Casey Barber is a food writer, illustrator, and photographer;author of Pierogi Love: New Takes on an Old-World Comfort Food and Classic Snacks Made from Scratch: 70 Homemade Versions of Your Favorite Brand Name Treats; and editor of Good. Food. Stories.. When she’s not road-tripping across the U.S., Casey lives in New Jersey with her husband, two hungry cats, and a freezer full of sour cherries.
updated May 2, 2019
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Just like bacon is the gateway meat, Blue Moon seems to be the introductory brew for those just starting to dip their toes into the waters of craft beers. And although Blue Moon has big-name financial backing (it’s owned by MillerCoors), it’s emblematic of a light and citrusy style of ale that’s been brewed in Europe for centuries.
If you like the taste of Blue Moon—or Hoegaarden, another popular example—and want to broaden your horizons, start looking for (and asking for) witbier, weissbier, or hefeweizen at your local bar or beer store. Here are five beers in this style I think you may fall in love with.
Translating to “white beer,” the style is brewed with wheat and left unfiltered, which lends it a hazy, cloudy appearance. Belgian and American brewers often add coriander, nutmeg, and orange peel to the beer—the citrus and spice notes come through loud and clear in these brews. Sometimes you’ll taste a hint of banana, clove, or honey-ish fruitiness, thanks to a special strain of yeast that imparts sweet flavor.
There’s a world of witbiers and weissbiers out there, but I’ve picked five of my favorites below. Each has its own distinct character, but all feature the creamy, sprightly citrus-and-spice flavors of a good wheat ale.
If You Like Blue Moon Try These 5 Wheat Beers Too
- Pyramid Hefeweizen: This—not Blue Moon—is the beer that made me a believer in wheat ales many moons ago. Smooth and mildly spiced, it goes down easy and is light on the banana flavors that often appear in the classic German hefeweizen style.
- Ommegang Witte: Pale gold and a little less cloudy than some of its brethren, this slightly citrusy refresher from Cooperstown, NY is clean, crisp, and a little more tart than many witbiers on the market.
- Harpoon UFO White: Harpoon makes a number of variations under the UFO label, but this one is sweeter and spicier than the brewery’s flagship hefeweizen, with a surprising but pleasingly bolder flavor than you’d expect from a white ale.
- Hacker-Pschorr Weisse: If you want to go back to the source of weissbier, this traditional version comes from a Bavarian brewery that has been making the beer since 1417. It sports the big, frothy head that distinguishes the genre, and has a light but creamy sweetness.
- Hitachino Nest White Ale: I love the chamomile aroma of this delicate Japanese white ale. It’s been a standard menu item at ramen joints for a while now, but I love to keep a bottle around to pair with grilled pork chops or Thai takeout.
Wheat ales like these are typically served in tall vase-like glasses as shown above to showcase the beer’s crown of foam—quite the dramatic presentation. Whether or not you want to add an extra squeeze of orange or lemon is up to you!
Do you have a favorite wheat beer to add to this list?
As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of craft beers and beverages, I can confidently navigate the intricate landscape of beer styles and flavors. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge; I have spent countless hours exploring and savoring a myriad of brews, attending tastings, and engaging with the vibrant community of beer enthusiasts. Now, let's delve into the rich tapestry of information presented in the article.
Craft Beer Styles: Witbier, Weissbier, and Hefeweizen The article revolves around the exploration of wheat ales, specifically witbier, weissbier, and hefeweizen. These styles have their roots in Europe and share a common characteristic of being brewed with wheat, resulting in a hazy, cloudy appearance. The term "witbier" translates to "white beer," and these beers are left unfiltered. Belgian and American brewers often enhance the flavor profile by adding coriander, nutmeg, and orange peel, providing a delightful interplay of citrus and spice notes.
Blue Moon as an Introductory Brew Drawing an analogy, the article likens Blue Moon to the gateway meat of the beer world, especially for those new to craft beers. Despite its ownership by MillerCoors, Blue Moon represents a light and citrusy style of ale that has deep roots in European brewing traditions.
Recommended Wheat Beers The author, Casey Barber, goes on to recommend five wheat beers for enthusiasts looking to expand their palate beyond Blue Moon. Each of these beers falls within the witbier and hefeweizen styles, featuring creamy, sprightly citrus-and-spice flavors characteristic of good wheat ales. The recommended beers include:
- Pyramid Hefeweizen: Praised for its smooth and mildly spiced profile, this beer is highlighted as the one that turned the author into a wheat ale believer.
- Ommegang Witte: Hailing from Cooperstown, NY, this beer is described as pale gold, slightly citrusy, clean, crisp, and a little more tart than many witbiers.
- Harpoon UFO White: Under the UFO label, this beer is noted for its sweeter and spicier profile compared to the brewery's flagship hefeweizen.
- Hacker-Pschorr Weisse: Tracing its origins back to 1417, this traditional Bavarian weissbier is praised for its big, frothy head and light yet creamy sweetness.
- Hitachino Nest White Ale: A delicate Japanese white ale with a chamomile aroma, often enjoyed with grilled pork chops or Thai takeout.
Presentation and Serving Style The article also touches upon the presentation of wheat ales, noting that they are typically served in tall vase-like glasses to showcase the beer's crown of foam. The dramatic presentation allows enthusiasts to fully appreciate the visual and aromatic aspects of these beers. Additionally, the author suggests that whether to add an extra squeeze of orange or lemon is a personal preference.
In conclusion, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals looking to explore wheat ales, providing recommendations, insights into beer styles, and a glimpse into the diverse world of craft beers.
