Michael Plank Brewery is the latest German Brewery to hit our shelves, and judging by the excess of awards they have won at the World Beer Cup for an array of their beers, they should be a superb one.  If their merits aren't any indication as to the quality and character of the brewery, maybe the fact that he brewery has been around since 1617 and is currently run by the 16^th generation Michael Plank will give a clue that this is something special.  Michael Plank Brewery’s portfolio will consist of four unique German style brews.

Plank Bavarian Hefeweizen is a smooth and drinkable German wheat inspired beer.  It is a fine example of the hefeweizen style, as it won a silver medal at the World Beer Cup in 2008.  Look for yeasty flavors accompanied by fruits like bananas and grapes.  A nice lemony zest character and slight hop bitterness balances out this pleasing hefeweizen.

Plank Heller Weizenbock took home well deserved gold medals from the World Beer Cup in 2004, 2006, and 2008.  Citrus, wheat, bananas, cloves, yeast, and bread are all detectable.  A tartness and hop bitterness is noticeable but quickly balanced out by this beers strong malt character.  One thing that stands out is how well the alcohol is hidden in this 7.5% ABV gem.  A good amount of carbonation is present throughout.  This beer is far too appetizing to pass up!

Plank Dunkler Weizenbock is another former gold medal winner at the World Beer Cup.  Dark fruits and bananas are the dominant flavors, with mild spices, roasted malt, and a slight hop bitterness lingering in the background.  A decent amount of carbonation and well masked alcohol is also noticeable.  A bittersweet and slightly sour finish caps off this magnificent beer.

Plank Heller Dopplebock is the final offering from Michael Plank Brewery, and it is a dandy.  It has a surprisingly light body despite it being 7.8% ABV.  Lively carbonation strikes again, coinciding with roasted and toasted malts.  A decent amount of hop bitterness is detectable, but once again balanced out by the sweet malt backbone that this beer possesses.  If dopplebocks are your fancy, then this one should be right up your alley.

Overall, the Michael Plank Brewery beers are solid choices if you are seeking authentic German brews.  Some people have asked why the beers have a $5.99 price point (as we also questioned our distributor’s price) but we then realized that three out of the four beers offered are 7.5% ABV or greater, and after we finished consuming these genuine brews, any thoughts of money had hastily gone astray.  Will you be experiencing Michael Plank Brewery; one of the best small breweries in the world?