El Jefe is a German-style Hefeweizen brewed by J. Wakefield Brewing. For the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a wheat beer glass from a 16 oz. can.
What You Need to Know
El Jefe combines a traditional German Hefeweizen recipe with the addition of fresh coconut flakes. The resulting beer won’t pass German’s Purity Laws but it does produce a beer that nicely complements the South Florida tropical climate. So how was it? Let’s get to the review.
Appearance
The Weizen pours a cloudy golden orange hue and is topped by a very thick cap of loose, soapy, ivory-white foam. The head shows fair retention and its reduction leaves behind small, isolated patches of sticky lace.
Aroma
El Jefe’s aroma isn’t particularly strong but it does waft the nose with a pleasing scent of coconut, clove, and wheat bread.
Flavor
The palate is led by a taste of wheat bread that turns bitter with orange citrus, a touch of grapefruit, and spicy phenols. Its acidic bitterness lingers through the finish. Underneath is a mellow sweetness coconut and banana.

Label art for the El Jefe by J. Wakefield Brewing
Mouthfeel
The feel of El Jefe is relatively smooth with a medium body and matching carbonation. Its finish is somewhat dry and a lightly acidic.
Overall
The head retention could be better but otherwise, this Hefeweizen’s appearance is fine. Its feel could use more carbonation but is still quite easy to tilt back. The aroma is faint but pleasant. But most importantly, however, the palate is terrific. The use of coconut isn’t overpowering and it does make for a nice variation of the style. El Jefe is definitely worth a try.
Usually drink el jefe in a typical el jefe cup. Went to eat at Sugarcane and they served me your beer in a peroni glass. A little disappointed