Unfiltered Wheat Beer: What's The Deal?

Unfiltered wheat beer is a hazy, lively, and refreshing ale with a natural citrusy flavor and a cloudy appearance. It is typically brewed with a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley, resulting in a sweet, bready flavor. The two main varieties of wheat beer are German Weizenbier and Belgian Witbier, with other types including Lambic, Berliner Weisse, and Gose. Unfiltered wheat beer has gained popularity as a craft beer, particularly in the Midwest region of the United States, and is known for its easy drinkability.

Unfiltered Wheat Beer's history

Unfiltered wheat beer, also known as Hefeweizen, has set the stage for a craft beer revolution. First brewed in 1990, it has become the most beloved craft beer in the Midwest region of the United States. This unfiltered wheat beer is known for its lively and refreshing taste, with a natural citrus flavour and a distinctive hazy appearance.

The history of wheat beer can be traced back to the 15th century when it was introduced to Bavaria from neighbouring Bohemia. However, due to the Reinheitsgebot law, only beer made from barley was allowed in Bavaria until 1548. It was only when William IV, Duke of Bavaria, granted special privileges to Baron Hans VI von Degenberg that wheat beer could be brewed and sold in the region.

Bavarian wheat beer, or Weizenbier, is traditionally made with a significant proportion of malted wheat, giving it a lighter colour and flavour compared to barley-only beers. The two main varieties of wheat beer are German Weizenbier and Belgian Witbier, with other types including Lambic, Berliner Weisse, and Gose. Belgian Witbier, also known as "white beer", often includes flavourings such as coriander and orange peel, while German Weizenbier may have a higher alcohol content.

American wheat beer, on the other hand, is typically brewed with at least 30% malted wheat and can be made using either ale or lager yeast. It does not have the banana or clove flavours that are characteristic of German wheat beers, and it is known for its refreshing, easy-drinking quality, making it a popular choice during the summer months.

Its brewing process

Unfiltered wheat beer is an American-style wheat beer with a cloudy, hazy appearance and a natural citrusy flavour. It is a lively and refreshing ale with a sweet, bready, malty taste. The Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat Beer, first brewed in 1990, is an example of this style and has become the best-selling craft beer in the Midwest.

Brewing Process

The brewing process for unfiltered wheat beer involves the following steps:

Milling

The first step in the brewing process is to mill the wheat grains. Wheat grains are used in this style of beer instead of the more commonly used barley because they give the beer its characteristic bready flavour and cloudy appearance. The wheat grains are milled to break them down into smaller pieces, which will make it easier to extract the sugars during the mashing process.

Mashing

The milled wheat grains are then soaked in warm water to create a wheat mash. This process activates enzymes in the grain that convert starches into sugars, which will later be fermented by yeast to produce alcohol. Mashing also extracts the wheat proteins that give the beer its cloudy appearance.

Boiling

The wheat mash is then boiled. During boiling, hops are added, which contribute bitterness, flavour, and aroma to the beer. The boiling process also helps to sterilise the mixture and stop wild yeast from contaminating the brew.

Fermentation

After boiling, the mixture is cooled and yeast is added to begin the fermentation process. Fermentation is when the sugars in the wort (the liquid extracted from the mashing process) are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process can take several days to weeks, depending on the type of yeast and fermentation temperature.

Conditioning

Once fermentation is complete, the young beer is conditioned to improve its flavour and clarity. During conditioning, the beer is stored at a cool temperature to allow any remaining yeast to settle and unwanted by-products of fermentation to dissipate.

Bottling or Kegging

Finally, the beer is bottled or kegged, ready to be distributed and enjoyed. Unfiltered wheat beers are typically served in a Weizen glass, which is similar to a pilsner glass but curved more elegantly towards the top. This style of glassware helps to showcase the beer's hazy appearance and trap any sediment at the bottom, ensuring an ideal drinking experience.

How it tastes

Unfiltered wheat beer is a lively, refreshing ale with a natural citrusy flavour and a cloudy appearance. It is often described as "bready", fruity, bright and spicy, with flavour notes of coriander, orange peel, lemon, honey and pepper. The beer is also characterised by its high level of carbonation and minimal alcohol content.

