Joerger Weisse

"I need a drink."

I've never quite understood this phrase as there isn't ever really a scenario where I "need" a drink. I really think that phrase applies only to those with a dependency on alcohol. However, it's a phrase that's uttered often. I'm a bit of a cynic when it comes to analyzing other people's motivations, often turning first to the most negative explanation (i.e. most people do or say things because they're selfish and want attention) (I say as you read my carefully chosen thoughts). In the case of this phrase, the cynical response is to say that it's used at a time of weakness intended to elicit a sympathetic reaction from someone. The more rational me, the one that doesn't neatly fold up all mopey thoughts and shove them into my appendix (I mean, really, it's not good for anything else), realizes that it's a perfectly acceptable and normal desire to "need a drink." Today, while trudging through an absolutely shitty day of nonstop idiotic questions from the individuals I support at work while simultaneously attempting to teach someone with the excel skills of my grandpa my job, I realized that I absolutely needed a drink.

The stress-induced desire for beer can take many forms, the least important of which is the actual need for alcohol. One (again, I'm making the assumption, risky as it may be, that you are not an actual alcoholic) does not literally need the booze to be happy. Granted, there are some instances where the desire to get shit-faced drunk, either following a prolonged period of time where work or school kept you away from drinking or a particularly rough week, but that's not what I'm talking about. Most importantly having a beer represents an arrival at some place that is absolutely NOT work. It allows you to sit back, take a breath, and appreciate the fact that you are not having to answer stupid questions, send emails, or go to meetings. The prohibition of alcohol at work only enhances it's symbolic value as a distinctly non-work activity. For others, you can go for a run, watch TV, play Call of Duty 4 - but for me, having a beer wraps up the day perfectly (editor's note: this + COD4 = heaven...it's just math). Each sip distances me more from the daily grind.

For such an occasion, I went with a style of beer that is refreshing and I knew I love, Weisse beer. Weisse, or wheat, beer is the perfect treat for a cool drink at the end of the day. With a typically mild alcoholic taste, wheat beer provides an unassuming flavor which is easily my favorite. Tonight, I chose Jörger Weisse, brewed by Braurerei Grieskirchen in Austria.



I chose this one not for a fancy label but strictly because it was a Weisse beer. The pour was the expected light orange color of a wheat beer, but this one was much cloudier than I've seen and when held up to a light I could barely see through it. A small head formed but by the time I had properly swirled the bottle to ensure all the yeast was in the pour (this process ensures the fullest flavor) it had nearly disappeared, a much different experience than the meringue head of the Chouffe. The first taste was a smooth refreshing weisse, with a banana-like flavor (editor's note: as the title of the blog indicates, I wouldn't have been able to pick this out. I only know to look for it after my trip to Germany). The problem with this beer is that it lacks a real identity. It tastes like a generic wheat beer without any real memorable flavor. It is quite carbonated , bubbling intensely on the tip of the tongue, which takes away from the natural flavor wheat flavors.

Despite not being that great of a beer, it was a satisfying end to a pretty crappy day, and I'm comfortable admitting that.