10 Must-Try Wheat Beers This Summer

As summer approaches, there’s nothing quite like savoring a refreshing wheat beer or a citrus ale to quench your thirst and elevate those sunny days. Whether you’re a fan of classic wheat beers or exploring new styles like tropical IPAs, there’s something for everyone.

Here are ten must-try wheat beers that are tailor-made for your warm afternoons and balmy evenings. From the classic Blue Moon Belgian White to the delightful Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat, and even tropical IPAs, these choices are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

You’ll also explore what makes wheat beers so ideal for summer, delve into their various styles such as American wheat beers (a type of wheat beer that is typically lighter), Hefeweizen (a type of wheat beer that is typically unfiltered), and k lsches. Plus, pick up some expert tips for serving and pairing them with food.

Dive in and find your new favorite summer beer!

1. Blue Moon Belgian White

Blue Moon Belgian White is your quintessential summer beer, made with a mix of Valencia orange peel and coriander. It greets you with a hazy, golden appearance that beckons you to take a sip.

Its light body and smooth mouthfeel elevate your drinking experience, making each pour enjoyable. These flavor characteristics make it one of the most refreshing beers for summer drinking.

Originating in the 1990s, Blue Moon played a pivotal role in popularizing the Belgian-style wheat beer category in the United States, opening the door for a wider audience to appreciate the delightful nuances of wheat ales.

With its subtle notes of citrus and spice, Blue Moon distinguishes itself from other summer ales, presenting you with a complex yet approachable flavor profile. If you compare it to lighter lagers, pilsners, or other wheat beers, you ll find that its distinct blend of fruity sweetness and slight bitterness makes it the perfect companion for sunny days, barbecues, or a leisurely afternoon by the poolside.

This brew has truly earned its status as a perennial summer favorite.

2. Hoegaarden Original White Ale

Hoegaarden Original White Ale is a quintessential summer beer, cherished for its light, refreshing flavor and a harmonious blend of spices that pays homage to its storied wheat beer heritage.

Originally crafted in the 15th century in Hoegaarden, Belgium, this ale uses a unique brewing method that incorporates unrefined wheat along with a delightful mix of aromatic herbs such as coriander and orange peel, setting it apart from the crowd.

When you compare it to typical summer ales or the trendy tropical IPAs, you’ll notice that Hoegaarden boasts a distinctive taste and a slightly cloudy appearance. Its zesty notes create a wonderfully smooth mouthfeel that is hard to resist.

This captivating profile has solidified Hoegaarden’s reputation among craft beer aficionados, who truly appreciate the balance and complexity it brings to the table. It s no wonder that it becomes a go-to choice for sunny outings, beach drinking, and casual gatherings, making every sip feel like a celebration.

Don’t miss out on these ten exceptional wheat beers perfect for summer fun!

Shock Top Belgian White: A Refreshing Summer Ale

Shock Top Belgian White is a standout summer ale that is sure to captivate your taste buds with its zesty flavor profile. Imagine a delightful fusion of Belgian-style wheat beer and a refreshing citrus twist, making it the perfect companion for those warm summer days.

The beer boasts a signature orange flavor, accented with hints of coriander and a light spiciness, truly setting it apart from other wheat ales. While similar options like Blue Moon, Allagash White, and 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon also offer citrus notes, the boldness and fuller-bodied nature of Shock Top give it that distinct edge you crave.

When you’re hosting warm-weather barbecues or enjoying a picnic, consider pairing this ale with classic summer dishes like grilled chicken tacos or a light citrus salad to elevate your dining experience. If you have a penchant for fruit-flavored beers, you ll likely find joy in pairing it with shrimp skewers or a refreshing ceviche, allowing those citrus notes to shine through beautifully. This makes Shock Top one of the best summer beers for food pairing.

Allagash White: A Benchmark Wheat Beer

Allagash White has become your go-to benchmark for wheat beer, skillfully mixing old and new brewing methods. The result is a smooth, citrus-infused ale that truly shines during the summer months.

This iconic brew captivates with its light body and refreshing zest, making it the perfect companion for those sun-drenched afternoons. With a delicate mix of coriander and orange peel, it tantalizes your palate with layers of flavor that evoke the essence of a sun-kissed garden.

As you explore its unique tapestry of aromas, you can’t help but ponder the complexities that set this ale apart as one of the best summer beers on the market. It pairs beautifully with light seafood dishes, salads, or tangy cheeses, not only complementing the vibrant flavors of summer cuisine but also elevating your dining experience. This is definitely a beer you won’t want to miss this summer!

