Brewer Profile: Matt Bush of Flat Roof Brewing
Brewing Hoppy Wheat Beer: A Step-by-Step Guide from Flat Roof Brewing
Hey there, I'm Matt, the brewer behind Flat Roof Brewing, based in Grand Rapids, MI. I craft beers that are inspired by the vibrant people, places, and experiences here in the Great Lakes region, all brewed with a slight slant from Furniture City.
The Brew: American Wheat Ale
This summertime brew is hopped up with Michigan Bergamot hops, giving it a bright, citrusy flavor without needing any orange slices. It's crisp, refreshing, and packed with hop aroma - perfect for beating the heat.
Tasting Notes
- Expect a hazy, straw-colored appearance with a delightful, fluffy white head.
- Aromas of citrus, floral, and herbal notes dominate, thanks to the Michigan Bergamot hops.
- The flavor should have a dominate bright citrus profile with a subtle wheat malt sweetness.
- A balanced bitterness rounds out the beer, finishing clean and dry.
The Recipe: Hoppy Wheat
Ingredients
Grain- 6 lbs Pilsner Malt- 5 lbs White Wheat Malt
Hops- 2 oz Michigan Bergamot Hops (Added during chilling)- 2 oz Michigan Bergamot Hops (Post fermentation dry hop)
Yeast- Omega American Wheat Ale Yeast
Extras- Yeast Nutrient - 10 min
Water- 4.3 g CaCI2- 4.4 g CaSO4- 4.5 g Sea salt- 6 ml Lactic Acid
Instructions
Batch Size: 5 galOG: 1.055FG: 1.014IBU: 12ABV: 5.4%Efficiency: 66%
- Mash-in and hold at 152°F for 60 minutes, then mash out at 168°F for 10 minutes.
- Sparge with enough water to collect around 6.5 gal of wort.
- Transfer 0.5 gal of wort to the fermenter and add dip hops and yeast nutrient.
- Chill the wort to pitching temperatures.
- Ferment at 68°F for 7-10 days, allowing the dry hops to steep for 3-5 days or until the hop aroma is achieved.
Recipe Breakdown
- Aerate the wort thoroughly before fermentation.
- Carbonation should be moderate, around 2.5 volumes of CO2, for a wheat beer.
Want more Matt? Check out his blog on Low Oxygen Practices for Hoppy Beers or brew his Gose Beer Recipe.
The Scoop on Wheat Beers
Wheat beer, known for its large proportion of wheat, is a versatile style with a variety of unique flavors and characteristics. Learn all about it in the enlightening section below.
What is Wheat Beer?
A beverage made from a substantial amount of wheat, wheat beer boasts a wide array of flavors and appearances.
The History of Wheat Beer
Wheat beers date back to ancient times, but their modern surge in popularity traces to Germany and Belgium, where Weissbier and Witbier respectively originated.
The Differences in Wheat Beer
Unlike other beer types that primarily rely on barley, wheat beers offer a unique contrast with their high wheat content, creating differences in taste, look, and texture.
Tasting Wheat Beer
Light and refreshing, wheat beers often exhibit fruity and spicy flavors, with hints of banana, clove, and vanilla. Their high protein content leads to a silky mouthfeel.
Brewing Wheat Beer
The brewing process of wheat beer isn't significantly different from other beers, the key difference being the high percentage of wheat used in the grain mixture and the use of special yeast strains.
Key Ingredients in Wheat Beer
Wheat provides the base, hops balance sweetness with bitterness, and yeast adds to flavor and alcohol content.
Food Pairings for Wheat Beer
Wheat beers match well with light, flavorful dishes like salads, seafood, sushi, and various cheeses. Their refreshing quality also complements spicy foods.
Year-Round Wheat Beer
Yes, you can enjoy wheat beer all year long, but its light, refreshing nature makes it especially popular in warm weather.
ABV in Wheat Beer
Wheat beers are typically moderate in alcohol content, ranging from 4% to 5.5%, with some styles like Weizenbock reaching up to 7% or more.
Wheat Beer Styles
Several different wheat beer styles exist, including German Weizenbier, Belgian Witbier, American Wheat, and Weizenbock, each with their unique characteristics.
Serving Temperature for Wheat Beer
Wheat beers are best served slightly chilled, between 45-50°F, to allow their unique flavors and refreshing character to truly shine.
Popular Brands of Wheat Beer
Weihenstephaner, Schneider Weisse, and Paulaner from Germany; Hoegaarden from Belgium; Blue Moon and Bell's Oberon from the United States are all popular wheat beer brands.
