Bells Oberon Ale

Brewed by Bells Brewery
Style: Wheat Ale
Kalamazoo, Michigan USA

The ultimate summer brew.

Oberon...Aproved..... Update 2002 Version: Best looking beer ever with its juicy gold greatness. citrus aroma. More hops and more coriander then last years version. My rating is slightly lower as i’ve matured but still and excellent beer

When I’ve rated this beer in the past it’s been at the cutting edge of its sunbright spring appearance, when its reality had to deal with the inflated expectations of a Michigander who had grown thirsty for it through a winter of darker brews. Now I’m rating it at the tail end of its season, after a summer of enjoying it at home, on the boat, in the woods. And this seems more appropriate to me, a fairer shake for Michigan’s legendary summer staple. I do agree that this beer has had slightly different incarnations over time, but here, without further ado, is a rating drawn from many long summers’ experience of the stuff: my Ode to Oberon. There is a hazy quality to late summer as pollen in the heated air lazes across your consciousness. And this is the haze at play in Oberon’s faded gold. Hold a glass by a bonfire on the beach and it will run with the reds as well, topping all with a deliciously dense head lashed out like the crest of a Lake Michigan wave. Aroma? Lively, dancing skips of wheaty citrus with significant spicey yeast action and hints of butter as well. All this, of course, prelude to the full throated music of the brew in the mouth - riper, heavier, rounder than your average wheat with just enough oat- bready backbone to support the threading notes of orange and lemon, apricot and mint, exotic spices too. And the finish! Oberon is a celebration of what hops can bring to a well-crafted wheat, leaving a lasting legacy like the strong memory of a summer’s wind in face and sails.

Probably the only beer from the k-zoo brewing company that i actually like. It had a flavor all its own.

A bit of trivia. This beer used to be called Solsun, however another brewer claimed either the name or label (i forget which) was a rip off of theirs. So larry changed its name to Oberon after the king of the faries in a midsummer nights dream, Way to sock it to ’em! I was lucky enough to get my hands on a old Solsun bottle for my collection, it was a happy day.

Hazy light golden appearance, average white head. Alluring sour aroma - hints of green apples, wheatiness. Some spice in the flavor, maltiness, with the wheat coming out quite nicely in the finish. One of the better and more original wheat beers I’ve ever had.

This is just aces. Cirtusy, yeast aroma. Pours orange and is completely opaque. Taste starts out with lemon, then segues into yeast and hops and crisp breads. Finishes with a noticeable hop presence.

Typical cloudy wheat appearance, with a nice cider color. Good flavor with a touch of citrus background. Good head and nice lace.