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BJCP 2021 / 1D

American Wheat Beer

A refreshing wheat beer with American hops and a clean yeast profile.

  • Drink fresh
  • standard strength
  • pale color
  • any fermentation
  • north america

Serve: 40 to 45F, Weizen glass or pint

OG1.120
1.040 to 1.055
FG1.030
1.008 to 1.013
IBU120
15 to 30
SRM40
3 to 6
ABV14%
4.0 to 5.5%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Light bready wheat
  • Low to moderate hop, citrus or floral
  • Clean yeast with no clove or banana
Vague
Wheaty
Better
Bready wheat with some citrus hop
Best
Low bready wheat aroma with moderate citrus and floral hop, clean yeast with no clove or banana

Appearance

3 pts
  • Pale yellow to gold
  • Clear to hazy, both are acceptable
  • White head with good retention from wheat proteins
Vague
Cloudy
Better
Pale gold with slight haze
Best
Pale gold, slightly hazy, dense white head that lingers

Flavor

20 pts
  • Soft bready wheat
  • Low to moderate hop flavor and bitterness
  • Crisp, slightly tangy finish
Vague
Refreshing
Better
Soft wheat flavor with citrus hop
Best
Low bready wheat, moderate citrus hop flavor, low-medium bitterness, crisp dry finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Light to medium-light body
  • Medium to high carbonation
  • Soft and smooth
Vague
Light
Better
Light, soft and fizzy
Best
Light to medium-light body, soft wheat texture, medium-high carbonation

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Citrusy hop lift
  • Soft wheat body

Drops it

  • Clove or banana (wrong style)
  • Harsh bitterness
  • Grassy hop

Writing tip

Check for clove and banana first. Example: 'Clean fermentation, bready wheat and bright citrus hop. No banana or clove, which fits the American style.'

Pour these

  • OberonBell's BreweryWheat with spice and hop, a seasonal favorite
  • HefeweizenWidmer BrothersAmerican-style cloudy wheat, mild fruitiness
  • Unfiltered WheatBoulevard BrewingClean wheat with a bright citrus finish

Often confused with

  • 10A WeissbierGerman Weissbier shows banana and clove from the yeast, American wheat does not
  • 18A Blonde AleBlonde Ale is clearer and has no wheat tang

Fine here

  • Estery: A trace of fruit from the yeast

Ruinous here

  • Phenolic: Clove or smoky phenols belong in a German wheat
  • Grassy: Wheat beers show old hops quickly
  • Diacetyl: Butter and slickness

Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.