Florida Beer: Wheat Wave American Wheat From Saltwater Brewery

Every week, we take a look at a craft beer brewed in Florida. Follow #FloridaBeerFriday for more reviews of Sunshine State brews. Get out there and #DrinkLocal. As summer winds down, we're going to take a look at a beer from Saltwater Brewery that encompasses everyday living in South Florida:...

By Doug Fairall

September 11, 2015

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Every week, we take a look at a craft beer brewed in Florida. Follow #FloridaBeerFriday for more reviews of Sunshine State brews. Get out there and #DrinkLocal.

As summer winds down, we're going to take a look at a beer from Saltwater Brewery that encompasses everyday living in South Florida: the American wheat ale Wheat Wave.

This clear and straw-gold beer is a gorgeous looker that shimmers in the fading afternoon sun. As an American wheat ale, it should fall into the BJCP style category of the same name, which details that beers of this nature should be "refreshing wheat beers that can display more hop character and less yeast character than their German cousins."

It's poured with a crystal clear body that showcases a thin white crown of foam. The aromas are crisp and lager-like, verging on corn and white bread. The flavors are redolent of sweet cracker and biscuit, with a grain-forward profile. The hops that are given witness here are subtle and balancing to the pale malts that make up this beer. As should be to style, there is practically no yeast character evident. This is the beer you buy 1/2 barrels of for parties. Even as it warms it remains very drinkable.

At only 4.5% ABV, it's a sessionable beverage without being watery. It holds a great full body to go along with the balanced flavors.

Currently Wheat Wave is available on draft at the brewery and select accounts, but will soon be joining their Screamin' Reels IPA in cans.

Doug Fairall is a craft beer blogger who focuses on Florida beers and has been a homebrewer since 2010. For beer things in your Twitter feed, follow him @DougFairall and find the latest beer pics on Clean Plate's Instagram.

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