#90 – Franziskaner Naturtrüb Beer – Weissbier

Here on Beer With Sid, we’re all about seeking out the perfect brews, no matter where our travels take us. And sometimes, those travels lead to unexpected delights.

a legendary Bavarian beer with a history stretching back over 600 years. My jaw dropped. Finding one of Munich’s finest wheat beers in Bangkok?

It was Destiny.

Beer Name: Franziskaner Naturtrüb

Manufacturer: Spaten-Franziskane Brewery

Origin: Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Company Founded in: 1363

Beer Type: Weissbier

SRM (Colour): 15

Abv (Alcohol) : 5%

IBU (Bitterness): 10

My Franziskaner WeissbEer Experience

On a recent business trip to Bangkok, I found myself at the Hard Rock Cafe, ready to unwind with a classic whiskey sour. But the moment I scanned the menu, my plans changed entirely – A Bavarian Legend in the Heart of Bangkok

There it was—a beer from a brewery older than most modern nations. This wasn’t just any beer; this was a legend, a Bavarian Weissbier called “Franziskaner Weißbier”, brewed since the ancient year of 1363 by the esteemed Franziskaner brewery in Munich.

Franziskaner owes its origins to Seidel Vaterstetter, whose vision and craftsmanship placed it at the pinnacle of Bavarian brewing. The name itself—a tribute to the Franciscan monks in the area—evokes an air of history and reverence. Today, Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu GmbH continues this legacy, crafting beers that embody centuries of tradition. Seeing Franziskaner on the menu in Bangkok felt surreal. For years, I’d heard tales of its excellence but never had the chance to savor it.

Naturally, my whiskey plans were shelved. I eagerly ordered this Bavarian masterpiece. This was a chance I couldn’t miss.

The server, a true beer maestro, approached the Franziskaner with reverence. With a gentle swirl, he roused the yeast from its slumber within the bottle. Then, with practiced hands, he poured half the beer, creating a magnificent, creamy white head. The rest of the golden elixir followed, a swirling dance that ensured not a single speck of yeast remained behind. It was a performance in itself.

The Franziskaner Weissbier poured a hazy, golden-yellow hue with a radiant sunset-orange tint, with bubbles racing to the surface in a mesmerizing dance. The aroma was equally captivating: a harmonious blend of banana, citrus and subtle cloves, with a hint of earthy yeast. It was a bouquet that promised complexity and depth.

My God, I love this beer. I can always fall back on it and just fall into its greatness. These types of beers ignited my passion for craft brews. The cloudy yellow liquid, a hazy sunset orange when swirled, held a universe of flavor. Warm wheat met citrus, banana and a hint of yeast in a beautiful balance. The interplay of flavors—from the gentle spice to the faint bubblegum characteristic — was nothing short of masterful. Each sip was smooth, crisp and refreshing, with a pleasantly dry finish that invited another. The carbonation was perfect, lending a slight effervescence that danced on the palate.

It was everything a Weissbier should be—a perfect embodiment of the style. Its refreshing qualities make it the perfect companion for unwinding after a long day. Despite its depth of flavor, it was incredibly easy to drink—the kind of beer you could savor all evening.

Finding this Bavarian gem in the heart of Bangkok was a delightful surprise. The Franziskaner Weissbier is a beer for any occasion, one you can enjoy again and again. It is no wonder many consider this style a gateway to the world of craft beers.

If you’re ever in Bangkok or anywhere else Franziskaner graces a menu, don’t hesitate. Order it. Relish it. Let it transport you to the heart of Bavaria. After all, the perfect beer experience can be just around the corner.