What Makes a Hefe Modern? Behind the Brew of Jack’s Abby’s Newest Release
Jack’s Abby’s Modern Hefe is a Hefeweizen reimagined through the lens of lager brewing. It’s a part of our Modern Series inspired by global brewing traditions and advanced lagering techniques. Modern Hefe combines the banana and clove character of a classic German wheat beer with the clean, crisp finish that defines Jack’s Abby lagers. Here’s what makes this release stand out, and how it bridges old-world craft with new-world innovation.
Modern Lagers: Tradition, Reimagined
At Jack’s Abby, we’ve always been passionate about one thing: lagers. But passion alone isn’t what drives innovation; curiosity does. That’s what inspired our Modern Series, a collection of beers born from a journey across the globe, where our co-owner, Jack Hendler, and our Director of People Operations, Joe Connolly, immersed themselves in the culture of brewing while researching their book, Modern Lager Beer.
That journey sparked a question that continues to shape our brewing philosophy today: What happens when we blend centuries-old lager traditions with modern techniques and creativity? The result is the Modern Series: a lineup of beers that reimagine classic styles through the lens of lagering. Every release balances history and innovation, craftsmanship and curiosity. And the latest chapter in that story is Modern Hefe.
A Classic Style for the Modern Drinker
Hefeweizens are known for their hazy appearance, pillowy texture, and expressive aromas of banana and clove. Flavors that have defined German wheat beers for generations. Modern Hefe honors that legacy but adds a distinctly Jack’s Abby twist.
Instead of using a traditional ale yeast, we krausen the beer with our House Lager yeast, a process that naturally carbonates the beer while extending the fermentation and conditioning time. The result is a Hefeweizen with a smoother finish, refined balance, and the kind of crisp drinkability you only get from a lager.
Modern Hefe is also decoction mashed, an old-world technique that pulls a portion of the mash, boils it, and returns it to the main vessel. This deepens the malt character and gives the beer its soft, round mouthfeel. Combined with imported German pilsner malt and wheat, the result is a beer that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.
A Taste of Modern Tradition
Modern Hefe pours a hazy, golden orange with a soft cloud of foam on top, a visual cue to its unfiltered nature. The aroma bursts with classic Hefeweizen notes of banana and clove, while the sip reveals a smooth, sweet finish with just enough lingering brightness to keep you coming back for another. At 5% ABV, it’s the kind of beer that’s equally at home in a frosty stein on your dinner table, a chilled can at a backyard barbecue, or fresh draft pour in the Beer Hall.
More From the Modern Series
Modern Hefe joins the growing lineup of the Modern Series, which began with Modern Pils earlier this year and will continue with Modern IPA, set to release this winter. Each beer explores how advanced lagering techniques (from krausening to natural carbonation and beyond) can transform traditional styles into something distinctly modern. Whether it’s a smooth hefe, crisp pilsner, or hop-forward IPA, the Modern Series is our way of celebrating what we’ve learned on our journey while continuing to push what a lager can be.
Where in the World is Modern Hefe?
Modern Hefe is available on draft and in 16 oz. 4-packs at the Jack’s Abby Beer Hall and select retailers. Come by for a pour, grab a pack to go, and raise a glass to the future of lager.
