Sunshine Wheat Beer - New Belgium Brewing

BuckeyeNation

Iowa

3.43/5  rDev -2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Bright yellow, or at least more yellow than amber. The head is eggshell white in color and leaves nothing more than a short collar of lace that follows the beer down the glass.

The aroma is very nice for a witbier; it's more candied lemony and orangy than most. There's also an appealing soft wheatiness that is, thankfully, superceded by citrus. The more I smell Sunshine Wheat, the more I like it.

Unfortunately, the flavor doesn't deliver on what the nose promised; primarily because the body/mouthfeel doesn't measure up. What mild wheatiness and orange/lemon flavor reaches the tastebuds is quickly washed away. And I don't appreciate any coriander at all. The flavor is enjoyable, there just isn't enough of it.

I get the feeling that there's a pretty decent witbier lurking in here somewhere if New Belgium would only let it out. Sunshine Wheat Beer is drinkable in a thirst quenching sort of way, but if you drink primarily for flavor, you're sure to be disappointed.

[note: the style has since been changed to American Pale Wheat Ale, which explains a lot]

Serving type: bottle

07-25-2004 16:54:01 | More by BuckeyeNation

mikesgroove

South Carolina

3.38/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Nice three inch high head of white foam, fizzled out after just a few moments and then finally left behind nothing, no side glass lace to speak of either. Good carbonation bubbling up throughout the session. The aroma was extremely light. Some floral hops, hints of lemon, and grass, and a touch of wheat were about all you were picking up. Had nice bright profile though.

The flavor was much more of the same, with a very bright, and appropriate for summer taste. There was a decent hint of orange rind and lemon in the back, with a nice rounded wheat flavor, nothing shocking or extraordinary here though.The feel was very light and highly carbonated. Crisp, and clean with little in the way of aftertaste. Nice beverage for a hot day, This ties in here as well, as it was just very light, with low abv and just that slightest bit of citrus to make it pop. It could have easily been something that you have multiples of for sure.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2011 01:51:39 | More by mikesgroove

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.18/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at the brewery. August 2009. Reviewed from notes.

Pours a light yellow color. White head and not much lacing. The nose is really quite plain. There are a few light notes of orange and lemon; maybe a tad bit of spice. The taste is slight malt with a bit of sugar. Light orange character. Feel is light and somewhat refreshing. Another very plain offering out of them; quite disappointing.

Serving type: on-tap

10-29-2010 01:48:53 | More by Thorpe429

brentk56

North Carolina

3.68/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Pours a surprisingly clear pale golden color with a foamy head that sticks well and shards the glass with lace

Smell: Bready malt with a bit of coriander and some orange citrus

Taste: Starts out with a honey wheat bread flavor that is joined, mid-palate by the spices - coriander and orange peel; not as powerful as a wit, however, even though the same spices are used; after the swallow, the spices fade and the honey bread elements re-emerge through to the finish

Mouthfeel: Light body with moderate carbonation

Drinkability: Another of New Belgium's highly drinkable lighter styles

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2007 20:59:57 | More by brentk56

Phyl21ca

Quebec (Canada)

3.4/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Bottle: Poured a clear golden colored beer with a medium head with average retention. Aroma is quite strong on the coriander and orange peel side and a bit weak on the wheat side. I think just a bit more balance would have been appreciated. The Coriander and the orange peel, which lent a funky feeling, also overpower taste. Carbonation is a bit too thin and body is just above average. This is not a bad beer just not what was expected.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2004 16:11:26 | More by Phyl21ca

oberon

North Carolina

3.3/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear light golden color with not much head to speak of no sediment no nice fluffy head not very impressive.Aromas of toasted malt and coriander but not much of the fruitiness I was hoping for.Taste like the aroma alot of toasted malt and some light spiciness with the toasted flavor coming thru again in the finish with a very light wheatiness to it.Not much to this beer thought it might be a little better but decent for the porch on a warm day like today.

Serving type: bottle

05-27-2004 18:43:12 | More by oberon

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served in a Devil's Backbone weizen glass.

There seems to be no real dearth of "Summer style" beers in Winter. Hmm... This one pours a clear pale straw topped by a bit more than a finger of white froth. The nose comprises lemon zest, cardamom, a lot of cracked black pepper, and white bread. The taste does not deviate from this prescribed path, though a slight mild sour crick wanders through along the base of the mountain. (Imagery, yeah!) The body is pretty light, with a very light carbonation and a smooth, nearly watery feel. Overall, a nice bit o' APWA, though I could see some not appreciating the pepper as I do.

