Bell's Oberon Ale - Bell's Brewery, Inc.

DrinkSlurm

Connecticut

3.88/5  rDev +1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Poured from tap into pint at yardhouse in palm beach gardens Florida. Golden color with small amount of head. I actually expected more head and a hazier looking brew. Nice crisp clean bright citrus and slightly hoppy aroma. Taste is really nice subtle citrus hop and wheat malts. Really refreshing and easy to drink. Really a great summer brew...kind of reminds me of sumpin sumpins baby brother...

Serving type: on-tap

06-17-2013 20:52:32 | More by DrinkSlurm

Darkmagus82

Montana

3.81/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Served on tap in a pint glass

Appearance – The beer pours a very hazy golden amber color with a one half finger white head. The head has a moderate level of retention, fading over about a 5 min time period to leave a lighter level of lace on the sides of the glass.

Smell – The nose is quite heavy of an orange citrus mixed with lots of grainy wheat. Along with these smells is a yeasty nature as well as a little bit of cardamom and clove spice. Rounding these smells out are some grassy and more herbal hop aromas giving a rather nice mellow smell overall.

Taste – The taste begins, as the nose would have suggested, with a wheaty and orange citrus flavor. As the flavor advances, the yeasty flavors come along and bring with them flavors of a light corriander spice and some banana. A grassy flavor comes to the tongue more toward the middle of the taste and gets slightly stronger as the taste advances to the end. Along with the grassy flavor, the wheaty flavor grows in strength and becomes more grainy with more yeasty flavors coming to the tongue as well. With the mix of flavors that reside at the end, a rather grainy wheat and yeasty citrus flavor is left to linger on the tongue.

Mouthfeel- The body of the beer is on the average to slightly creamier side for a brew of 5.8% abv with a carbonation level that is rather average to slightly above average. The creamier body is very nice for the wheaty and grainy flavors of the brew while the citrus is nicely accentuated by the moderate to slightly higher carbonation.

Overall – A nice drinking American Pale ale with a good blend of wheat, yeast, citrus and grassy flavors. Rather tasty.

Serving type: on-tap

05-05-2013 00:56:53 | More by Darkmagus82

magictacosinus

California

3.64/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Poured on tap in a 6oz tumbler at a Beer Garden we found in Chicago. Review is from my notes.

Presents itself as a pale, light golden amber color complete with a frothy head that lasts a long while. Lacing abounds all over the glass in a delightfully sticky presentation. Carbonation is modest, with very little bubbles gliding to the top. Appears to be slightly thicker than I imagined with each swirl (probably due to the yeasty, wheat backbone on this), but overall is a pleasant, inoffensive American pale what ale.

At the nose there are lots of citrusy and floral bittered notes that meld with a honey sweetness and yeasty, fruity flavor combined with cracked golden grains. The aroma gets very soapy as this warms up, but that doesn't stop it from being good enough. There's racked golden grains, slight touch of sugar cane, and citrus notes ranging more towards the lemon side. A little bit of an alcohol sting creeps in, but it's subtle. Nothing's too complex here, although it is mellow.

The flavor continues more of the same, with the emphasis growing on the flowery, nectar flavor as well as the soapy hops melded with the wheat and grain. The wheat luckily makes this a slightly thicker drinking experience, and while I wasn't used to the floral flavor at first, I eventually learned to enjoy it as it combined with the grainy sweetness and crispness. There's a tinge of banana, maybe pears at the tongue, but it seems the emphasis is on the grains and the floral hoppy notes. Gets a little too soapy at the finish, although there's a sweetened aftertaste that makes this refreshing. The beer is definitely chewy enough, although it does lack some character in loosing carbonation way too fast. Gets a little watery towards the finish. Somewhat pedestrian, although not necessarily mediocre.

Like all the beers I had at this place, this one by Bell's works very well in the warm weather, especially sitting outdoors and pairing with a nice sandwich. Nothing offensive here, although definitely didn't enjoy too much of the soapy flavors. I really found the floral notes pretty flavorful, and it was good to see that twist in this otherwise way too overdone style. This is one by Bell's that I wouldn't mind grabbing again when I'm in the area again, although there's many more I'd like to try from them!

