There’s a Wheat Beer for Everyone
When it comes to beer, there’s an endless horizon to explore! Today, we’re diving into a refreshing and versatile type of beer that has gained popularity worldwide – wheat beer. This particular style of beer is known for containing light and fruity flavours, enabling it to cater to people who prefer these specific tastes. Here’s a guide that covers everything you’ll need to know about wheat beer before you try a pint for yourself!
What is wheat beer?
Just as its name suggests, wheat beer is a type of beer produced by brewing a significant amount of wheat alongside barley. This combination in the malt bill, along with the fact that this beer is often served unfiltered, gives wheat beer a cloudy appearance. This haziness is a trademark that the beer is most known for. Wheat beer is also light-bodied with a smooth and creamy texture on the tongue.
Wheat beer sensory profiles
The wheat beer drinking experience offers a wide range of experiences. Different styles will give you a different vibe, but here are some of the more common elements that are noticeable in wheat beer.
Aroma
Unlike your regular lagers, wheat beer tends to carry fruity and spicy aromas. Dominant noses in most German wheat beer styles are banana, clove, and citrus. With Belgian wheat beers, you’ll notice a zesty, floral scent instead.
Flavours
While the flavours you get will vary depending on your choice of wheat beer style, you can almost guarantee that it will be light, refreshing, and smooth. Flavours that you may experience from wheat beer include citrus, banana, cloves, and other spices.
Appearance
Here’s how you spot a wheat beer among pints of other beers – just look for the haziest one! Thanks to the drink’s high wheat content and yeast suspension, wheat beer colours range from pale straw to even brown.
Different types of wheat beer
Under the umbrella of wheat beer, there are a variety of styles offering distinct flavours and aromas. Find out which one you might gravitate towards here:
Hefeweizen
This type of wheat beer originates from two German words – “hefe” meaning yeast, and “weizen” beaning wheat. Hefeweizen is unfiltered, so you will find suspended yeast particles in the beer. Because of this, it’s extra cloudy. In terms of taste, Hefeweizen contains fruity and spicy notes.
American wheat beer
America brings a more modern take on wheat beer, adjusting the traditional recipe. Compared to its European counterparts, American wheat beers are usually cleaner in appearance with a lighter yeast profile. With this style, you can really appreciate the wheat’s taste.
Belgian witbier
Belgian wheat beer is brewed together with special spices, usually coriander and orange peel. These added ingredients contribute to an extra layer of citrusy flavours and an herbal profile, differentiating it from other wheat beers.
Dunkelweizen
If you’re a fan of a darker brew, you’ll enjoy dunkelweizen. This beer is essentially a heavier version of the hefeweizen, featuring richer, maltier flavours. With this type of wheat beer, you can expect notes of caramel and chocolate along with aromas of banana and clove.
How to get the perfect wheat beer experience
To make the most out of your wheat beer, serve it cold in a tall glass. Make sure the glass is tall enough to leave space for the beer’s frothy head!
Because wheat beer contains suspended yeast particles, make sure to gently swirl the bottle before pouring. This ensures that the yeast gets properly mixed and enhances the beer’s flavour and texture.
As for the best time to enjoy wheat beer, it’s perfect for warm weather, as its aromas and flavour profiles give a refreshing twist to your day. However, the beer is also versatile enough to be consumed year-round.
If you’re having wheat beer with food, opt for seafood, salads, and light appetisers. These lighter dishes will complement the beer’s airiness.
For those looking for a refreshing and flavourful drink, wheat beer is a delightful option. Its variety of styles offer something different for every taste bud, whether that’s a hint of citrus and herbs or banana and cloves. Have you pinpointed a type of wheat beer that you might like? Find a bottle today at the nearest Red & White store and discover this popular drink for yourself!
