BJCP 1D · Standard American Beer
American Wheat Beer
A refreshing, clean wheat beer without the banana and clove aromas of the German versions. Light, with some bready character and American hops you can actually notice.
American Wheat Beer by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 4.0 – 5.5%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 15 – 30 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 3 – 6 SRM6–12 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.040 – 1.055on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.008 – 1.013on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What American Wheat Beer is like
A pale, refreshing, clean-fermented wheat beer where the wheat brings bread and creaminess and the hops can have more presence than in German wheat beers. It doesn't have the phenols or banana esters of a Weissbier.
Appearance
Straw to gold, clear to somewhat hazy. Abundant, long-lasting white head.
Aroma
Soft wheat and bread, sometimes with a doughy hint, and low to moderate hops with citrusy, floral or spicy notes. A light fruitiness is possible, but never banana or clove.
Flavor
Bready wheat and some sweet grain, with low to medium bitterness for balance. The finish is dry to medium, and the hops may leave a citrusy or floral touch.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light to medium body, a little creamy from the wheat proteins, and medium to high carbonation.
Where American Wheat Beer comes from
It caught on in the United States in the 1980s, when the first craft breweries started making wheat beers with their clean ale yeasts instead of German strains. Today it's a common summer style in the country.
Ingredients
Wheat malt, usually 30 to 50% of the grist, with American pale malt. American or European hops and an American ale or lager yeast, always with a neutral profile.
Brew it yourself
How to brew American Wheat Beer at home
Use a clean American ale yeast at 17-19 °C (63-66 °F); if you pick a German wheat strain, it's no longer this style. Wheat can cause a stuck sparge, so add rice hulls if your system needs them, and mash at 65-66 °C (149-151 °F). Carbonate to 2.6-2.8 volumes; the typical mistake is phenols or banana from using the wrong yeast.
Food pairing
Goes well with salads, grilled seafood or fish tacos.
Glassware: weizen glass, tall and open at the top, to show off the head and the haze.
Classic examples
- Bell's Oberon
- Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale
Frequently asked questions
How strong is American Wheat Beer?
Between 4.0% and 5.5% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is American Wheat Beer?
It has 15 to 30 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is American Wheat Beer?
Straw to gold: 3 to 6 SRM (6 to 12 EBC).
What food pairs well with American Wheat Beer?
Goes well with salads, grilled seafood or fish tacos.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Weissbier, Blonde Ale and Cream Ale.
If you like American Wheat Beer, try these
Classification and statistics: official American Wheat Beer guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.