Ophelia

Breckenridge Brewery 

Denver

Type of Beer: Hoppy Wheat Ale

ABV: 5%

Appearance: A fluffy white head rests atop a hazy honey-golden ale. 

Aroma: Grapefruit and orange hop aroma forward, with some mango and pineapple juice mixed in for good measure.

Mouthfeel: Somewhat thin for an unfiltered beer but lively carbonation makes it a tongue scrubber in a good way.

Taste: Tangy, like fresh fruit juice, with an earthy roundness, and a dry finish that is pleasing.

Overall Impression: There has been a trend in American brewing to hop up any style of beer. Wheat beers are typically hearty and malt forward, with hop characteristics relegated to the background. So, when I read “hoppy wheat” on the label, I held my breath for a moment. Why mash up two styles (wheat and pale ale) when either could stand well on their own? Well, I’m glad that Breckenridge broke the rules, because this beer is a beauty. Using the Mosaic hop—a popular variety at the moment that imparts flavors of tropical fruits—the beer is refreshing like a well made cocktail with flavors of fresh pineapple juice, orange and grapefruit. This is a seasonal beer available now through April, when I imagine people will be walking around asking “Ophelia, where have you gone?”

John Holl
John is the editor of All About Beer Magazine, the host of The Beer Briefing on iHeart Radio, and the author of three books, including The American Craft Beer Cookbook. Find him on Twitter @John_Holl.