Everything Wheat Beer

The use of wheat in beer brewing goes back thousands of years to ancient times. As long ago as during the days of Ancient Egypt and the Mesopotamian Empire, wheat was a key ingredient in brewing practices. As far as modern wheat beer goes, we can trace things back to Germany around 600 years ago. Around this time, brewers began mixing wheat with barley during the brewing process, thus laying the foundations for the wheat beer styles we enjoy today. 

These beginnings were followed by a somewhat tumultuous time for wheat beer. An initial growth in popularity was followed by multiple hurdles. The beer purity law in Germany (Reinheitsgebot) initially excluded the use of wheat in beer brewing, while improvements over the years to alternative beer styles, such as barley malt beers and Bohemian lager, saw wheat beer suffer against competition. Wheat beer's popularity subsequently dwindled significantly during the mid-late 19th century, with many breweries closing as a result.

Despite these setbacks, wheat beer never entirely disappeared, and its popularity rose again following World War II thanks to evolving beer trends and the beginning of the craft beer movement later in the century. Fast forward to the present day, and wheat beer has cemented itself as a notable, beloved beer style. Its hazy appearance, fruity esters, and soft mouthfeel make it an accessible drink for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Whether you're sipping a traditional German Hefeweizen, a Belgian Witbier, or a craft-brewed American Wheat Beer, one thing's for sure - this beer style is here to stay.

Speaking of different wheat beer styles, let's delve further into that subject.

Selecting the right glass

At Spiegelau, we're passionate about the fact that the glass you use is crucial for communicating your drink's qualities to your palate. For wheat beer, we have the Spiegelau American Wheat Beer/Witbier glass. Designed in collaboration with one of the leading Wheat Beer brewers in the United States, John Mallett and Laura Bell from Bell's Brewery, we introduced this glass in 2015 to enhance the beer-drinking experience for wheat beer lovers by:

• enhancing the delicate, floral, and fruit-scented aromatic profiles of American Wheat Beers and Belgian Style Witbier
• preserving the frothy head that contains a lot of wheat beer's aromas and releases those delightful esters
• improving taste and mouth feel while presenting a comfortably wide opening for the drinker to savor each sip
• maintaining your wheat beer's carbonation by preventing CO2 release through preserving the beer's frothy head.

Enjoying wheat beer with food

Pairing wheat beer with food can be a delightful adventure. Thanks to its minimal hops and low levels of bitterness, wheat beer pairs well with a wide range of snacks and meals, including light bites, richer meals, and desserts.

For a light and crisp match, consider pairing your wheat beer with a fresh salad, seafood, or a classic chicken dish. The fruity and slightly spicy notes in wheat beer complement these dishes beautifully, particularly in the case of Witbier and the various floral flavors it can possess.

For something a little more indulgent, try pairing your wheat beer with a plate of bratwurst sausages, soft pretzels, and a dollop of spicy mustard. The wheat beer's effervescence cuts through the richness of the sausages, while the malt sweetness plays in harmony with the pretzels. These more potent food choices are particularly well-suited to the variety of Weissbier options you have at your disposal or a more hoppy American Wheat Beer.

If you have a sweet tooth, don't shy away from dessert! Wheat beer can be a delightful companion to fruity desserts like apple pie or a berry cobbler. The beer's subtle sweetness and effervescence provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the desserts. Stick to a lighter wheat beer in this instance, as more powerful wheat beers such as American Wheat Beer or Dunkelweizen could overwhelm your dessert of choice.