Bell's "Oberon" Wheat Ale

The folks from Michigan have brought another wheat ale to me today (well, actually, I purchased this all by myself, and they have no idea who I am). Bell's has hit the epic "Excellent" category twice, and one of those was a topped-out 5/5! So, we have guys who can make a good beer, and this is a good style to try. Let's bring it!

The slightly hazy, straw-colored beer doesn't exactly erupt with foam, and there won't be much left on top. It's not naked, but the paltry wisps of bubbles scattered across the top can hardly be called a proper head. The result is clearly not going to be any lacing. The aroma is heavy grains and honey. I hoped for a whiff of fruit, but I'm not getting any.

First sip is, honestly, a pretty unique take on the style. It is heavy with grains, but it has the sweetness of the honey. The problem is that it seems to have husks of something else that drags down the high aspirations of the beer itself. It has a haze about it that doesn't seem to be putting me in the mood of beer. I will have to investigate further. 

Tip-in is honey and wheat with moderate carbonation increasing until it becomes intrusive. The middle winds up with the carbonation at the roof of the mouth and a nice, smooth honey and wheat mixture absolutely gushing through the center. The finish is really the hard part of beer, and this one isn't getting it quite right with bitterness and tart meeting in carbonation burn while the wheat turns to husks for the trail off.

Bottom Line: Not the wheat beer we deserve.

2.25/5