The unique flavour of unfiltered wheat beer comes from the high proportion of wheat used in the brewing process, relative to the amount of malted barley. This gives the beer its characteristic creamy texture and dry palate. The beer is also typically bottle-conditioned, meaning it is unfiltered and served with its yeast, adding to its complex flavour profile.

The citrusy notes in unfiltered wheat beer can range from sweet orange to tangy lemon, providing a refreshing quality that is especially appealing on warm days. The spice notes, such as coriander and pepper, add depth and a subtle kick to the flavour profile. The bready or biscuity taste, which comes from the wheat, provides a satisfying base that makes the beer easy to drink.

Unfiltered wheat beer also has a relatively low bitterness level, with an International Bitterness Units (IBU) value typically around 14 to 15. This low bitterness is balanced by the high carbonation and slight sweetness of the beer. The combination of these elements creates a well-rounded and approachable flavour profile that has broad appeal.

The overall taste of unfiltered wheat beer can be described as a harmonious blend of citrus, spice and bready notes, with a hint of sweetness and a dry, creamy finish. It is a refreshing and easy-drinking beer that is perfect for those who enjoy a complex yet approachable craft beer.

How it compares to filtered wheat beer

Unfiltered wheat beer is a hazy, American classic. First brewed in 1990, it has retained its character and popularity for over 20 years, becoming the best-selling craft beer in the Midwest. It is known for its lively, refreshing taste, with a natural citrus flavour and a cloudy appearance.

Filtered beers, on the other hand, are crystal clear and were once considered a sign of quality. They are typically mechanically filtered, using cake filtration or surface filtration. This process removes the sediment from fermentation, creating a clear, stable beer. However, this filtration process can also remove some of the more complex qualities of the beer, such as its aroma and flavour.

Unfiltered beers, like the wheat beer described above, have a hazy or cloudy appearance. They are often considered to have more flavour than filtered beers due to the presence of raw compounds from the yeast. They also tend to have a stronger aroma, as the yeast is not filtered out. In terms of taste, unfiltered beers are slightly bitter and more grainy, giving them a complex flavour profile.

In terms of health benefits, unfiltered beers are considered healthier as they contain more B vitamins, probiotics, and fibre. They are also higher in antioxidants and can help sweep up bad cholesterol. Additionally, unfiltered beers are a good source of soluble fibre and contain higher levels of magnesium and potassium.

So, when comparing unfiltered wheat beer to a filtered beer, the main differences lie in appearance, flavour, and nutritional content. Unfiltered wheat beer has a cloudy appearance, a complex flavour profile with a natural citrus taste, and is considered healthier due to its higher nutrient content. Filtered beers, on the other hand, have a clear, crisp appearance and a lighter, cleaner flavour. Ultimately, the preference between the two comes down to individual taste and preferences.

What foods it pairs well with

Unfiltered wheat beer is a lively and refreshing ale with a natural citrusy flavour and a cloudy appearance. It is easy to drink and pairs well with a wide range of foods.

When it comes to food pairings, wheat beers are very versatile. Here are some ideal food combinations:

• Salads with light citrus dressings and feta or goat cheese.
• Ceviches and other light, citrus-flavoured dishes.
• Spicy food, such as Thai curries and other Asian cuisines that incorporate bright peppers and a hint of citrus.
• Lighter menu items like mild cheeses and fresh fruit.
• Artisanal cheese boards featuring goat cheese and buttery gouda.
• Spicy Chinese or Thai takeout.
• Barbecue, sausage, and rich stews.
• Smoked foods, such as grilled dishes and oysters.
• Salty foods like smoked meats, especially bacon.
• Chocolate, espresso, and coffee-flavoured desserts, as well as soft, creamy cheeses.
• Sweet and fruity Asian dishes.
• Citrus-flavoured dishes, including desserts and salad dressings.
• Fruity desserts, such as fruit tarts.

Frequently asked questions