Whether you’re hosting a sunny gathering or enjoying a picnic, this beer invites enjoyment and delight.

Sierra Nevada Kellerweis: A Unique Wheat Beer

Sierra Nevada Kellerweis is a remarkable wheat beer that embodies the spirit of summer sipping, boasting a cloudy appearance and refreshing flavors of banana and clove that resonate with craft beer enthusiasts everywhere.

Brewing Kellerweis employs a traditional German Hefeweizen method (a type of beer made with a specific kind of yeast that enhances fruity flavors), where a thoughtful blend of premium malted wheat and barley is skillfully crafted through a multi-step mashing process. This meticulous technique not only enhances the flavor but also creates the signature haziness that defines this brew.

As the fermentation unfolds, distinct fruity and spicy notes come to life, culminating in a well-balanced beer that is both invigorating and aromatic. Unlike other summer ales, this beer distinguishes itself with its unique yeast strain, delivering a complex profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs who appreciate its depth and richness.

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier: A Classic Wheat Beer Experience

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, steeped in its rich heritage as one of the oldest breweries in the world, offers you a classic wheat beer experience that is both refreshing and infused with the iconic flavors of banana and clove. This is truly a must-try for you this summer.

Founded in 1040, this brewery has not only shaped the landscape of German brewing traditions but has also laid the groundwork for the modern appreciation of wheat beer that you enjoy today. The Hefeweissbier captivates with its cloudy appearance, courtesy of the natural yeast, providing a refreshing mouthfeel that dances on your palate.

Unlike lighter lagers, pilsners, or Mexican lagers, it boasts a unique balance of sweetness and spice that sets it apart from other beers in its category. With its moderate body and effervescence, this beer is your ideal companion for warm weather, making it the quintessential choice for gatherings, picnics, or simply savoring on a sunny day.

Its definitive summer beer qualities make it a standout among refreshing beers.

In conclusion, whether you’re seeking a bold citrus flavor, light body, or a unique balance of sweetness and spice, these wheat beers offer something special for everyone this summer. Don t forget to share your favorite summer beers or experiences with us!

7. Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier

Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier is the quintessential German wheat beer you ve been searching for. It offers a full-bodied flavor with delightful hints of citrus, making it an exhilarating choice for those warm summer days. This beer is a favorite among beer enthusiasts.

Flavor Profile: This distinctive brew presents a captivating array of flavors. Notes of banana and clove gracefully emerge from the unique yeast strains used in its crafting. Brewed with traditional methods, the combination of wheat and barley malts delivers a smooth mouthfeel. The meticulous fermentation process guarantees a balanced and invigorating taste profile.

Food Pairings: As a summer ale, it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or seafood, enhancing their flavors with its fruity undertones. You ll find that pairing it with light salads or spicy Asian dishes can elevate your summer meals. Paulaner is a versatile companion that consistently delights the palate.

8. Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen

Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen emerges as a true gem in the world of summer beers. It beautifully balances fruity and spicy flavors that capture the refreshing spirit of craft brewing during the sweltering months.

Visual Appeal: Its distinct taste profile stems from unique brewing techniques that combine traditional German hefeweizen yeast with a carefully curated mix of malted wheat and barley. The result is a smooth, hazy appearance that delights the palate with notes of banana and clove all while harmonizing with zesty citrus undertones.

Mouthfeel: What sets it apart from other wheat beers is its creamy mouthfeel and moderate sweetness. This makes it the perfect companion for warm summer days. If you re looking to elevate your seasonal beer selection, this Hefeweizen deserves a spot in your lineup. It captures the essence of summer with every refreshing sip.

9. Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse

Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse stands out as a quintessential wheat beer, revered for its deep-rooted history in craft brewing. With a rich blend of fruity and spicy notes, it offers a refreshing summer drinking experience that rivals the best pilsners and k lsches.

Flavor Profile: Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse has rightfully secured its status as a cherished summer ale. It presents a refreshing wheat beer experience that delights the palate with fruity notes and a smooth mouthfeel. This beer is ideal for any summer gathering, especially around Labor Day.

Brewery History: With a lineage that dates back to the early 14th century, this brewery boasts a rich history that enhances every sip. It infuses layers of richness into the flavor profile. The brewing techniques, honed over centuries, impart the signature banana and clove aromas that set it apart from other refreshing beers like k lsches and pilsners.

Food Pairings: You re going to love how Franziskaner stands out from lighter Belgian variations and citrusy American wheat ales. To savor its character, enjoy it chilled, ideally in a tall glass that showcases its lively carbonation. Pair it with a light salad or grilled seafood to elevate your tasting experience. Don t wait to try it alongside 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon or Blue Moon for a varied experience.

10. Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat

Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat captures the essence of summer beers. Its delightful fusion of wheat and fruit flavors delivers a refreshing experience for craft beer enthusiasts.

With hints of orange and coriander, this beer stands out among summer ales. It offers a smooth mouthfeel, perfect for those hot, sunny days.

This beer reveals a gentle sweetness alongside a touch of spiciness. It pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp tacos and citrus salad.

Other notable mentions include Two Roads Summer Heaven and Redhook Big Juicy Ballard. Unlike many other summer ales that often lean heavily on hops, the subtle fruitiness of Sunset Wheat offers a distinctive twist that will undoubtedly leave you coming back for more.

What Makes Wheat Beers Perfect for Summer?

Get ready to enjoy wheat beers, your ultimate summer sipping companion! Their light and refreshing qualities, often paired with delightful fruity and citrus notes, make them just what you need to satisfy your thirst.

With a typically low alcohol content, these brews invite you to enjoy a laid-back sipping experience, perfect for sun-soaked afternoon gatherings or easy-going beach days. The lively carbonation adds an effervescent touch, transforming each sip into a delightful burst of refreshment.

You have a variety of options, from the banana and clove hints of a German hefeweizen to the zesty orange peel and coriander notes found in Belgian witbiers.

Whether you’re indulging during a picnic in the park or savoring a cold one while watching the waves roll in at the beach, wheat beers enhance the joys of summer, much like a tropical IPA or pale ale. They are your go-to choice for outdoor celebrations.

What Are the Different Styles of Wheat Beers?

Wheat beers present a delightful array of styles, including hefeweizens, witbiers, and American wheat beers. Each style offers distinct flavor profiles and characteristics designed to cater to your unique tastes.

These refreshing brews, steeped in tradition and influenced by diverse cultural practices, are especially suited for warm weather. They are go-to choices for summer gatherings.

Take hefeweizens, for instance, which hail from Germany; their cloudy appearance and signature banana and clove notes make them perfect for sipping on sun-soaked patios. Some of the best include Weihenstephaner and Samuel Adams.

Witbiers from Belgium often boast a hint of coriander and orange peel. They make a fantastic pairing for light salads and seafood dishes.

American wheat beers introduce a modern twist with their clean and crisp profiles, ideal for complementing barbecues and picnics. Together, these styles enrich the broader category of summer ales, offering a spectrum of flavors that can elevate any warm-weather occasion you find yourself enjoying.

What Are the Key Ingredients in Wheat Beers?

Wheat beers include four key ingredients: malted wheat, barley, hops, and yeast. Each of these plays an essential role in crafting the beer’s unique flavor and refreshing qualities, making them a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts globally. Tasting notes often highlight the delicate balance of these ingredients.

Malted wheat offers a creamy mouthfeel. It also gives the beer a lighter, more effervescent body, which is exactly why so many beer lovers gravitate toward it. Barley contributes sweetness and serves as the backbone of the beer. Hops add varying degrees of bitterness that can elevate the overall flavor profile. Yeast, the unsung hero of fermentation, adds fruity aromas and flavor compounds that can bring out spicy or clove-like tastes, ranging from delightful banana-like aromas in certain styles to spicy notes in others.

By experimenting with these ingredients like selecting a different hop variety or tweaking the malt ratios you can unlock a wide spectrum of flavors. This is what sets apart the fruit-forward, hazy American wheat beers from their traditional, crisper, and often more subtle European counterparts, such as Pilsner Urquell and Stone Pilsner.

How Do You Properly Serve and Enjoy a Wheat Beer?

To truly appreciate a wheat beer, you must pay attention to the right temperature, glassware, and presentation. These elements significantly elevate your drinking experience, allowing the beer s complex flavors to emerge in all their glory.

Aim to serve your wheat beer at a temperature between 40 F and 50 F. If it’s too cold, you risk masking the vibrant notes that make these brews so delightful. Glassware is also important; a tall, curved glass or a nonic pint not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps the bubbles and aromatic qualities of the beer to flourish.

Don t overlook the pouring technique either. When you tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle initially, you create the perfect head, allowing the aromas to develop without overwhelming your palate. By harmonizing these elements, you craft an exquisite experience that beautifully showcases the refreshing essence of summer ales.

What Are Some Food Pairings for Wheat Beers?

Wheat beers pair perfectly with many dishes, bringing joy to your dining experience, especially light and fresh dishes like salads, seafood, and grilled meats.

