Bells Oberon Ale

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

The trick to pure oberon bliss lies in the serial consumption of several bottles of this classic michigan flavor. Cloudy to opaque from the tap, the citrus/malt/yeast combination is perfectly balanced and perfectly drinkable. While not so phenolic as most wheat beers, this wheat/barley blend brings planty of layers of complexity when drank with intention. A sour note buils up and up on the palate, increasing the mouthfeel to a sour, almost acidic level. Desire to quench the sourness leads to copious ingestion of malty citrus ale, until all that is left is the DISTINGUISHABLE intoxication and gut-feel that is characteristic of Larry Bell’s Brews.

The sun shines bright in Kalamazoo, MI. The Kalamazoo Brewing Company, is legendary among beer gurus for their big, bold, robust, and flavorful Bell’s beers. Why would their summer seasonal, Oberon be any different. Oberon Ale is a very, crisp, tart, and refreshing wheat beer. It is available until September, so if in your area, get some before it is all gone. Wheat beers are great in the summer, but they can be enjoyed in the cooler weather as well. Fall is a great time for wheat beers, summer has ended, but you might get a day where the sun will shine a little brighter than normal, and raise those temperatures. It beckons Oberon. Oberon answers the call and then some, this is Bell’s biggest selling beer. Oberon pours to an beautiful deep golden, murky, color. All of Bell’s beers are unpasturized, and unfiltered. This beer is quite hazy, with a lively carbonation, and a nice, thick, white head. The nose on this beer is very "wheaty". Grainy wheat aromas marry with grassy hop aroma. Oberon is hopped with Saaz hops. The palate is very firm, crisp, and grainy. Imported Belgian malted wheat is used, and this gives this beer a very tart, slightly sour edge. Oberon finishes with more of that tart wheat character, and grassy hop bitterness. This is a great American wheat beer, a perfect summer refresher, and a nice beer to have on a hot fall day. Be careful with this beer, it is very drinkable, and its 6% abv does not show. I would pair this beer with roasted chicken, or grilled fish.

My favorite summer beer. It’s as if they collect all the smells and tastes of summer and condense them into these 12 oz. bottles. Fabulous.

This is about the perfect beer to drink when the weather is hot and nasty. Subtle, hidden flavors, refreshing and not overbearing. My best experience with the beer is by far from a keg, cost $110 purchased directly from Kalamazoo Brewing Company in Comstock, MI. This was the first keg to run dry at my wedding reception!

One of my favorite summer beers. I love the look and taste of this beer. I’m stocking up because this ale ends soon! Although then we’re onto the Bells winter ale which is also amazing.

The appearance is a brilliant gold with low amounts of carbonation and a low hazyness for an unfiltered wheat. Very pronounced aroma that is both spicy and citrusy at the same time. Low bitterness and a moderately dry finish and hints of citrus flavors throughout the drink. The hop flavor is moderate and much less pronounced than the aroma. Medium body and just a hint of alcohol warmth.

this is one of the best beers i have ever tasted. hard to find, and a little pricey.. but well worth the extra couple of dollars. great taste, great aroma, overall a top notch beer....

Orangish hue, with a hoppy aroma. Taste is fruity, but doesn’t last long. A mildly hoppy finish leaves you wanting more. This is my favorite drinking beer. I prefer it in bottles, as on draught it is sweeter.