Serving type: on-tap

05-02-2013 18:47:29 | More by magictacosinus

sharlie

Michigan

4.64/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I love this beer for the summertime. It has a bright dark golden hue along with a lively mouthfeel. It is great for the summertime because it has a very crisp and citrusy flavor. It has a slight finish of yeast and hops. I think that a Oberon is similar to my favorite beer, Blue Moon. Finish the beer off with a slice of orange makes it a perfect beer for a summer day.

Serving type: on-tap

04-29-2013 11:45:02 | More by sharlie

orcsinspace

Virginia

3.21/5  rDev -16.4%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Okay, this beer is exactly why I tend to be annoyed by the recent "craft" craze. Bell's has quickly become the darling of the craft movement--at least where I live--and this beer is average at best.

The head was totally absent, and the beer's color was the same as if I just pissed into a glass after some light yard work. It is watery and thin, and a sickly pale color when compared to other wheats, like Starr Hills The Love, for example. The mouthfeel was water, and similar to a Bud. Sorry, but I have drank a lot of Bud, and this has the same feel to it.

The smell was average. It just smelled like someone popped open an adjunct lager. Nothing to writng home about, and nothing to really dog the beer over.

The taste was very mediocre. It was not bad, but it also was not great. This is a huge problem to me, because this beer runs about 12 bucks a six pack, and it doesn't even compare to most local or national brands. I could almost buy twelve better beers for just a few bucks more.

This is the first beer that I had of Bell's, and it basically backs up everything that I think about people acting snobbish about craft beer; this beer is hands down the most overrated beer that I have ever consumed.

Serving type: on-tap

04-21-2013 19:01:19 | More by orcsinspace

ChrisKayler

Virginia

3.99/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Drinking this one from a mini keg!

Glass: Samuel Adams Summer Ale glass.

Appearance: Hazy sunflower yellow, a thick two finger head that lingers for quite some time. A great looking beer.

Smell: Sweet caramel, corn, warm bread, a little mustiness.

Taste: Like a really non-sweet cornbread muffin at first, transitioning to a slight hop bitterness on the back of the tongue. A deep exhale brings back that wonderful bread taste which mixes nicely with the slight bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with medium carbonation.

Overall: An easy drinking beer that almost tastes like what bud or any other adjunct lager with corn in it should taste like. More flavorful, hazy, and with a full mouthfeel. It is easy to see why this is such a popular beer. For my tastes, it is not my favorite, but I am certainly going to enjoy this keg!

Serving type: on-tap

04-11-2013 00:13:53 | More by ChrisKayler

Sieves

3.95/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A perfect compliment to a summer afternoon. This beer pours well with grilled fish or steak. This seasonal brew is available from April to October. Best served in a chilled glass this beer will provide a modest head. Usually served with an orange slice, this beer will satisfy any thirsty mouth.

Serving type: on-tap

11-15-2012 02:56:45 | More by Sieves

tectactoe

Michigan

3.65/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Had both in bottle and on tap. Oberon pours a cloudy, pale golden-orange color. Slight amounts of sediment in the beer actually look inviting rather than scary (like pulp in your orange juice). Thin, wispy white head that leaves decent lacing on the glass. It's hard to get a powerful nose from this stuff, but what you do get is full of orange zest, mild clove, mild cooking spices, a tad of grain, and a bit of wheat. The taste is very closely tied to the smell - nice and robust for a wheat-style beer, backed with a citrusy-orange peel flavor and a nice kick of spice that hits about halfway through and lasts til the end. Hops are present, but faint and come out near the latter half of the taste. Some graininess is also present, but not overpowering or notably predominant. A hint of clove can also be detected from nearly start to finish. Medium-thin bodied with a soft amount of carbonation make this beer easy to drink.

Oberon is a great summer time wheat beer with a somewhat unique flavor profile for this style. A solid choice all around.

