The Berliner Weisse is a sharply sour German ale based on pilsner and wheat malts, although the wheat content is normally well below 50% (~30%). The Berliner Weisse is typically clear to hazy golden in color with a strong initial head that fades rapidly. The body is light, the carbonation high, and the alcohol content low (normally 3.5% or lower), and these beers are generally regarded as refreshing with a firm wheat backbone in the flavor. The sharp acidic and sour character is a result of the combined yeast and lactic bacteria fermentation process. These beers are often served with a shot of fruit sugar syrups (raspberry or woodruff) mixed in to ease the sourness. Berliner Weisse beers are somewhat "rare" and hard to come by in most parts of the world, being brewed by only two German brewers today.
