For 20 years now, the best beers have been awarded at the European Beer Star. In a blind tasting, 150 jury members judged the beers exclusively in terms of sensory aspects: appearance, aroma and taste. 2356 beers were entered in 74 different categories in 2023.

This huge competition is why the moment, when the winners were announced, was filled with great joy: The Weihenstephan representatives in Nuremberg were already jubilant when the Hefeweißbier won the bronze medal - but the celebrations really started with the Weizenbock Vitus! In its category, the beer specialty was named Europe's best. Head Brewmaster Tobias Zollo accepted these honors on stage in Nuremberg.

The Weizenbock Vitus, known and celebrated for its intense notes of banana and cloves, its high drinkability despite 7.7 percent ABV and its noble appearance in the glass, finally won Gold again after several consecutive silver medals. At the European Beer Star blind tastings in September, the jury's opinion was clear - this has to be Europe's best Weizenbock. 

Weihenstephan's Director Prof. Dr. Josef Schrädler says: "Since the medals at the European Beer Star are awarded according to the Olympic principle - exactly one gold, silver, and bronze medal per category – these awards are particularly valuable. We are of course delighted that not only the Hefeweißbier but also its big brother, the Vitus, have won medals."

Tobias Zollo added, "You can smell the banana notes of our Vitus in our wheat beer cellar from a distance. This intense aroma is one of the reasons why the Weizenbock is so well received around the world. Our brewers know exactly what they are doing. We are very proud of this success!"