Serving type: on-tap

09-25-2012 12:44:47 | More by tectactoe

Lawl3ss

Texas

2.9/5  rDev -24.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

(From notes)

Served well chilled in an Imperial shaker. I appreciated that the bartender asked if I wanted lemon or not before adding it. I declined.

Look- Hazy butterscotch, served with a half-finger of loose suds that falls quickly. Nice lacing. Poor retention for a wheat ale.

Smell- Bready, vague citrus rind, lemon pepper.

Taste- Floury, grainy, subdued spice, light citrus. Fades to pizza dough and soft pine. Aggressive finish. Simcoe/Summit perhaps? A little rough for a wheat ale.

Mouthfeel- Medium body, moderate carb. Slick on the swallow. Finishes tart, slightly astringent.

Overall- Not really my cup of tea, but ok. I felt no need to finish the 20 oz.

Serving type: on-tap

09-12-2012 03:35:25 | More by Lawl3ss

jimmah120

Minnesota

3.83/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Drank this out of a mini-keg on the fourth o' july.... so on-tap, right?

Pours a great looking unfiltered orange-gold. Smell is spice, wheat, pepper, with uted floral/grassy hops. Taste is much the same: wheat, spice, flowers, grass, pepper. Very easy to drink, moderately carbonated, with a light feel.

Pretty good session beer, especially in the summer time.

Serving type: on-tap

08-30-2012 00:45:00 | More by jimmah120

Alextricity

Michigan

3.8/5  rDev -1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75

Served on-tap at Ciccarelli's at 21 and Hayes.

Appearance: A decent, summer looking beer. Nothing to get excited in the pants about, but it certainly looks summery. Clear and golden in color ... seemingly no lacing, and virtually no head.

Smell: Very interesting ... seemed floral. Wheaty. Somewhat citrusy... but the main smell -- AND taste -- is something I can't quite pinpoint.

Taste: Quite simply one of the best Summer beers I've had. It tastes much like the smell. I can't exactly explain what it's like but it's incredibly tasty and smooth... citrus. Wheat. Flowery.

Mouthfeel: This really makes the whole thing. Oberon is pleasantly unexpectedly SUPER creamy almost. I couldn't believe how smooth it was... maybe this is because it was on tap, but I had to slow myself down from finishing the whole tall glass in just a few moments.

Overall, an incredibly tasty beer ... I figured it'd be good, but I wasn't expecting this. I feel robbed because I paid SEVEN BUCKS for a tall glass at Ciccarelli's, but I'm not faulting Bell's for that, obviously.

RE-REVIEW 4/11/13: I still really enjoy this beer. The smell and taste aren't don't wallop your face, but a summer beer shouldn't -- Oberon has a nice spiciness and citrus taste. The best part about it is the mouthfeel, which is super smooth, and it makes this beer drink easily. I like to liken the feel to that of orange juice. A must-try beer for the summer, or for any time of year -- just get it as fresh as possible.

Serving type: on-tap

08-07-2012 03:37:01 | More by Alextricity

maximum12

Minnesota

2.6/5  rDev -32.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

On-tap at The Apple Valley Tap House.

Pour is classic wheat: clouded yellow. Smell is the same: clouded yellow.

Oberon has a cult following, but I keep trying, & for the life of me can't figure out why. One sip & there's the nice wheat, but also a ton or orange & grain that bash each over the head & can't agree on anything. This beer always seems disjointed to me. The tastes that come together in other brews don't play nice here.

Walked away from about 11 ounces. I've tried several times, & now I give up. It's a Bell's beer I simply don't like.