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2010 07:49:45 | More by TMoney2591

feloniousmonk

Minnesota

2.83/5  rDev -19.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Color is a clear, pale yellow, with a small white head. Aroma spills over with lemon, straw, a hint of spice and sea-air. Palate is soft, lush, and smooth. But hops are tiny, malt is minimal. Very little in texture and body, and the taste, though good, fades swiftly.
The foam tastes good, though!
All the pleasure in this beer lie in the aroma, the smooth drinkability, and,um, that's it. It's easily downable, but largely forgettably, I'm afraid. It tastes, for a while, like a witbier, but lacks the complexity and texture I enjoy in better versions of that style, Why did they take the yeast out, I wonder? Would make a fine "lawnmower" beer, better in that regard than a Bud, but to really enjoy a beer, I'll turn to an unfiltered weizen or wit.
(Thanks to jeffboo for procuring the bottle)

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2003 21:28:40 | More by feloniousmonk

WesWes

New York

3.88/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours a slightly hazy pale gold color with a thick frothy white head that quickly fades to lacing. The aroma is decent as well. It has a mild wheat scent with limited yeast fruitiness. It seems to have some pale malts as well. The taste is good. It has a crisp and spicey wheat flavor with some malts. There is a touch of coriander and bitter orange peel in here to spice up the taste; nice touch. The mouthfeel is good. It is a low bodied beer with good carbonation. This is a good seasonal wheat beer. I was skeptical with the aroma and appearance, but the taste made up for it. This is a good drinking beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-02-2004 22:07:38 | More by WesWes

drabmuh

Maryland

3.48/5  rDev -0.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Beer poured from a bottle into a New Belgium beer glass because you would too if you were as awesome as I am, this was an extra in a recent trade with mizzouguy. Thanks!

Beer is super light yellow and clear with a nice white head of small bubbles, some lacing, moderate carbonation.

Aroma is spicy, like heather and flowers. Nice.

Beer is light in body and sweet on the front with a mild grainy finish. Overall it is an interesting beer but not a favorite of mine. I like it but I don't know how much of it I would buy. Midpalate is a little flowery, fruity, mild yeast, overall just a decent beer, nothing special.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2011 01:42:29 | More by drabmuh

Mora2000

Texas

3.58/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

The beer pours a clear yellow color with a white head. The aroma is heavy on the wheat with some coriander and some orange peel notes. Smells like a witbier that is heavy on the coriander. The flavor is more of the same. Coriander is the predominant flavor although there is a little bit of orange and other fruit as well. There is some light pepper notes in the flavor also. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2011 03:41:56 | More by Mora2000

zeff80

Missouri

3.53/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A - Pour into a pint glass, it was highly carbonated with a straw yellow color and a small, bubbly, white head. There were small traces of lace.

S - It smelled of citrus and orange. Also, a nice wheat and yeast aroma.

T - It tasted of wheat with some bitter hop spice. There was also a citrus kick.

M - It was crisp and sharp. A light-bodied beer.

D - This is a really easy drinking wheat beer. A nice session brew.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2008 18:07:35 | More by zeff80

Gueuzedude

Arizona

3.58/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a brilliantly clear, bright gold color and is topped by a frothy pale white head. The aroma has a sweet, grassy grain note to it as well as a hint of candied orange aromatics to it. The taste is light and refreshing up front with a definite citrus note and a hint of acidity to it. This beer is quite refreshing in its simplicity. There are some spicy hints of ginger and pepper in the finish as well. This really is a summer time refresher; light, quaffable and fairly straight forward. Despite the simplicity it is quite enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

07-17-2005 03:19:58 | More by Gueuzedude

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

3.48/5  rDev -0.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Acquired via trade from RickSawyer, so a big “Thank you” goes out to him. Poured from a 12oz bottle into a US tumbler pint glass.

A: The beer is a light yellow color, with a very thin white head that fades quickly and leaves very little lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is of wheat, coriander spice and citrus (orange & lemon) with a touch of hops.

T: The taste is fruity and spicy with flavors of orange, lemon & coriander, but there’s also a little bit of a sour quality to it, with a decent background of wheat. The malt character is very light and there’s not much of a hops presence. The after-taste is bready and slightly sweet.

M: Very crisp and a little smooth, light body, medium-to-heavy carbonation, finish is clean and dry.

D: Tasty, goes down easily, not filling at all, good representation of style but leans toward being a Witbier. This one is definitely worth drinking for a long time if you want something light, but it might not necessarily be my first choice.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2007 00:01:56 | More by TheManiacalOne

Halcyondays

California

3.4/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. bottle,

A: Pours a clear yellow with a soapy white head, not cloudy like I expected with the proclamation of wit-type spices on the label.

S: Nice nose, major orang and citrus, some wheat.

T: Light malt, with some orange and herbal hop components which come out in the finish. Hint of lemon zest as well, low intensity of flavours.

M: Solid body for its style, not thin, smooth and crisp as a wheat ale should be.

D: I had no problems drinking this on a hot summer day, but I would want a beer with more flavour in the future. Pretty much middle of the road for its style.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2009 22:28:23 | More by Halcyondays

WVbeergeek

Ohio

4.08/5  rDev +16.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Slightly cloudy golden hue with a rather thin white head but it does leave behind thin strips of lacing between each sip. Aroma: Coriander blended with wheat bread sweetness some definite orange peel evident as well, a bit tame but nice and balanced. Taste: Incredibly refreshing with the smack your lips together sharp sweetness blended with the spices makes me happy a very refreshing tasty version of this style. Mouthfeel: Lighter bodied strong carbonation blends well in the mouth has a nice texture going down adding to the drinkability. Drinkability: Summer wheat that can be enjoyed year round in my opinion this is excellent so drinkable and tasty, I am a fan.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2003 17:52:58 | More by WVbeergeek

Wasatch

Utah

3.38/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Pours a clear yellow color, nice carbonation, small head, some lacing afterwards.

