Weizenbock: The Strong German Wheat Beer Explained

German name

Weizenbock

Alcohol

6.5–8.5% ABV

Colour

Pale gold to dark ruby brown

Fermentation

Top-fermented (ale)

Origin

Bavaria; Schneider Aventinus (1907) was the first

Glass

Weizen glass or stemmed tulip

Serve at

8–12 °C

Weizenbock takes everything people love about German wheat beer, the banana, the clove, the creamy body, and adds the strength and richness of a Bock. The result is one of the most flavourful beers Germany brews.

Where does Weizenbock come from?

In 1907, the Schneider brewery in Munich brewed a strong, dark wheat beer to compete with the popular Doppelbocks of the time. It named the beer Aventinus, after the Bavarian historian Johannes Aventinus. Schneider Weisse Aventinus is widely considered the first Weizenbock and is still the benchmark.

Pale Weizenbocks came later. Weihenstephaner Vitus, a golden Weizenbock, has won many international awards.

What does Weizenbock taste like?

• Pale Weizenbock (like Vitus): Golden and hazy, with ripe banana, apricot, clove and a smooth, warming finish
• Dark Weizenbock (like Aventinus): Ruby brown, with plum, raisin, banana bread, caramel and spice

Both are full-bodied and creamy, with very little bitterness and a gentle alcohol warmth.

How to serve Weizenbock

Serve it at 8–12 °C, a little warmer than a regular wheat beer, in a Weizen glass or a stemmed tulip. Pour gently and sip slowly. See our guide to German beer glasses.

Food pairing: Pale Weizenbock with spicy Thai or Indian dishes and soft cheeses. Dark Weizenbock with roast duck, game, blue cheese and Christmas pudding.

Weizenbock in Australia

Schneider Weisse Aventinus and Weihenstephaner Vitus are available at larger bottle shops and specialist stores across Australia, and Erdinger Pikantus is another one to look for. For more, see our 12 best German wheat beers.

German beer brands that brew Wheat Bock

From our top 20 German beer brands in Australia, ranked by how easy they are to find here.

1. 02ErdingerThe world’s biggest wheat beer breweryErding, Bavaria · since 1886
   Try: Erdinger WeissbierEasy to find
2. 03WeihenstephanerThe world’s oldest breweryFreising, Bavaria · since 1040
   Try: Weihenstephaner HefeweissbierEasy to find
3. 16Schneider WeisseBavaria’s wheat beer specialistsKelheim, Bavaria · since 1872
   Try: Schneider Weisse TAP7 Unser OriginalIn larger bottle shops

Wheat Bock FAQs

What is Weizenbock?

Weizenbock is a strong wheat beer, brewed like a Bock with more malt and alcohol (usually 6.5–8.5% ABV) but fermented with wheat beer yeast, so it keeps the banana and clove flavours of a Hefeweizen.

What was the first Weizenbock?

Schneider Aventinus, first brewed in 1907 by the Schneider brewery, is widely considered the first Weizenbock. It is a dark wheat doppelbock of 8.2% ABV and is still brewed today.

Which Weizenbock can I buy in Australia?

Schneider Aventinus and Weihenstephaner Vitus are the most widely available Weizenbocks in Australia, at larger bottle shops and specialist stores. Erdinger Pikantus is another option.

← Back to all German beer types · Last updated 2 October 2026.