbonated with a slightly sweet slightly spiced flavor. Well balanced with a good finish.

Well carbonated with a slightly sweet slightly spiced flavor. Well balanced with a good finish. ABV: 7.3%

As with the Hefe Weizen, Erdinger has crafted another great beer. The barometer in my house is that a beer passes the sniff test with the Mrs. Well, the sniff was followed by a healthy taste and I nearly lost the beer.