Not All Wheats Are Created Equal

Budweiser Wheat is the new entry into brewing for one of the largest beer companies in North America. The beer market has become saturated with a plethora of craft brewers (microbreweries) across the country. It was companies like Budweiser that drove them into business in the first place with their watered down and rice filled beers.

Ever since America’s foray into World War II we have been subject to weak flavored beer that is little more than skunky water. All those aforementioned craft brews are people’s desire for great full flavor. With the mix of all these baby brewers in the country Budweiser, still the top seller, is losing market share little by little. Now the big guy wants to play with all the little guys by producing a classing in the microbrew world—the classic wheat beer.

I was intrigued at this endeavor by Bud since my favorite kind of beer is a wheat beer. I have been a tremendous fan ever since trying Blue Moon’s Belgian Wheat. Nothing says, drink me down on this hot summer day, than a Blue Moon. Of course, not really liking Budweiser—at all, I thought I would at least see if it was any good.

I picked up a six pack at the local grocery store to give it a go. I was mildly surprised, it wasn’t the skunky mess other Budweiser brews are. However, with that little enjoyment reality slammed into me like the hangover after enjoying more than my fair share of Blue moons. The flavor simply stops. The new Wheat from Bud did not live up to the minimal hype the company has been giving it. Take any basic wheat style beer; not one with special spices or lemon or orange peel—just a traditional American style wheat beer. Pour it into a 20 ounce beer glass or mug. Once bottle is empty and the glass is little more than half full fill the glass up to the brim with regular old tap water. Drink that and that is about how watered down this beer is.

With that being said, as for its drinkability I think you would not be shunned from any party circle that is not packed with beer-snobs like myself if you were to donate some to the festivities. I don’t think you will be winning many friends with such a weak beer though. For about a buck more you can pick up any manner of very tasty wheat beers at your local market that will serve your sophisticated pallet well. However, if you find yourself looking for a light, somewhat refreshing summer brew and don’t want to break $7 then Bud Wheat is here for all you cheep bastards with bad taste.