Wheat beers, with their refreshing and diverse range of flavours, are a staple in the beer world. The Beer Judge Certification Programme (BJCP) categorises these delightful brews into several distinct styles, each offering a unique taste experience. From the traditional German Weißbier to the innovative American Wheat, let’s explore the BJCP guidelines to understand the nuances of wheat beer styles.

German Weißbier (10A)

German Weißbier, known for its cloudy appearance and vibrant flavours of banana and clove, is a classic representation of wheat beers. The yeast used in brewing imparts these distinctive fruity and spicy notes, making it a favourite among those who enjoy a beer with character. Its effervescent mouthfeel adds to its refreshing quality, making it a perfect choice for a sunny day.

Dunkel Weissbier (10B)

Dunkel Weissbier, or dark wheat beer, brings a richer malt profile to the wheat beer family. While retaining the classic banana and clove flavours of its lighter counterpart, it introduces notes of caramel, chocolate, or toasted bread, thanks to the darker malts. This style offers a delightful complexity, balancing the deeper malt flavours with the traditional yeast characteristics.

Weizenbock (10C)

Weizenbock is the bolder, stronger relative in the wheat beer category, combining the yeast-driven flavours of a classic Weißbier with a robust malt backbone. This style can range from amber to dark brown and is known for its complex blend of fruit, spice, and malt, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It’s a rich and flavourful beer that still manages to retain the refreshing essence of wheat.

American Wheat Beer (1D)

American Wheat Beer takes the wheat beer concept and adds a clean, hop-forward twist. This style is less focused on yeast-derived flavours and more on showcasing the bright, citrusy, and floral notes of American hops. With a subdued ester profile, American Wheat Beers are crisp, refreshing, and highly approachable, embodying the spirit of American craft brewing.

Belgian Witbier (24A)

Belgian Witbier, or white beer, is a light and zesty brew that combines the soft, grainy character of wheat with lively spice notes, typically including coriander and orange peel. Its pale, hazy appearance and slightly tart, citrus-forward flavour profile are complemented by a gentle spiciness and smooth, creamy body. Witbier is the quintessential refreshment for warmer weather.

Wheatwine (22D)

Wheatwine, a less common but intriguing style, is essentially a wheat-based take on the traditional Barleywine. Featuring a significant proportion of wheat, it offers a full, chewy body and a complex array of flavours, from bready and grainy to fruity and sweet. Wheatwines are strong, with a noticeable alcohol presence, showcasing the versatility of wheat in brewing.

Comparative Summary

• German Weißbier (10A): Light, effervescent, with distinctive banana and clove flavours.
• Dunkel Weissbier (10B): Richer malt profile, adding caramel and chocolate notes to the classic Weißbier flavours.
• Weizenbock (10C): Stronger and bolder, with a complex blend of fruit, spice, and malt.
• American Wheat Beer (1D): Crisp and hop-forward, showcasing citrusy and floral hop characteristics.
• Belgian Witbier (24A): Light and zesty, with a blend of coriander, orange peel, and a creamy body.
• Wheatwine (22D): Strong and chewy, with a complex and sweet flavour profile.

Each wheat beer style offers a unique drinking experience, from the refreshing and fruity German Weißbier to the strong and complex Wheatwine. Whether you prefer the traditional European styles or the modern American twist, the world of wheat beers has something to delight every palate. So, why not explore these styles and find your new favourite wheat beer? Cheers! 🍻