Wheat Beer's Golden Color
The golden color of wheat beers comes from the grains used in brewing, with wheat contributing a light color, and unique yeast strains providing a slight cloudiness.
Factors Influencing Wheat Beer Flavor
The choice of yeast, fermentation temperature, and proportions of wheat used in brewing all significantly impact the flavor of a wheat beer. Creativity is key for brewers in tweaking these variables for unique taste profiles.
Wheat Beer Bitterness
Unlike more bitter styles like IPAs, wheat beers exhibit a lower to medium bitterness level, their flavor profile leaning more towards fruity and spicy notes.
Wheat Beer Glass
Wheat beers are typically served in a tall, slender glass called a Weizen glass, which showcases the beer's color, retains the foam head, and enhances the beer's aromas.
Wheat Beer Beginner-Friendly
Absolutely! Its light, refreshing character makes wheat beer an excellent starting point for beer novices.
Additional Wheat Beer Facts
Fun facts include its ancient origins, historical royal monopoly in certain parts of Europe, and the former secrecy surrounding yeast strains used for traditional brewing.
German vs Belgian Wheat Beer
German Weizenbier (wheat beer) is characterized by banana and clove notes, while Belgian Witbier features coriander and orange peel flavors. German beer must contain at least 50% wheat, while Belgian brewers use unmalted wheat and sometimes oats.
Storing Wheat Beer
To maintain quality and flavor, wheat beers should be stored upright in a cool, dark place.
Vegan Friendliness of Wheat Beer
Most wheat beers are vegan, as they're made with water, grains (wheat and barley), hops, and yeast. However, some breweries use non-vegan ingredients like isinglass, so it's essential to check with the brewery if unsure.
Wheat Beer and Desserts
Wheat beers pair exceptionally well with many desserts, complementing fruit-based desserts, cream pastries, and ice cream with their often fruity and spicy notes.
Homebrewing Wheat Beer
Yes, homebrewing wheat beer is possible with the right equipment and ingredients, including malted wheat, hops, yeast, and water.
Witbier vs Weissbier
While witbier and weissbier are often used interchangeably, "witbier" is a literal translation of "White Beer" and specifically refers to Belgian wheat beers, while "weissbier" is a general term for German wheat beers.
Beer Tasting Party Selection
For a wheat beer tasting party, consider offering a variety of styles such as a German Hefeweizen, an American Wheat, and a Belgian Witbier, to showcase the differences in flavor profiles.
Evolution of Wheat Beer
Throughout history, wheat beer has evolved significantly, from ancient brewing techniques to its current popularity in different parts of the world due to varying styles and interpretations by brewers.
Shelf Life of Wheat Beer
Wheat beers are generally meant to be consumed fresh and typically have a shelf life of 6 to 9 months.
Aging Wheat Beer
Unlike some beer styles, wheat beers are not meant for aging, as aging may lead to a decline in flavor and freshness.
Award-Winning Wheat Beers
Popular award-winning wheat beers include Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier and Allagash White.
Color and Taste in Wheat Beer
The color of a wheat beer, ranging from pale straw to deep amber, comes from the type of malt used in brewing. While the color itself doesn't affect taste, the roast level of the malt can influence the beer's flavor.
The Alcohol Content in Wheat Beer
Alcohol in wheat beer is produced during fermentation, with specific yeast strains and fermentation temperatures determining the beer's final alcohol content and flavor profile.
Sour Wheat Beers
Some wheat beers have a sour taste due to the use of bacteria like Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, which produce lactic acid during fermentation. Styles like Berliner Weisse and Gose are known for their tart, sour flavors.
For more amazing beer recipes, head over to our website or look for other articles such as Beer Style Guide, Homebrewing Supply List, and Craft Beer 101, among others. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pint of that refreshing wheat ale and cheers!
- After crafting the Hoppy Wheat beer recipe, home brewers can experiment with low oxygen practices, as shared on Matt Bush's blog, to enhance the aroma and flavor of hoppy beers.
- Besides brewing, Matt Bush has generously shared another recipe for Gose Beer on his blog, offering home brewing enthusiasts the opportunity to craft a unique, flavorful brew at home.
- Alongside his passion for beer, Matt's blog also delves into the world of food-and-drink pairings, suggesting that Hoppy Wheat beer pairs exceptionally well with light, flavorful home-and-garden recipes, such as salads, seafood dishes, and various cheeses.
