The American Wheat Beer! It’s like the All-American quarterback of the beer world – versatile, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser. Originating in the good ol’ U.S. of A., this style is a delightful twist on the traditional German Wheat Beer. Think of it as the laid-back cousin who traded lederhosen for jeans and a T-shirt. I love brewing this because it’s as easy-going as a Sunday barbecue and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 lbs Wheat Malt
- 4 lbs 2-Row Pale Malt
- 1 oz Cascade hops (60 minutes)
- 1 oz Willamette hops (10 minutes)
- 1 oz Cascade hops (5 minutes)
- Wyeast 1010 American Wheat or White Labs WLP320 American Hefeweizen yeast
- 1 Whirlfloc tablet (15 minutes)
- 1 tsp yeast nutrient (10 minutes)
Instructions
- Mash In: Heat 3.5 gallons of water to 165°F and mash in the grains. Aim for a mash temperature of 152°F and hold for 60 minutes.
- Mash Out: Raise the temperature to 170°F and hold for 10 minutes.
- Sparge: Sparge with enough water to collect 6.5 gallons of wort.
- Boil: Bring to a boil and add 1 oz Cascade hops. Boil for 50 minutes, then add 1 oz Willamette hops and the Whirlfloc tablet. After 5 more minutes, add 1 oz Cascade hops and yeast nutrient.
- Chill: Chill the wort to 68°F and transfer it to the fermenter.
- Ferment: Pitch the yeast and ferment at 68°F for 2 weeks. After primary fermentation, raise the temperature to 72°F for a 2-day diacetyl rest.
- Bottle/Keg: Carbonate to 2.5 volumes of CO2. Bottle condition for 2 weeks or force carbonate in a keg.
Expected Stats
- OG: 1.050
- FG: 1.010
- ABV: 5.3%
- IBU: 25
- SRM: 4
Brewing Process
American Wheat Beers are pretty straightforward. The mash is simple, and the boil is a breeze. The key here is the fermentation – keep it cool to let the yeast do its magic without throwing too many esters or phenols. The diacetyl rest ensures a clean finish.
Wyeast 1010 or White Labs WLP320 gives a clean, slightly fruity character without the clove or banana you’d find in a German Hefeweizen. Perfect for a crisp, refreshing beer.
Fun Facts
- American Wheat Beer is often brewed with a higher proportion of wheat than its German cousin.
- It’s a great beer for experimenting with fruit additions!
Popular Commercial Versions
- Bell’s Oberon Ale
- Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale
- Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat Beer
Expect a light, refreshing beer with a slight haze, a smooth mouthfeel, and a crisp finish. It’s perfect for any time of year but shines brightest on a hot summer day. Age? This beer is best enjoyed fresh!
