In This Article
Introduction to Spring & Summer Wheat Beers
Wheat beers don’t need hype to justify their place in warm weather. They’re easygoing, smooth, and familiar — the kind of beer even non–beer drinkers will at least try. Whether they lean citrusy, spicy, or softly sweet, wheat beers avoid the heaviness and bitterness that can make other styles feel tiring in the heat. In spring and summer, that simplicity becomes a strength.
Why Wheat Beers Work in Warm Weather
Wheat naturally softens a beer’s texture, giving it a smooth body without adding weight. That matters when temperatures climb, because heavy malt or aggressive bitterness can wear out the palate fast. Wheat beers also tend to feature clean, bright flavors — orange peel, coriander, banana, subtle fruit — which refresh rather than overwhelm. They don’t demand attention. You can drink them with food, during a backyard game, or while grilling without having to think about them. That’s exactly why they return every spring.
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Understanding Wheat Beer Styles
Most wheat beers fall into three familiar categories. Belgian Witbiers use orange peel and coriander, offering light spice and citrus. German Hefeweizens rely on yeast to generate banana and clove, often with a cloudy, full body. American Wheat Ales are cleaner, less yeast-forward, and sometimes incorporate fruit or hops. All three share the same base — wheat malt — but express it differently. That variety allows wheat beers to suit nearly any kind of drinker, from casual to experienced.
Not every beer on this list is available everywhere, and some are seasonal. Wheat beers don’t age well, so freshness matters. If you see cans dated six months back, skip them. Drink these young and cold — that’s how they were meant to be served.
Top Wheat Beers for Spring & Summer 2025
Bell’s Oberon Ale
American Wheat Ale | 5.8% ABV | 20 IBU
Bell’s Brewery, out of Michigan, has been a mainstay in American craft beer since the 1980s. They’ve never chased gimmicks or hype, focusing instead on dependable, approachable beers. Oberon is one of their most anticipated annual releases, often treated as the unofficial start of Midwestern summer.
Oberon pours hazy orange with a soft wheat backbone and mild citrus aroma. There’s a touch of spice from the yeast, but nothing overpowering. The flavor leans toward orange peel and grain, with minimal bitterness and a smooth, rounded mouthfeel.
This is an easy all-day beer — simple, refreshing, and built for outdoor drinking. It pairs well with grilled chicken, mild sausages, and picnic food. It doesn’t fight for attention, which is exactly why it works so well in hot weather.
Allagash White
Belgian Witbier | 5.2% ABV | 13 IBU
Allagash Brewing in Portland, Maine, is known for traditional Belgian-style brewing with American consistency. Allagash White helped popularize witbier in the U.S. long before most breweries jumped on it.
Cloudy gold with a lasting head, White is brewed with orange peel and coriander. It’s mildly sweet, lightly spiced, and finishes clean without bitterness. The body is soft and almost creamy, thanks to the wheat and bottle conditioning.
This is a safe choice for mixed company — people who claim not to like beer often enjoy it. It fits on brunch tables, seafood spreads, or light salads. It’s refreshing without being bland, which keeps it in rotation all summer.
North Coast Blue Star Wheat
American Wheat Ale | 4.5% ABV | 16 IBU
North Coast, based in California, is known for classic, straightforward brewing. They don’t chase trends, and Blue Star is their answer to the American wheat category.
Blue Star pours pale and lightly hazy, with grain and subtle citrus on the nose. The flavor stays mild — wheat, light breadiness, and soft floral yeast. Carbonation is moderate, keeping it smooth from start to finish.
It’s the definition of uncomplicated. Good for backyard eating, fishing trips, or any situation where you want a beer that won’t dominate food. It’s also low enough in alcohol to drink more than one.
Great Lakes Crushworthy
Citrus Wheat | 4.0% ABV | 10 IBU
Great Lakes Brewing in Ohio has a reputation for steady, clean brewing, often leaning traditional. Crushworthy represents their lighter, session-friendly lineup.
This fruited wheat ale comes in four varieties, each built around light citrus and easy refreshment. Brewed with real fruit additions like lemon and orange zest, it pours with a soft haze and a bright, clean aroma. All versions stay under 110 calories, keeping the body light without losing flavor. Whether it’s citrus, berry, or tropical, the finish remains dry and crisp — built for warm weather drinking.
