The Ultimate Wheat Beer Guide: Everything You Need to Know About This Classic Brew
When you first think of beer or its ingredients, wheat may not be what comes to mind. Malted barley, hops, yeast and water – a simple and basic recipe for an exhilarating drink, right? But did you know that the first beer was actually made from wheat? Wheat beer has a long history that dates back to thousands of years. While Germany and Belgium are the most known for their wheat beers, America is popularizing its own take on it.
Get all the deets about wheat beer right here and check out our wheat beer options at Little Miami Brewing Company!
What is Wheat Beer?
Originating from the German state of Bavaria, wheat beer is usually light in color, with a relatively high amount of wheat, aside from barley. Wheat beer is famous for its creamy, foamy and heavier head. It is usually unfiltered and therefore, has a hazy appearance, though there are some clear ones as well.
Despite its name, wheat beer is not exactly one hundred percent wheat – usually, it uses about 50% wheat and 50% barley as its base ingredients, though this can vary according to the style of the beer. The flavors of wheat beer can range from sweet, sour and salty, with a bitterness that can be subtle or perceptible.
They usually have low to medium alcohol content, with an ABV ranging from 2.5% – 5%. Most wheat beers like hefeweizen are low in hops and there are some varieties that are brewed with no hops at all. While the wheat can be malted or not, they are usually unfiltered, resulting in its turbid appearance. The aroma and flavor of the drink are derived from the byproduct of the kind of yeast used for fermentation. Its subtle bitterness, along with its low alcohol content makes it easier to drink and a great choice if you are new to beer.
A Little Taste of History
Wheat beer has been brewed since medieval times, with its original version being traced back to ancient Sumeria which used spelt, a type of wheat, for brewing since 6000 BC. Though barley became the most used grain to brew beer, wheat is still the second-most popular choice. Bavaria has been the center for wheat beer for hundreds of years, with their top-quality drinks being world-famous.
Throughout the years, wheat beer has gone through several experimentations and evolution, gaining popularity through a wide range of styles including Belgian witbier, German hefeweizen and American wheat beer. Other popular types of wheat beer include Lambic, Gose, Berliner Weisse and Dunkelweizen.
At least 40-50% malted wheat should be used in the production of wheat beer. The amount of wheat malt can go up to 70%, as in the case of certain versions of Weissbier. Even with minor changes in ingredients and their amount, the difference in the result shows its versatility. Here’s a brief overview of the most popular wheat beers:
Witbier
Witbier, meaning ‘white beer’ in Dutch or Flemish, is light-colored, as the name suggests. Also known as bière blanche among the French, it is one of the most popular beers in Belgium. It stands apart from other wheat beers and is brewed with spices, the most common being coriander and orange peel. With an ABV of around 5%, it has a citrusy flavor with floral and herbal notes that complement the breadiness of wheat. Though it almost went obsolete, the demand for Belgian witbier took off again in the 1950s, and it currently holds a top spot among the most popular craft beers.
Hefeweizen
Also known as weizenbier or weissbier, hefeweizen is a German wheat beer, popular for its banana and clove overtones. ‘Hefe’ means ‘yeast’ and ‘weizen’ means wheat in German while ‘weissbier’ is translated as wheat beer. It is noted for its high carbonation, which gives it a very foamy head. The proportion of wheat can go from 50-70%, with 6.5 – 9.5 ABV. These beers are usually unfiltered and are thus cloudy, though a filtered version, called kristalweizen, is clear. Vanilla and bubblegum flavors are other common notes of this style of beer. Fermented by Bavarian yeast, this drink has medium to high levels of phenol that gives it its unique aroma. Using little hop, it is notable for its low bitterness and slight breadiness.
American Wheat Ale
American wheat ale shot to fame in the 1990s as brewers started experimenting with wheat beer. A twist on the traditional wheat beers, the American ones are known for their slightly higher hoppy taste and usage of neutral yeast. With a range of notes including citrus, spices, fruits and florals, it has low to moderate hop flavor. The sweetness of malt is noticeable, as is the bitterness of the hops. It usually has a crisp and dry finish. The ABV ranges from 4% – 5.5%. Popularised by the craft breweries of the U.S., it became a refreshing alternative to regular beers, while tweaking the original wheat beer to suit the American palate.
