Which terms are commonly associated with hefeweizen?

Hefeweizen is a traditional German style of wheat beer that is primarily characterized by its use of top-fermenting yeast, which contributes to its signature flavors and aromas. The term "hefe" translates to "yeast" in German, indicating that the yeast plays a crucial role in the beer's profile. It is typically brewed with a significant proportion of wheat, leading to a hazy appearance due to the suspended yeast and proteins.

When focusing on common characteristics of hefeweizen, "white" refers to the beer's light color and often cloudy appearance. The combination of the yeast's contribution and the natural haziness gives hefeweizens their distinct visual and flavor profile, often featuring notes of banana and clove, which are aromatic compounds produced by the yeast during fermentation. Therefore, the association with yeast and the light, often whitish appearance is fundamental to understanding hefeweizen.