Oberon Ale is an American Wheat Ale brewed by Bell’s Brewery Inc., and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a wheat beer glass from a 12 oz. bottle.
Packaging art for the Oberon Ale by Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
What You Need to Know
The Oberon Ale is fermented with Bell’s signature house ale yeast and mixes a spicy hop character with mildly fruity aromas. As is the case with many wheat beers, the addition of wheat malt lends its smooth mouthfeel. The Oberon is brewed only with water, malted wheat, barley, hops and yeast. It’s available seasonally beginning in late March through August although it’s available year round in the states of Arizona and Florida.
So how is it? Let’s get to the review.
Check Out the Latest News Article
Appearance
The ale pours a somewhat hazy marigold hue and is topped by a giant cap of dense, mousse-like white foam that shows excellent retention. A few isolated patches of residue clutch the sides of the glass as the head slowly recedes. Bubbles stream upwards amidst a cloud of floating sediment.
Aroma
The aroma is bright with a scent of clove, orange, and grain.
Label art for the Oberon Ale by Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Flavor
The palate begins with a taste of doughy wheat bread that’s spiced with clove, pepper, and bittered with just a hint of lemon. Sweet notes of tangy orange and honey round out the finish.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is soft and smooth, approaching creamy. Medium-light body feels fuller than it is. Light carbonation is hardly noticeable. Its finish has a light dryness.
Did You Know?
You might already know that Oberon is one of Bell’s most popular beers. But did you know that when Bell’s first produced the beer back in 1992 it was named “Solsun”? It wasn’t until 1997 when a Mexican brewery with a similar name asked Bell’s to rename their beer.
Overall
The Oberon Ale presents nicely and has a delightful aroma. Its palate is terrific with its pop of orange on the backend. If anything is amiss, the ale could benefit from more carbonation. Otherwise, this wheat ale is so easy to tilt back and really refreshing. An ideal summer ale.
Watch the Video
Want to know more about the Oberon? Check out the video from Larry Bell, founder of Bell’s Brewery, as he discusses the history and fanatacism of the Oberon Ale.
Recommended Pairings
Bell’s recommends the following food pairings with their Oberon Ale: ham, duck, sushi, salads, fennel, basil, onions, pickles, tomato, mozzarella, young cheddar; fruits of berries, watermelon, peaches, oranges; orange flan for dessert.
Make Your Own Beermosa
Here’s a good summertime idea straight from Bell’s. Make your own Beermosa using the following ingredients: 25% sparkling white wine, 15% orange juice, 60% Oberon, and then add a mint leaf or an orange slice as garnish.
