Perennial Hopfentea
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Tasting Notes
Hopfentea pours tart and lean, leading with a bright lactic acidity that carries notes of green tea, lemon zest, and a subtle floral hop character — unusual for the style but consistent with the name. The body is light and almost watery in the way a true Berliner should be, keeping things nimble on the palate. The finish is clean and dry, with the tea character fading into a gentle tartness that lingers without turning harsh. It's a precise, restrained beer that rewards attention.
About the Brewery
Perennial Artisan Ales is based in St. Louis, Missouri, and has been operating since 2011. They've built a strong reputation in the American craft scene for thoughtful mixed-fermentation and barrel-aged work, particularly their Abraxas imperial stout, which has become a genuine cult item. Their lineup spans a wide range of styles, but the brewery's identity skews toward complex, process-driven beers that reflect serious attention to fermentation.
Food Pairings
The sharp lactic acidity here cuts through rich or oily foods well — smoked salmon works because the tartness balances the fat while the tea notes echo the fish's delicacy. Soft fresh cheeses like chèvre or fromage blanc mirror the beer's tang without fighting it. A light cucumber and herb salad finds a natural partner in the floral, grassy character of the hops and tea. Steamed mussels with a light broth are a classic Berliner companion, where the acidity acts almost like a squeeze of lemon.
Style Guide
Berliner Weisse is a German wheat ale defined by pronounced lactic sourness, very low bitterness, and a body so light it borders on sparkling water. It originated in Berlin and was historically popular enough that Napoleon's troops reportedly called it the Champagne of the North. ABVs typically fall between 2.8% and 5%, making it one of the lower-alcohol styles in the craft canon. It differs from Gose — a close neighbor — in that it skips the salt and coriander additions, keeping the flavor profile narrower and more purely acidic.