It’s raining as I write this.  If the forecast holds it won’t be as you read it. That prediction includes temperatures for Toronto that are near or above 30C and lots of sunshine for Canada Day weekend. That's decidedly summer weather for which we'll need a decidedly summer beer. The list of beer styles that I save for hot weather is a short one with German weissbier near the top.

Happily, the LCBO has included the Ayinger Brau-Weisse in their summer beer release. This wheat beer is brewed in the Bavarian countryside just outside of Munich. 

Poured into a weizen glass Brau-Weisse is a hazy dark yellow topped with a rocky pillow of white foam. The flavour and aroma bring to mind caramelized banana, spicy clove and a toasted bread finish. The energetic carbonation nicely cleans the palate in preparation for another sip.

German weissbier is an exception to the rule that tells us to keep the yeasty dregs at the bottom of the bottle. Instead, once you have poured about two-thirds into a glass (preferably one that tapers toward the bottom), swirl the rest to dissolve the yeast and then pour the remaining beer into the centre of the foamy cap.

When considering beer prices $10 for every litre (or $3.30 for a 330 mL bottle) is my dividing line. Any beer above it needs to explain why it’s there and ones below it, that I enjoy drinking, should be stockpiled. So, at $3.95 for a 500 ml bottle, this world-class hefeweizen is a great deal.

If the bright appearance and spicy-fruity flavour haven’t convinced you, there’s also hefeweizen's built-in combatibility with hot-weather foods such as green salads and simply prepared seafood to consider. Whether on its own or beside a bowl of mussels, this is a beer made for sun-soaked, outdoor drinking.

Ayinger Brau-Weisse, $3.95 for a 500 ml bottle, LCBO #273656