Imagine sipping on a refreshing brew with its crisp, citrusy notes as you indulge in grilled shrimp tacos adorned with zesty lime and vibrant mango salsa. It s a combination that dances on your palate. Similarly, when you enjoy a classic Caesar salad with its creamy dressing, a Belgian-style wheat beer complements it beautifully, enhancing the flavors with a subtle spice that elevates the entire experience.

If you re in the mood for something heartier, consider a dish of roasted chicken paired with seasonal vegetables. The beer’s effervescence slices through the richness, balancing each bite with its refreshing texture.

This harmonious relationship between wheat beers and food invites you to explore a world of culinary adventures, perfect for those looking to elevate their dining experience.

What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Wheat Beers?

There are some common misconceptions surrounding wheat beers, such as the belief that they are all overly fruity or sweet. In reality, they present a remarkable array of flavor profiles that cater to the diverse tastes of craft beer enthusiasts. Notable brands like Lagunitas and Samuel Adams offer excellent examples of this diversity.

For example, you might think that wheat beer is simply synonymous with the banana and clove notes found in traditional German Hefeweizens. However, craft brewers worldwide have begun to experiment with innovative brewing techniques and unique ingredients, resulting in creations that can be spicy, tart, or even mildly bitter.

Styles like Belgian Witbier tend to be light and refreshing, often showcasing delightful hints of coriander, while American wheat beers typically offer a crisp and clean finish. To fully appreciate the spectrum within this beer category, explore various styles, breweries, and pairings. This journey will unlock the nuanced flavors that wheat beers can truly offer, much like those found in Two Roads Summer Heaven and Redhook Big Juicy Ballard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 10 must-try wheat beers this summer?

1. Blue Moon Belgian White: A refreshing and citrusy wheat beer with hints of orange and coriander.

2. Sierra Nevada Kellerweis: Made with traditional Bavarian yeast, this beer has a banana and clove flavor profile.

3. Allagash White: A classic Belgian-style witbier with notes of spice and citrus.

4. Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier: This German hefeweizen has a creamy texture and flavors of banana and clove.

5. 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon: A summer favorite, this wheat beer is brewed with fresh watermelon for a subtle sweetness.

6. Hoegaarden Original White Ale: A light and crisp Belgian witbier with notes of orange peel and coriander.

7. Ayinger Br u Weisse: Another German hefeweizen, this beer has a smooth and slightly sweet flavor with hints of banana and clove.

8. New Belgium Citradelic Tangerine IPA: This wheat beer is a hybrid with a burst of tangerine and tropical fruit flavors.

9. Shock Top Lemon Shandy: Savor the delightful blend of a light, tangy wheat beer and refreshing lemonade perfect for summer!

10. Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy: A light and tangy wheat beer blended with lemonade, perfect for a hot summer day.

11. Two Roads Summer Heaven: A refreshing American wheat beer with a citrus twist.

12. Hofbrau Hefe Weizen: A traditional German hefeweizen with a robust banana and clove flavor.

What is the difference between a wheat beer, k lsches, and other types of beer?

Wheat beer, also known as a witbier or hefeweizen, is typically made with a large percentage of wheat malt in addition to barley malt. This gives the beer a lighter body and often a more fruity and spicy flavor profile.

Other types of beer, such as lagers, pale ales, and pilsners, are primarily made with barley malt.

Can wheat beers be paired with food?

Yes, wheat beers can be paired with a variety of foods. Their refreshing and often fruity flavors pair well with lighter dishes such as salads, seafood, and grilled chicken.

They also pair well with spicier dishes, as the fizz in the beer can balance spicy flavors. Popular pairings include American wheat beers with summer barbecues and tropical IPAs with spicy tacos.

Are wheat beers gluten-free or suitable for those with gluten sensitivities?

No, wheat beers are not typically gluten-free as they are made with wheat which contains gluten. However, there are some gluten-free wheat beer options available that use alternative grains such as sorghum or rice.

Check out brands like Samuel Adams and Goose Island for a range of options.

How should I serve wheat beers and other similar styles?

Wheat beers are best served in a tall, narrow glass to showcase their effervescence and maintain a nice head. They should be served cold, around 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pour in a slow, steady motion to prevent too much foam. Popular serving glasses include the Weihenstephaner and Pilsner Urquell glass designs.

Do wheat beers, including hefeweizens and goses, have a higher alcohol content?

Not necessarily. While some wheat beers may have a higher alcohol content, there are also many options with a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) that indicates the strength of the beer.

It’s always best to check the label or ask your bartender for the specific alcohol content of a particular wheat beer. For example, brands like Lagunitas and Redhook Big Juicy Ballard offer a range of ABV options to suit different preferences.