It’s a beer you can drink in the hot sun without regretting it. Works well with salads, grilled shrimp, or just chips and salsa. Designed for day drinking, not deep analysis.
Tröegs DreamWeaver
Hefeweizen | 4.8% ABV | 15 IBU
Tröegs, from Pennsylvania, blends European inspiration with American craft identity. DreamWeaver is their traditional take on Bavarian hefeweizen, using open fermentation.
Hazy gold with strong banana and clove aromas, courtesy of hefeweizen yeast. Medium body, smooth carbonation, slightly spicy on the finish. Sweetness is restrained.
Ideal for beer drinkers who want more flavor without going heavy. It pairs well with brunch plates, roasted chicken, or pretzels. It offers complexity without weight.
Odell Easy Street Wheat
American Wheat Ale | 4.6% ABV | 15 IBU
Odell Brewing in Colorado has built its reputation on balance across styles — nothing too aggressive unless it’s meant to be. Easy Street is their straightforward wheat option.
Unfiltered and lightly hazy, this beer offers mild lemon and grain. Mouthfeel is soft, bitterness nearly absent. Finishes clean.
A no-frills beer for warm weather. It doesn’t distract, making it good for cookouts or casual meals. It fits anywhere an easy wheat beer is needed.
Kona Wailua Wheat
Fruit Wheat Ale | 5.4% ABV | 15 IBU
Kona Brewing, founded in Hawaii, focuses on approachable beers with subtle tropical touches. Wailua Wheat is brewed with passionfruit.
Clear gold, light tropical aroma, and mild tartness. Wheat adds body, fruit adds lift without making it sweet. Very clean finish.
Pairs naturally with seafood, grilled fish, or anything from a beach cooler. Good for drinkers who want a hint of fruit without a full fruit beer.
21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon
Fruit Wheat | 4.9% ABV | 17 IBU
21st Amendment, out of San Francisco, is known for seasonal fruit-forward beers. Hell or High Watermelon returns annually and has a solid summer following.
Light, refreshing wheat ale brewed with real watermelon. Flavor is subtle — more rind than candy. Very low bitterness.
Best suited to picnics, BBQs, or casual outdoor events. Easy to hand to someone who doesn’t want an IPA. Low ABV makes it approachable.
Sierra Nevada Kellerweis
Bavarian-Style Hefeweizen | 4.8% ABV | 15 IBU
Sierra Nevada, based in California, is known mostly for Pale Ale and Torpedo, but their attention to traditional brewing shows in Kellerweis. It uses open fermentation — rare among American breweries.
Classic hefeweizen — hazy, full banana and clove aroma, rich wheat body. Carbonation is strong and lively. Depth without heaviness.
Good for beer drinkers who appreciate traditional character. Pairs with grilled sausages, pretzels, or roast chicken. A serious wheat beer without being difficult.
Shiner Weisse ’n Easy
Session Wheat Ale | 4.0% ABV | 10 IBU
Shiner (Spoetzl Brewery) in Texas is best known for Shiner Bock, but this session wheat offers a lighter alternative. It’s brewed with hints of peach and apricot.
Pale, lightly hazy, with soft stone fruit notes on the nose. Wheat body but thinner, by design. Easy finish with no bitterness.
Built for heat — low ABV, light fruit, smooth body. Works well with barbecue, chips, or nothing at all. A lawn chair beer.
Serving & Pairing Notes
| Style | Best Pairings |
|---|---|
| Witbier | Seafood, salads, goat cheese |
| Hefeweizen | Brunch, pretzels, roast chicken |
| American Wheat | Burgers, grilled vegetables |
| Fruited Wheat | Salads, fruit plates, smoked chicken |
Serve wheat beers around 38–45°F. They don’t benefit from extreme cold. Use a proper glass if available — weizen or tulip — but a simple pint will do.
Final Takeaway
Wheat beers don’t need hype to justify their place in summer. They’re reliable, refreshing, and approachable across all levels of beer drinkers. Some offer citrus and spice, others lean banana or fruit, but they all share the same purpose — drinkability.
When the weather turns hot, reach for wheat.
Join the Conversation
Tried any of these wheat beers, or have a summer favorite of your own? Let us know in the comments!
Tag us on Instagram @craftbeermenow with your go-to warm-weather pour.
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