American Wheat

Tasted Thursday evening while listening to the Irish oriented band: Horse Feathers. Received this beer from the Iowa City Beer Fest last month.

Appearance: Golden blonde in color with little to no head retention. Clarity is optimal as a persistent carbonation is visible. Wat lacing near the white ring that clings to the inner perimeter of the glass.

Aroma: A bit funky with an undertone of citrus and lemon. Can't really pick out much of a grain bill on this. Even a bit bready, as it reminds me of the Kvass I made a while ago (with white and wheat bread and Lemon and Kombucha). I'm thinking some wild yeast.

Taste: The front is masked by the bubbles but soon after that dissipates, I get a big dose of unmalted grain and husk. Still a prominent funk resides in the back taste of this beer. I'm unsure if it is related to being skunked, or infected...or intended. Briefly sour and tart. Lemon present as well as some phenols. Peppery dry finish. Bitterness at the end is likened to dried corn husk and leaves.

Mouthfeel: Light and crisp with a sharper bite from the carbonation. Mouthfeel is watery while the finish nevertheless remains drying and refreshing.
Overall Impression: The combination of flavors of wheat husk and tartness were a bit un-expected. I would have perhaps liked to see a bit more wheat malt flavor instead of the outer hull. I do think this is a better gateway beer for most in need of being introduced to craft beer. The light body and sharp crisp finish makes one reminisce of a light American Lager.


77/100