S - Scents of hops, malts, and spices.

T - The taste is slightly hoppy/malty, and a bit watery.

M - Light body.

D - Drinkable. Not a bad brew, but not something I would buy again.

Serving type: bottle

07-12-2006 23:37:42 | More by Wasatch

jdhilt

New Hampshire

3.73/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a five finger pillowy white head that fades slowly leaving a good lace. Chrystal clear pale yellow/amber color. Light carbonation and light bodied. Citrusy/yeasty nose. Starts balanced, coriander really stands out, clean finish. Excellent summer beer. Previous reviewer ended up with a bad bottle. Best before Aug 2006. $1.30 for a 12oz bottle from Liquid Solutions Tigard, Or.

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2006 22:20:30 | More by jdhilt

ppoitras

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +21.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

12oz can obtained via SS09 from vasdef42. Thanks for the opportunity.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 3/4" bright white head above the clear light golden brew. Pillowy head falls bubble burst by bubble burst, with ample slow-falling lace. Aroma is sweet pale malts. Taste is also pale sweetness, with a peek of tart in the middle, and a balancing crisp hops close. Mouthfeel is way smooth, and drinkability is superb. Great beer for summer, or whenever.

Serving type: can

12-14-2009 22:19:31 | More by ppoitras

Zorro

California

2.73/5  rDev -22%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Pours a very clear lemon yellow beer with a skimpy white head.

Smell is spiced bread dough. Scent of coriander and lemon in the nose. I can’t smell any orange peel in this.

Taste is very tart and lemony in flavor. Lots of wheat flavor in this it is very bready in tasty. That is all a light lemony beer.

Mouthfeel is thin and I do believe that is what they wanted.

Boring light thirst quencher here. I can see the use of this as a lawnmower beer, but it isn't that great.

Serving type: bottle

09-17-2005 22:56:13 | More by Zorro

Bighuge

Minnesota

4.43/5  rDev +26.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Looks like apple juice. Clear, light golden with an almost lifeless amount of carbonation. Almost the perfect aroma for a wit. Not too perfumey. Just the right amount of orange and corriander spice. A little wheat. And a little lemon. Nice refreshing brew. Good spicing on the palate. Some wheat tang. Just the slightest bit of bitterness. More carbonated than it looks, but could use a little more. Medium body. Leaves the palate clean. Not bad.

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2004 03:32:00 | More by Bighuge

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

3.45/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a little light. Good aroma, wheat and lemon for sure. Minimal hop aroma.

Taste, light, yet refreshing, kinda like what macro light beers are advertised as, but this one actually substantively backs it up. It's a girlfriend beer, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its place. Minimal ingredients I would guess, but in the right ratios. All the usual suspects, the lemon, the light hopping, the small amount of haziness.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2010 00:19:34 | More by Beerandraiderfan

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

4.2/5  rDev +20%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

On tap at the Denver airport annex today

The beer pours a pale gold color, but with surprisingly good head retention and decent lacing. On the nose I get some nice spice (coriander and clove mostly), along with the expected light "wheatyness." The flavors on the palate completely replicate the nose, though frankly, it had more flavor then I was expecting. Mouthfeel was light to medium bodied, exactly what I was expecting out of a wheat beer. Drinkability was terrific. The low alcohol is part of the reason of course, but this beer was refreshing and yet still had plenty of flavor. Frankly, it was a joy to drink.

Have not had this beer in some years, but it's still as good I remembered. For what it is and tries to be, this beer is impressive.

Serving type: on-tap

01-24-2009 18:11:31 | More by johnmichaelsen

Gusler

Arizona

3.13/5  rDev -10.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a slightly "Chill Hazed" golden color, mighty white frothy head and lace that clings in sheets to the glass. Nose is lemony, malt, crisp and fresh. Start malt sweet, top reedy, the finish is scrupulously hopped, agreeably acidic, droughty long lasting aftertaste. I find most of New Belgium's beers to be top notch, this one while quite drinkable and a good change of pace is not a favorite.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2002 05:51:01 | More by Gusler

DoubleJ

California

3.4/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had this earlier this afternoon when it was hot. On to the beer:

Washed out yellow pee color, almost clear, with a big white head resting on top and displaying good retention. Very spiced aroma, mostly coriandor dominates with some orange peel. In the taste, there are some bits of orange, but it is spice oriented. Very little maltiness in the body. Light bodied. It's an okay wheat beer, but a little more maltiness would add another layer of goodness to this beer. Still, it's solid drinking on a warm day.

Serving type: bottle

07-20-2009 05:55:00 | More by DoubleJ