The Best of Wheat Beers at Little Miami Brewing Company
We pride ourselves in the assortment of beers we offer – from traditional beers to wheat beers and even non-alcoholic ones, our options are inclusive and absolutely delicious. Take a peek at our menu of acclaimed beers. You have got to try these breathtaking varieties of craft wheat beer at Little Miami Brewing Company:
- 71 PEACHES: Peach Wheat Ale ABV 5.0% IBU 15
- BLACKBIRD FLY: Blackberry Wheat ABV 5.0% IBU 15
- CHERRY CREEK: Cherry Wheat Ale ABV 5.0% IBU 15
- PTERODACTYL: Hefeweizen ABV 5.40% IBU 18
- CURVEBALL: Belgian Wit ABV 5.5% IBU 10
Basics of Brewing Wheat Beer
The process of brewing wheat beer is more or less the same as that of a regular beer. While regular craft beer is brewed with barley malt, a significant part of wheat beer is, obviously, wheat. While barley is the much easier option (thus making it more common), wheat is a little more challenging as a beer ingredient, due to the binding tendencies of proteins and starches present in it. This makes it a little harder to extract the sugars that are converted into alcohol during fermentation.
But there is a reason why wheat beer is popular, so tune in to learn how it is brewed!
To create the wort, wheat and barley malts are blended and brought to a boil. Hops are then added, and boiled for an hour. The amount of hops used will depend on the desired level of bitterness. Often, other ingredients are added to level up the flavor profile of the beer, like the coriander for Belgian witbier. Once the wort cools down, yeast can be added for fermentation. The kind of yeast used can influence the style of wheat beer – different types of wheat beers have their own distinct yeast variety that gives it its unique characteristics.
As a craft beer company, we prioritize the quality of our products, which are made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients. This is one of the reasons why our beers are so delicious!
Favorite Food Combos to accompany your drink
Wheat beers are often soft, with a subtle bitterness and can be non-intimidating – which is why these drinks are well-suited for novices. Wheat beers usually smell grainy, with a slight sweetness to it. Notes of bread are noticeable on the palate while the level of bitterness can depend on the brewing process, though it is never very bitter. Ranging from light to medium body, you cannot miss the creaminess of wheat beer, a highly appreciated factor among beer lovers.
From fruity and dry to spiced and mildly sweet – the flavor profile of wheat beer is rather unrestrictive in terms of food pairings. When it comes to food combos, the most simple and effective advice is to pair complementary foods with your beer. If you are having a strong beer, go for spicy food so that one does not overshadow the other. Some beers have a balanced flavor and can be paired with both heavy and light food.
Zesty foods like sushi and salads, and traditional German sausage and sauerkraut are some go-to options for wheat beers. Witbier is a great pair for citrusy salads and light seafood and the coriander in it goes really well with white chocolate. Egg dishes are a great companion to both witbier and hefeweizen. Thai and Indian cuisines are some terrific choices for these versatile beers, which can also be paired with fruit-flavored desserts!
‘Beer’ in mind – these rules are not set in stone. If anything, they are just suggestions, so feel free to experiment and try your favorite food with a wheat beer – it just might be a hit! If you need inspiration, here’s our menu of delectable meals.
Experience the Best at Little Miami Brewing Company
As one of the best local breweries in Cincinnati, our company mission is ‘to make other people as passionate about great beer as we are.’ So naturally, we encourage brewery tours and tasting events for our customers to provide them with the best experience – for seasoned beer experts and curious newbies alike. We are a local brewery that is deeply involved with our community, which in turn, is very supportive of us. Our collaborations with other local breweries during special events have let us discover unique flavors and provide exciting experiences for our guests.
We regularly host live music events and entertainment, available on the events calendar on our website. With sixteen brews on tap that are frequently rotated, we have eight core beers. Special and limited edition beers are another specialty of our company, the release of which is constantly updated through our social media. Our event center is perfect for social gatherings and weddings and we have our dedicated staff here to help you out with planning. We are a family-friendly place and even allow your beloved fur companions!
So what do we offer you?
Great beer, great food and great fun!
Kickback and enjoy the serenity of a beer by the Little Miami riverside with your family and friends.
Don’t Wait on That Wheat Beer
Don’t call yourself a beer connoisseur until you have tried all our beers, especially the wheat beers which are sometimes overshadowed, despite being just as appealing as any other glass of golden bubbly bliss. These delicately flavored beers can be your entryway into craft beer and it’s guaranteed to make you a fan.
If you haven’t tried it already, you are missing out! Visit us at littlemiamibrewing.com to know more. And while you are here, don’t forget to check out our specialty drinks menu – it’s got something that everyone can enjoy!
Want to know more about beers? Check out the following articles!
Alcohol Content in Beers: Understanding ABV with Little Miami Brewing