Bell's Oberon - Your Opinion?

Oberon's release is the unofficial start to summer for me. No other beer reminds me of Midwest summers than this one. This is the beer that REALLY got me into craft. Although Gumballhead is a better version of the style, there's something about the year's first Oberon that reminds me of sitting on the dock, watching a sunset in flip flops. The orange scent in it is something that should be put in an air freshener. All that said, there's something about it's relative over-commercialization that I think has turned some BA's off to it. It surely must be Bells' best selling brew.

 

I'm with you. I think it completely redefined the American Wheat Ale and is now the exemplar of that style.

 

I enjoy it and have fond memories of it in MI, but I am never craving it. Hopefully I will get to try some though as I have not had it in a few years and I may change my stance.

 

It's a very approachable, drinkable beer. No huge flavors or anything memorable that people here on BA would go crazy for. Simply a well brewed, easy drinking summer beer. It is always a treat to drink a couple of these outside in the sun

 

I like it. Good in the summer with a light lunch.

 

It's not what it used to be. I refuse to believe that it's the "same beer" because it's not. The old version ruled... the new is watered down and crap. Sorry to be so rude about this but Bell's shit the bed on this beer. I'm a very big fan of Bell's and spend a lot of time and energy on them... but this is just... Bleh.

 

Precisely. Gumballhead is really the only wheat beer that gets me going.

 

Told Ya!

 

Yep. <--- Neanderthal...

 

Honestly I think it's the perfect summer beer and that is the style I enjoy the most, so I think pretty highly of it.

 

It's ok. It is what it is. It's too easy to drink during warm weather months. I like it because it keeps more people occupied so I can buy more Gueuze.

 

Have not had it in a bit, but I remember enjoying it.

 

This is the beer that introduced me to Bell's, will always have fond memories of it and enjoy a 6 pack every year. Solid Summer/Spring beer that I can drink, enjoy and not over think.

 

It's many times the only craft beer on tap at small bars and quite a few restaurants.

 

Ever heard of changing taste buds? I'm sure its not literally watered down. There are batch variations but the majority of times when someone goes from love to hate I gotta give benefit of doubt to brewers. Bells isn't the best, but they are far from bad brewers.

 

Never been a fan of Oberon. More of a gateway beer for the macro crowd to me. If I drink a Weissbier it's usually Aventinus or Vitus.

 

Yep it's what started it all for me....Tried it while attending WMU in 2000-2003 and was my first craft beer. Was always a big deal, and the first sign of spring. Although I just saw cases of it roll into my local store about a week ago, a little early I think????

 

Overpriced? It's like $7.99 a six-pack.