Wheat Beer is A Classic Type of Beer. Discover More About it Here

Are you a fan of wheat beer? Many of our beer-loving friends surely enjoy wheat beer, right? Wheat beer is a refreshing and well-liked type of beer that has been around for many, many years.

Key Takeaways

• Wheat beer is brewed with a significant amount of wheat, along with barley, hops, and yeast
• There are a lot of wheat beer types, such as hefeweizen, weissbier, and witbier.

For those who might not be familiar with wheat beer, the main thing to know is that it’s brewed with a higher amount of wheat compared to the usual malted barley used in beer-making. Besides that, there are various styles within this category, each bringing its unique flavors to the table.

In this article, we’ll be delving into wheat beer, discussing what it is, its characteristics, its history, and the different types of wheat beer styles. Let’s dive in and explore!

What Is a Wheat Beer?

As the name suggests, wheat beer is brewed with a significant amount of wheat, along with barley, hops, and yeast. Originating in Bavaria, wheat beer is typically a top-fermented ale that incorporates at least 30 percent wheat during the brewing process. This results in a beer with a cloudy appearance and a smooth, gentle texture, often carrying hints of banana, clove, bubble gum, and spice.

Wheat beers generally have a light color, with a low to medium alcohol content, and can appear either cloudy or clear. Depending on the specific type, they may be brewed with or without hops and tend to lack bitterness, making them easily drinkable and enjoyable for many people.

When most people think of wheat beer in the world of beer, they are likely referring to what is also known as hefeweizen, which originally came from Bavaria, Germany. Hefeweizen is a cloudy, golden-colored beer renowned for its distinct flavors of banana and clove, which are derived from the yeast used during the brewing process.

Characteristic of Wheat Beer

Wheat beer is a unique type of beer that’s made using a significant amount of wheat along with malted barley. This special brewing process gives wheat beer its own distinct set of characteristics that make it stand out from other types of beer.

In terms of appearance, the beer is generally light in color, varying from pale straw to golden yellow. It can either be cloudy or clear, depending on how it’s brewed. Additionally, wheat beer carries a distinct aroma often described as spicy, fruity, and sometimes even citrusy.

What makes wheat beer truly special is its one-of-a-kind flavor profile. It’s usually light and refreshing, with a creamy texture and a crisp finish on the palate. The use of wheat during brewing can add a slight sweetness, while the inclusion of hops can bring a subtle bitterness. Depending on the yeast strain and spices used, wheat beer can also have a fruity or spicy taste.

Compared to other beer styles, wheat beer generally has a lower alcohol content, making it a popular choice for those seeking a light and refreshing drink. Traditional German-style wheat beers, like hefeweizens, typically contain around 4% to 5% alcohol, while American-style wheat beers can range from 4% to 7% alcohol content.

Also read: Beer Indonesia In a Nutshell: The Story of Indonesian Beer Culture

Origin and History of Wheat Beer

According to Sumerian records, people began brewing beer with spelt, a type of wheat, over 8000 years ago. This indicates that the earliest known beers were essentially Wheat Beers.

In Europe, evidence of brewing using wheat dates back to 800 B.C. in what is now modern-day Germany, specifically Bavaria. The ruling Degenberger family is credited with pioneering the brewing of the first wheat beers in the region. Initially, the beer was crafted for the royal court and was referred to as Weissbier, which translates to “white beer” in German.

During the Middle Ages, wheat beers gained immense popularity in Bavaria. However, in the 15th century, war and crop failures led to a significant scarcity of raw materials. As bread took precedence over beer, the Reinheitsgebot was established, prohibiting the use of wheat in beer production. While some exceptions were made, this regulation resulted in barley becoming the more prevalent ingredient. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that wheat beers regained popularity.

Meanwhile, in Belgium, Witbier became a significant style across the country in the 16th century, as brewers began experimenting with increased wheat content. Despite facing near extinction, it was revived in the 1950s and has since gained popularity globally within the modern craft beer scene.

Types of Wheat Beer

Hefeweizen

Hefeweizen is a type of German wheat beer renowned for its cloudy look and unique flavors of banana and clove. It’s composed of over 50% wheat and tends to have a low hop bitterness. This beer is ideally served in a tall, slender glass to highlight its hazy appearance.

Weissbier

Weissbier is a German wheat beer that shares similarities with Hefeweizen but has a clearer look. It’s also made with a minimum of 50% wheat and generally has a low hop bitterness. Weizen boasts a light and refreshing flavor, making it a favored option, especially during the scorching summer months.

Witbier

Witbier, which means ‘white beer,’ gets its name from its pale and slightly cloudy appearance. Brewed with orange peel and coriander, Witbiers feature herbaceous and citrusy flavors that balance the smooth wheat base. These beers are perfect for enjoying during the summer season.

Also read: Different Types of Beer for You to Know Today

Our Witbier Recommendation for You to Enjoy

We talked about one of the wheat beer styles, which is Witbier. Did you know that you can find high-quality witbier in Bali?

At Canard, our Witbier boasts a pale straw hue, slightly hazy due to the presence of yeast and wheat malt. It greets your senses with a refreshing burst of citrus and lemon notes complemented by the subtle aroma of coriander. “Zesty” encapsulates the essence of this beer, which offers a silky, fruity, and creamy profile, effervescent on the palate. When enjoyed fresh, it delivers a refreshing lightness and concludes with a smooth finish, leaving no lingering bitterness on the palate.

If you want to find the best craft beers from a brewery in Indonesia, consider trying Canard Brewing Co. We serve the best of both brewing and ingredients. Visit our website to discover more.