Serving type: on-tap

08-05-2012 02:50:40 | More by maximum12

SometimesIfart

Michigan

3.4/5  rDev -11.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a keg into a lager glass by my buddy Drake. He poured a bit of a monster head, With tons of lacing. The beer is a murky gold color. The smell is of wheat and lots of it, With some very light malt and perhaps of lemon grass?. The taste follows the smell largely. With some squeezed orange coming through and some slight grape in the mix. The mouthfeel adds some tartness, though a bit too tart for what it is. Overall, A good wheat ale, Would I buy it? Sure, I I needed something that was easy to drink for a medium price that is a nice change from the usual.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2012 00:17:14 | More by SometimesIfart

woosterbill

Connecticut

4.1/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Mini-keg into a 25cl Duvel tulip, enjoyed as a palate cleanser (of sorts) at Knifestyle's birthday tasting. Thanks, Chris!

A: Hazy pale gold body with a thin, fine white head that settles into a ring and leaves spotty lace. Nice.

S: Delicate, pure wheat graininess. A little spicy a little citrus. Really soft and nice.

T: A bit fuller than the nose, with solid malt sweetness, mildly tart wheat, and a crisp, clean, mildly bitter finish. Tasty.

M: Light, lively, creamy. Perfect.

O: Very good APWA. Refreshing, tasty, and simple.

Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

07-25-2012 22:05:40 | More by woosterbill

TheDinger

South Carolina

4.25/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Actually had this from the mini keg to a pint glass. Pour was very nice with amber, golden, wheat tone and an awesome 2+ finger pillow head. Nose was a touch weak with cloves, citrus, grapefruit and some florals. Taste was right on for a 100+ degree summer day. A nice blend of wheat, hops and fruit to make me come back for more. Not too complex, but not simple either. I think Bell's got this just right. A little tart on the front end that gives way to a subtle bitter ending. Feel is a good bit of carbonation, perhaps a bit skinny, but lively on the tongue. Overall- Very solid effort. It's not an over the top wheat, but yet a nice blend of the characteristics. Grapefruit/citrus notes are nice edition. Well balanced and will be finding another mini keg to tap soon.

Serving type: on-tap

06-30-2012 16:41:29 | More by TheDinger

Dave1999

Virginia

3.58/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a light hazy yellow coliur with a foamy white head.

The smell is is wheat with a little bit of lemon.

The taste is much the same as the smell with a small amount of hops.

The mouth fell is light to medium and fairly well carbonated.

Overall a very light summer beer, not really my thing but probably one a non craft beer drinker would enjoy.

Serving type: on-tap

06-29-2012 22:49:44 | More by Dave1999

Kendo

New York

3.78/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Got it on tap at the Flying Pig in Malvern, PA.

A: Body is light golden with a fluffy white head.

S: Wheat twang and a touch of citrus. Relatively light in the nose.

T: Overall impression is that it's light and mild. Wheat taste is there but only faint. Some citrus (lemony orange) and spice. Finishes pretty clean.

M: Light in heft, as expected for the style.

O: Pretty good. I've had better, but it was solid.

Serving type: on-tap

06-15-2012 20:32:44 | More by Kendo

AdamBear

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-golden with a nice thick white head

S-fresh corn with a bit of fresh grass. Fairly hoppy. Medium strength

T-comes in with a great fresh taste of fresh weeds. It's a very bitter in and out. The tastes are very strong.

M-medium carbonation with crisp finish

O-One of the most bitter wheat ales I've had. This was very refreshing on a nice summer day. Definitely something I could have a lot of, though it isn't something I'm necessarily going to search out. 

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2012 04:38:15 | More by AdamBear

mltobin

Connecticut

4.15/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Served on-tap at some random pizza joint in Milwaukee.

Appearance is orange-ish with a couple fingers of head. This looks nice, been waiting for this one. Its` nose has wheat, grain, a little citrus. Taking a sip of this, I taste bread, citrus hops and more of the wheat. Mouthfeel is easy going, this one drinks easily, although it is near 6 %. A couple of these would be great while doing some yard work or other outdoor activity. It was on a long weekend out of town that I finally got to try this...glad I did.

