Wrangler Wheat - Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

BEERchitect

Kentucky

3.53/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

How do you make an average American Wheat Ale better? Make it taste more like a traditional German Hefewizen! The guys over at Figueoa Mountain has figured it out and it should pay dividens.

Starting with its soft gold glow that penetrates a hearty haze, the beer pays tribute to the unfiltered properties of yeast and wheat and gives the beer a stable malty appearance. Topped off with a whipped foam topping, the retention is high and the lace is comprised of broken rings as the beer recedes.

Fruit aromas abound. Starting with the non-specific fruit notes of Juicy Fruit bubblegum, the beer begins to introduce complementary scents of banana, lemons, oranges, apricots, and apples- some of it because of the citrusy hop usage, but mostly from the high yeast character. It's that yeast character that provides spice notes of clove and mint to weave into the fruit and round it out. Sweet, grainy, and bready- the malt influences provide a firm pillow for which the dialogue of fruit and spice play out. It's a delicate and refreshing blend of what's best about American and German wheat beers.

Medium-light in body, the ample carbonation gives the beer an expansive quality to start. But the zesty nature of those bubbles gives it a refreshing and lightened sense. As the malt sweetness and dextrin-rich body digresses, the fruit-like acidity rounds out the finish just as the hops balance the lingering malts late. Mild alcohol warmth couples with mint and vanilla for a smooth and evaporative-cool mouthfeel that leaves the palate refreshed and awaiting the next drink.

I rather enjoy the elevated hop character that plays into the beer's wheat body and yeasty fruit and spice. Yet its "American" character allows for enough of a grainy-sweet taste and texture to persist.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2013 19:22:00 | More by BEERchitect

UCLABrewN84

California

3.55/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Tony's Darts Away in Burbank, CA.

Pours a hazy yellow with a foamy bone colored head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of malt, wheat, fruits, and yeast. Taste is much the same with a medium hop bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer that is hoppier than other beers of a similar style I have had in the past.

Serving type: on-tap

11-22-2012 06:45:20 | More by UCLABrewN84

Retsinis

California

3.83/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had this beer on tap at Figeroa Mountain. Have also had it a few times over at Instant replay too.

A: The beer pours a dark Straw color, with a hazy/cloudy body. Head was just a ring of bubbles, but swirling left some smooth lace on the glass.

S: Scents of citrus fruits, lemon, orange peel. Touch of clove & bananna as well, along with a faint grain bill & a aroma of toast.

T: Flavors of rrange zest, wheat, mild leomon, & a mild malt sweetness. Fairly well balanced, and light.

M: Light body & mouth, & crisp smooth finish.

O: Refreshing. Hiked a mile to get here from a local camp ground,(Flying flag, over labor day weekend) and this hit the spot. It was the first beer we had in the flight.

Serving type: on-tap

12-09-2011 20:12:50 | More by Retsinis

LongBeachHopHead

California

4.22/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served at the tap room in a 4oz glass and consumed over a 30 minute period.

A: Golden, cloudy with nice lace-like head.
S: Light and bready with a honey sweet finish
T: Cold and crisp in the beginning, nice bite. Towards the end a bit tart with a hint of rice paper
M: nice medium body with a well carbonated flavor combo on your tongue
Overall: I thought this beer is perfect for a hot day or to chase with an order of hot wings or nachos. Good refreshing wheat beer.

Serving type: on-tap

09-12-2011 07:17:15 | More by LongBeachHopHead