Apricots Wheat
Al's of Hampden / Pizza Boy Brewing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A-hazy yellow orange color with a nice white head and good lacing

S-grain, little wheat, apricot, hint of grass

T-grain, wheat, apricot, little grass, mild bitter hop finish

F-light to medium body with moderate carbonation, crisp and refreshing

O-nice fruit wheat ale, the apricot compliments it nicely without being overpowering, great beer for the summer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Draft offering during my final visit to the old Als/Pizza Boy location. Served in a weizen glass the brew appears a hazed golden orange color with a dense white cap that slowly fades leaving patches of lacing effect on the glass. A swirl effortlessly revives a finger to the surface that retains very well.

The aroma captured a pleasant balance of fresh juicy peach/apricot inclusion overtop a firm wheat base that has it's own perceived sweet and fresh cereal grain quality. The aroma lets you know there is a fruit addition but it does not dominate the overall beer character.

The flavor is a bit sweet with a fresh grain quality imparting almost a feeling of cereal moreso than typical grain/maltiness. A pleasant apricot flavor is present with a freshness that also does not dominate but it isnt as subtle as some other examples of apricot wheat beers. A slight touch of earthen feel across the back but it finishes crisp and clean.

This is a medium to lighter bodied brew with a modest amount of carbonation. Overall not a beer that would be my personal first choice given all other options by this brewery. However, it is probably the best example of an apricot wheat beer that I have ever had. Maybe due to the freshness or draft presentaion, I am not sure but color me impressed.

 

 

 

Served on-tap at Al's of Hampden

A - Pours hazy pale yellow with a small bubbly half finger tall white head leaving small trails of lace down the glass.

S - Smells of fresh apricots, pale malt, bready wheat, a bit of grassy hops and a touch of sweetness from the fruit. The fruit works very well with the wheat base.

T - This one tastes just like it smells. Starts off with a ton of bright apricot sweetness slowly giving way to the chewy wheat and a touch of light hop bitterness. Finish is a mix of wheat and apricot, lingering on the palate for awhile after the finish.

M - Light, refreshing feel with moderate carbonation. The fruit offers a light sweetness, helping to offset the bready wheat.

O - A nice light beer for the coming warmer weather. It packs quite a bit of fruity flavor into a small package. I am still not the biggest fan of this style but if you are not into the bigger beer styles this one may be perfect for you.