Serving type: on-tap

05-21-2012 01:15:27 | More by mltobin

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pale hazy yellow-orange with a cropped head. 3.5

Pale wheat malt and lemon zest aroma with grains abound. Light orange. 3.5

Crisp with hop bitterness, lemon, orange, and light wheat bread. Spicy afterburn. A little green peppercorn, coriander, and hint of clove. 4.0

Well-carbonated. Thinner than medium-bodied. Tough to drink quickly. More to swig. 3.5

Serving type: on-tap

05-10-2012 02:11:57 | More by thecheapies

bnes09

Illinois

3.8/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Nice orange color with white head. Descent retention and good lacing on the glass.

Fruity, citrusy aroma, mostly on the sweet side. Standard for the style.

Orange and tangerine sweetness upfront with a smooth wheat backbone underneath. Hint of yeast character. Hops are mellow with mild grassy notes. Pretty well balanced.

Medium bodied and well carbonated. Smooth mid-drink and crisp in the end. Good texture from the yeast.

Not a bad summertime wheat brew. Similar to other examples of the style though and does not really stand out.

Serving type: on-tap

04-29-2012 22:35:59 | More by bnes09

jeremy13586

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Just put a 1/4 barrel on tap at home, so I figured that this would be the best time to review it, Right? Poured in to a weizen-ish shaped pint glass.

The beer is a hazy golden-orange that had a big, fluffy white head. Head left nice lacing on the glass and simmered in to some spotty foam on top of the beer.

Banana, orange, and yeast. Some pale malt and a light hop as well.

Lighter yeast is up front while drinking and is followed with banana, orange, and clove. Sweet bread and straw. Light hoppy bitterness finishes clean.

The sharp carbonation mellows out in to a creamy feel. Lighter body if comparing it to a wheat beer. Crisp finish.

The simplicity of this beer is what I admire the most about it. It doesn't bog you down, leaving you full and burpy like many wheat beers. Light enough to be refreshing, but it has enough body to truly satisfy. This is my favorite beer to have around this time of year. I just wish they would brew this year-round.

Serving type: on-tap

04-26-2012 07:27:32 | More by jeremy13586

kylehay2004

Florida

3.98/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

1.5 finger white head on a hazy pale golden yellow body. Some lacing. Mild aroma dominated by pale malts with mild wheat and fruity notes. Lots of refreshing wheat flavor with melon citrus and peppery notes. Light body and medium carbonation. Overall highly drinkable with nice flavors which follow the aroma well.

Serving type: on-tap

04-22-2012 03:27:35 | More by kylehay2004

nrs207

Pennsylvania

2.98/5  rDev -22.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A - Looks like your typical AAL. Pale yellow, clear, small head, no lacing. Not good.

S - Eh, little citrus. Not much else.

T - Tastes like an average wheat beer mixed with an average pale ale. There's a little bitterness from the hops, but it's very light. There's some fruitiness and wheat character, but not much.

M - Average is a good way to describe this. It's thin, carbonated, drinkability is the only thing making this tolerable.

O - This is not good. Considering I just paid $5.50 for a pint, I feel ripped off. I was standing next to people at the bar with light beers and I couldn't distinguish, and flavor wasn't much more exciting either. I'd describe this as craft for BMC people. If you want something very light on flavor this may be for you. However, it probably will be overpriced. I got this on draft so I'm unsure, but I doubt it's worth what it costs for a sixer. Most disappointing Bell's beer I've had.

Serving type: on-tap

04-19-2012 01:34:15 | More by nrs207

Phelps

Arizona

4.1/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Enjoyed in a shaker pint.

Very hazy goldenrod. One finger of frothy off-white head is very sticky and soft looking. It leaves thick, furry walls of lace and a thick top layer.

Fruity, refreshing aroma. A little orange juice, fruity wheat, soft pineapple sweetness.

Muted flavor. More wheat, nicely fruity and sweet. Some dry crackers, apricot, a touch of apple. Hop flavor is soft, but bitterness is a bit bigger. Balanced and very drinkable.

Just a shade under medium in body, with very high painful pinching carbonation. Dry, crisp finish.

Oberon’s the classic summer pale wheat ale. Crisp, refreshing and tasty.

Serving type: on-tap

04-18-2012 04:56:53 | More by Phelps