Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

Wheat Beers

It's a Hefe Load

Wheat Ale

As the name would suggest, these are ales that use a proportion of wheat in the mash to add a protein haze. Wheat ales inspired by the German weizen tradition were popular before Prohibition in the United States and are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. This generic category encapsulates the diverse interpretation of the classic German weizen styles brewed in America and elsewhere. A host of variables ranging from the wheat/malt ratio, hopping and filtration/non filtration all contribute to wide variations on the theme. Generally, U.S. examples feature a more marked hop accent than classic German weizen styles and are often dryer.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

92 Summer Moon, Grumpy Troll Brewery (WI). 4.5% ABV (6/09)
Dark mahogany red. Dark roasted chestnut, balsamic and raisin purée aromas follow through on a round entry to a dryish medium body with burnt sugar and dried sour cherry notes. Finishes with tart, tangy roasted cherry-like fade. Reminiscent of a Belgian sour ale―very tasty.

90 Point Horizon Wheat, Stevens Point Brewery (WI). 4.6% ABV (6/08)
Clear old gold color. Honeyed cream of wheat and spicy apricot jam aromas follow through on soft round entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium body with a nice balance of flavors and tangy refreshing sweet citrus fade. An excellent quaffer.

89 Bullfrog Wheat, Issaquah Brewhouse (OR). 5% ABV (6/08)
Lightly hazy amber color. Aromas of orange bread drizzled with honey. A round, chewy entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body of tangy orange marmalade, citrus custard pastry and subtle spice. Finishes with a refreshing glide of honey, toasted nut and clementine flavors. A nicely styled, very drinkable wheat beer.

88 312 Urban Wheat Ale, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL). 5.2% ABV (6/08)
Pure golden yellow color with a blanket of fine foam. Toasted nuts, dried citrus, fresh bread and earth aromas. A bright entry leads to a dry medium body of toasty bread, unsweetened creamy nougat and lemon muffin flavors. Finishes with a nice interplay of nut and citrus tangs. A solid food beer.

88 Star Brew Triple Wheat Ale, Marin Brewing Co. (CA). 10.7% ABV (6/08)
Clear copper color with a taupe mousse. Orange marmalade peach jam, praline and sweet spice aromas follow through on a big chewy entry to a fruity-yet-dry full body with golden raisin, brown sugar and buckwheat pancake accents. Finishes with tangy citrus and spice hop-inflected fade. A big, brawny barley wine style for fall seasonal dishes.

87 312 Urban Wheat Ale, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL). 4.3% ABV (6/09)
Bright yellow color. Mild aromas of scrambled eggs, wheat toast and banana pudding follow through on a soft, supple entry to a dryish medium body with lemon pith and mineral notes. Finishes with a toasty, lemon custard-like fade. Easy drinking and carefree.

86 Wheat Ale, The Pump Room (Singapore). 5.5% ABV (6/07)
Brilliant golden amber color. Floral sweet spice, tangerine marmalade and honeyed toast aromas are attractive. A buoyant entry leads to a fruity medium body of candied mandarin orange peel, lychee nut, honeyed rye toast and smoked herb flavors. Finishes with a crisp, slightly sharp, herbal and tar-like bittering hop fade. Interesting.

86 Wild Card Wheat Ale, Brew Brothers (NV). 4.9% ABV (6/08)
Hazy golden amber color. Interesting aromas of saltine cracker, olive tapenade, date and fish oil. A soft entry leads to a fruity-yet-dry medium body of orange and apricot jam on rye toast with touch of sour lemon and spice. Finishes with a tangy ripe citrus, grain and dusty earth fade.

86 Samuel Adams Summer Ale, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 5.3% ABV (6/09)
Slightly hazy golden amber color. Aromas of panettone with candied ginger, pink peppercorn and coriander follow through on a soft, silky entry to a dryish medium body with buttercream and orange pudding notes and a breezy, toasty, pepper dust and mineral-accented fade.

85 Point Nude Beach Summer Wheat, Stevens Point Brewery (WI). 5% ABV (6/09)
Slightly hazy old gold color. Interesting aromas of orange tea and lemon dish soap follow through on a round, soft entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with citrus custard Danish and delicate spice notes. Finishes with breezy, refreshing fade.

83 Island Wheat Ale, Capital Brewery (WI). 4.2% ABV (2/07)
Cloudy old gold color. Toasted baguette and baked citrus aromas follow through to a mellow, dry light-to medium body of with a buttery, bready, slightly citrusy finish.

81 Lazy Mutt Farmhouse Ale, Minhas Craft Brewery (WI). 5% ABV (6/08)
Slight hazy pale golden amber color. Fruit caramel and apricot cheesecake aromas follow through on a loosely foamy entry to a dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body with buttery pancake and pineapple sauce accents. Finishes with a quick watery fruit and grain fade.

80 Point Nude Beach Summer Wheat, Stevens Point Brewery (WI). 5% ABV (6/08)
Slightly hazy pale golden amber color. Brash floral bath talc and praline aromas follow through on a strident entry to a dryish medium body with a strong perfumed detergent quality and a creamy fruit cocktail-like fade. A bit overpowering.

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