When it comes to refreshing beverages, few things beat the crisp, invigorating taste of a well-crafted wheat beer. With their light body, rich texture, and enticing flavor profiles, wheat beers are perfect for sipping on a warm spring or summer day. In this blog post, we’ll explore 11 must-try wheat beers that deserve a spot on your bucket list. From American-style wheat ales to traditional European hefeweizens and witbiers, there’s something here for every palate.
American-Style Wheat Beers
Unfiltered Wheat Beer from Boulevard Brewing Co.
Straight out of Kansas City, Boulevard Brewing Co. brings us a quintessential example of an American-style wheat beer. This hazy, pale-yellow ale boasts notes of bread and bread crust, with hints of citrus, lemon, and herbal hops. Its moderate bitterness makes it an ideal companion for lazy summer afternoons by the lake.
Oberon Ale from Bell’s Brewery
Synonymous with the arrival of spring for many beer enthusiasts, Oberon Ale from Bell’s Brewery in Michigan is a light and fluffy American wheat ale with a tinge of orange citrus flavor. Its bready wheat base is complemented by spicy hops, creating a crisp and clean finish that will leave you reaching for another sip.
A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ from Lagunitas Brewing Co.
For those who crave a hop-forward experience, look no further than A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ from Lagunitas Brewing Co. This wheat IPA combines high bitterness with grapefruit citrus hop flavors, all balanced by a sharp, crackery wheat character. Its lighter body makes it an excellent choice for summertime sipping.
Gumballhead from 3 Floyds Brewing Co.
Another hoppy option comes from 3 Floyds Brewing Co. in Indiana. Gumballhead is a light, bright, and crispy wheat beer with super-citrus lemony hops that pop out on top. With medium-high bitterness and a dry finish, it’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning hop fans.
European Wheat Beers
Ewald the Golden from Utepils
Turning our attention to European wheat beer styles, Ewald the Golden from Utepils in Minneapolis offers a delightful take on the classic hefeweizen. This mouth-filling brew balances spicy clove and banana notes with bright lemon and subtle stone fruit flavors, making it a juicy treat for any occasion.
Hefe-Metal from Remedy Brewing Co.
In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Remedy Brewing Co. serves up Hefe-Metal, a hefeweizen with a twist. This beer leans more towards banana flavors, reminiscent of Banana Runts candy, with subtle hints of clove. Its bread-dough base and dry finish make it a refreshing choice for hot summer days.
Weissbier Hell from Kloster Andechs
For a taste of Bavarian tradition, look no further than Weissbier Hell from Kloster Andechs. This authentic German hefeweizen features ample banana and clove notes, balanced by fresh, yeasty bread dough and lemony highlights. Its creamy mouthfeel and refreshing finish make it a go-to choice for wheat beer enthusiasts.
Weissbier Dunkel from Kloster Andechs
Darker and maltier than its pale counterparts, Weissbier Dunkel offers a rich and flavorful alternative for wheat beer lovers. Kloster Andechs delivers once again with a balanced blend of brown bread, banana, clove, and lemon, all wrapped up in a creamy mouthfeel with effervescent carbonation.
St. Bernardus Wit from Brouwerij St. Bernard
Heading over to Belgium, Brouwerij St. Bernardus presents St. Bernardus Wit, a classic example of a Belgian witbier. With its pale, cloudy appearance and grainy wheat base, this beer is bursting with coriander, orange, and clove flavors, all underscored by refreshing lemony highlights.
Kerel Organic Wit from VBDCK Brewery
For a modern twist on the traditional witbier, VBDCK Brewery in Tielrode, Belgium offers Kerel Organic Wit. By using lemon peel instead of orange, this beer brings prominent lemon and citrusy coriander to the forefront, with subtle notes of yeasty banana and peppery spice. Its dry finish leaves a lingering pithy bitterness on the palate.
Venn White from Venn Brewing Co.
Venn Brewing Co., nestled in Minneapolis, offers a contemporary take on the classic witbier with its Venn White. This modern interpretation involves dry-hopping the beer with Citra hops, resulting in a delightful explosion of fruity flavors. While maintaining the essence of a traditional witbier with its characteristic notes of coriander, orange, and banana, the addition of Citra hops brings a vibrant zing of lemon to both the flavor and aroma profiles. The result is a powerful brew that strikes a perfect balance, delivering a refreshing and invigorating experience without overpowering the delicate nuances of the witbier style.
FAQs
- What is a wheat beer?
- A wheat beer is a type of beer that is brewed with a significant proportion of wheat in addition to barley. This gives it a lighter body and often a slightly cloudy appearance compared to beers brewed solely with barley.
- What are the different styles of wheat beer?
- There are several styles of wheat beer, including American-style wheat ales, German hefeweizens, Belgian witbiers, and Dunkelweizens. Each style has its own unique characteristics in terms of flavor, aroma, and appearance.
- What flavors can I expect from a wheat beer?
- Wheat beers often exhibit flavors of bread dough, crackers, citrus, banana, clove, and other spices, depending on the specific style. Some may also have hoppy or fruity notes, particularly in American-style wheat ales.
- Are wheat beers gluten-free?
- While wheat beers are brewed with wheat, which contains gluten, the gluten content can vary depending on the brewing process. People with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should exercise caution and choose beers labeled as gluten-free.
- How should I serve wheat beer?
- Wheat beers are best enjoyed when served cold, typically between 45-50°F (7-10°C). They are often served in tall, narrow glasses such as Weizen glasses or tulip glasses to showcase their aromas and allow for a foamy head.
- What food pairs well with wheat beer?
- Wheat beers pair well with a variety of foods, including seafood, salads, light cheeses, grilled chicken, and spicy dishes. Their refreshing and slightly fruity flavors complement a wide range of flavors, making them versatile for food pairing.
- Can I age wheat beer like other styles of beer?
- Wheat beers are generally best enjoyed fresh to preserve their delicate flavors and aromas. While some high-alcohol wheat beers may benefit from aging, most wheat beers are meant to be consumed relatively soon after bottling or kegging.
- Are wheat beers popular in certain regions?
- Wheat beers have a long history in Germany and Belgium, where styles like hefeweizens and witbiers originated. However, they have gained popularity worldwide, particularly in North America, where craft breweries have embraced the style and put their own spin on it.
Conclusion
With so many tantalizing options to choose from, exploring the world of wheat beers is an adventure worth embarking on. Whether you prefer the hoppy bitterness of American-style wheat ales or the fruity complexity of traditional European hefeweizens and witbiers, there’s a wheat beer out there waiting to delight your taste buds. So why not add these 11 must-try wheat beers to your bucket list and start sipping your way to refreshment today?
I’m Chen Mina, from Vol de Nuit, who has a special passion for bartending, especially mixing wine, beer, and cooktail. Here you will find content about alcoholic beverages, I will bring you knowledge that few people know about this drink.
