Bells Oberon Ale

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

Wow - this is really great stuff - to me, a Belgian lover, this is the perfect summertime companion. Rich in flavor yet very drinkable.

One of the best American Wheats I’ve had so far. Great yeast/citrus flavor. Fuck a lemon slice in it, as it will only take away from this beer. Do not be afraid to swirl the dregs and plop ’em on in. K-Zoo, I am in love with you.

A nice cloudy orange color. A sweet, fruity aroma present. There is a noticeable bitterness this year, also oranges, coriander. Malt and wheat characteristics similar to American West Wheat Beers. I like Oberon but for some reason I enjoyed last year’s bottling a lot more than I do this year. Had on tap a couple times since my last rating...so refreshing. Good balance that I really enjoy.

This opaque, orange amber beer pours with a solid two-finger head that shows excellent retention. It slowly fades to a rcoky layer of foam and produces a delicate lace. There is a yeast component to the aroma, but wheat and hops are the dominate notes. Also a hint of clove and coriander in there as well. Impressive. The taste is very crisp, with the wheat snap right up front. Coriander/cilantro notes are evident, with a slight sweetness creeping in. A bit of hop bitterness is coupled with some light alcohol notes. The yeast contributes to the flavor but is not evident as "yeast" as in many wheat beers. There is no breadiness to the flavor. The finish has a crisp, wheat tartness that is very refreshing. Decent bitterness lingers on the aftertatse. The mouthfeel is solid, but not remarkable in any way. Perfect for enjoying any time of the year. The drinkability is darn near exceptional. This beer refreshes, satisfies, quenches, and then gets out of the way.

On tap at the Liberty Grill in Calendon, VA. Hazy golden amber under a tight and tall white head. Fresh citrusy aroma with faint yeast. Light malty flavor with plenty of citrus (orange) and a nice hop balance. Very silky mouthfeel and a clean finish with a touch of yeast at the back end. Great beer.

Probably the best session beer I’ve had. Had the chance to be in Bloomington, IN the weekend the bars and stores got their first batches of the summer. Draft was a great opaque gold, looked good even in a cheap plastic cup. Bottle was cloudier, with noticable sediment. Both had a slight aroma. Flavor was smooth and hoppy. The taste wasn’t as sweet as some people describe, much less than a macro-wheat, but more noticable than more complex wheat beers.

Pours a cloudy orange-ish color, seemingly completely unfiltered. Sweet fruity and floral aroma. Palate is quite thick for this style. Orange, grapefruit, and other fruits come to mind in regards to the flavor. Maybe a bit too sweet, but pretty refreshing overall.

Perfect blend of wheat and 2-row, I just drank an ’06 and ’07 back to back and believe me this not one for the cellars. Drink as fresh as possible and you’re in for a treat!