Apricot Wheat - Ithaca Beer Company

kimbo33

Pennsylvania

4.9/5  rDev +52.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

My favorite beer! Nice and smooth. Great apricot taste. It actually tastes like real apricots and not an extract. I get this whenever it comes out, wish they did more cases of just this. Its always in the sampler but rarely alone. The smell is absent of hops, all apricot which I like. Would reccomend to anyone!

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2011 21:35:28 | More by kimbo33

sybilyang

New York

4.63/5  rDev +44.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

This was such an easy drinking beer. I've had it both in the bottle on tap at bars, and on tap at the brewery - on tap is better, but both are good. The Apricot is so distinct on both the nose and while drinking. On the nose, it's unmistakable, it smells sweet, florally, mixed with a bit of honey. In the mouth however, you just get Apricot - none of the sweetness that you would imagine from such a big nose. Don't think this is one of those sickly sweet fruit beers. This is just wheat, with a kick in the head of pure apricot.

Serving type: on-tap

10-29-2010 20:27:01 | More by sybilyang

ommegangpbr

New York

4.43/5  rDev +38%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

If you like apricots then this is the beer for you.
Even if you don't like apricots this might be the beer for you.
Extremely fruity and refreshing over all.
Very much like bubbly fruit juice; this is one of those beers that you hand to someone that claims "I don't like beer".
Light and bubbly; the wheat plays its role well in keeping this brew from being too much like candy (though it is on the candy side of the spectrum).
I found this to be insanely drinkable... the only thing that takes away from the drinkability a bit is the effect the sweetness has on the mouthfeel after a bit.
This is, of course, as I review as it stands by itself.
Next time around I'll drink this while having a slice of pizza or a burger (times when I often drink soda). My scores will probably be bumped up from there.
A 5 in enjoyability.

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2005 02:29:29 | More by ommegangpbr

woodske1

Pennsylvania

4.4/5  rDev +37.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This is another beer that is a graded a bit too harsh. It says Apricot Wheat...that's what it tastes like...

This is also one fo the most drinkable beers ever. It is very light and you could get through 6 before you even know what you are doing. Great aroma, smells exactly how it tastes.

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2009 21:49:27 | More by woodske1

scooter231

New York

4.38/5  rDev +36.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Boy did this six pack disappear quickly. This beer is fabulous- and I don't even like apricots. I picked it up on a whim though, figuring why not? It's hot out, I need something light. And it was.

Tastes delicious- apricots, some other fruits- raspberry and orange, mostly. Tastes like fruit juice- but it's spiked. I think I could turn any self-proclaimed beer hater into a beer lover with this beer. It just tastes deliciously fruity. It also feels great- lots of bubbles, nice crisp finish. Crazy drinkability- I've never emptied my glass that quickly. A delicious, very drinkable beer. Fellows, this one will turn your girls into beer drinkers. Trust me.

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2005 06:01:20 | More by scooter231

Dodo2step

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +34.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Purchased as a variety pack from Westy's in Mechanicsburg, PA.

S- could definitely tell it was an apricot wheat. It heightened my sense of smell. I love ap-wheat brews.

T-very tasty and wheaty.

D- Love the beer and def worth a six pack or case.

Overall i enjoyed the beer and apricot wheats are one of the few fruity type beers that i will drink.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2008 22:54:34 | More by Dodo2step

auxiliary

Rhode Island

4.25/5  rDev +32.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

appearance - orange yellow color with some head but then disolved to a ring. Not much carbination. Some lacing for the first 15 minutes but then non after that.

smell - apricot, peach, wheat noticable.

taste - Low apricot taste, not a sweet beer, nice balanced. Not overwelming.

mouthfeel - Low carbination, crisp feel, light body.

drinkability -I like some fruit beers but never tried an apricot beer. BA list well more then a dozen. Great summer beer. I did enjoy this, I picked up a 12 mixed pack.

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2007 22:27:38 | More by auxiliary

hustlesworth

Ohio

4.2/5  rDev +30.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A- hazy golden yellow, big puffy white head with an apricot-ish yellow tint to it. foam is full of wheaty protein and retains itself well. good sticky lace on a nice clean glass as well.

S- pleasant apricot/plum aroma reminds me of gummy penguins i used to get as a kid. not much else there but apricot and a bit of white bread and some sandalwood, but it's still nice. ok some floral notes come out as the beer opens up, more akin to orange blossoms or honeysuckle.

T- fresh bread flavor with mild apricot on the backside and a bit of creaminess. actually, as it finishes, there is alot of heavy cream type flavor which of course goes great with the apricot. quite good because the apricot flavor doesn't overwhelm, instead it provides a nice fruity tartness to compliment the wheat flavor. taste is very fresh. finishes clean and soft, minimal bitterness, and lingering plum skin aftertaste.

MF- good creamy feeling, somewhat plush, but still very crisp and snappy thanks to medium level carbonation. becomes a little filmy on the cheeks the same way orange juice is.

D- i was expecting a nice mild refreshing thirst quenching beer for this june heat wave and that's what i got. i even ordered it on tap for my bar after i blow this keg of allagash wit. a great summer beer, easy drinking and smooth and as far as fruit beers go, apricot and wheat are a perfect match IMHO. i could go for about 5 more of these.

Serving type: bottle

06-28-2009 23:53:09 | More by hustlesworth

cooter

New York

4.18/5  rDev +30.2%
look: 2.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

[This bottle is a little old, so give it leeway--left it at school during winter break. My bad.]
Straw color with only wisps and miniscus for a head. Very small-bubbled carbonation, looks a little lackluster in that regard. But the most notable aspect of this beer by far is its powerful scent. It positively reeks of its namesake apricot, as well as other generally thick, sweet, bready, sunflower-seed scents. Very unusual and interesting.

Taste is a little flat. That apricot is strong, as well as a smooth maltiness. A little grapefruit and a lot of peach, some general esthers, some cloying...something...raspberry? The wheat side is somewhat muted, though the hops seem to provide a good backdrop for the other tastes. Orange and orange cream, that's what was cloying!

A pretty fun beer. Definitely worth a try based on its strong fruit character, but it's not wildly complex. Well suited to vary one's drinks during a night of continuous consumption, especially with its light and smooth texture and peppy drinkability.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2005 05:18:08 | More by cooter

Newsman

New Jersey

4.15/5  rDev +29.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I have no idea why this beer only has a C+. Over the past three years, it's become one of my summer go-to brews. So in the interest of Beer Advocacy, I thought I'd throw my review out there.

Pours a golden yellow, slightly hazy but clearer than you'd expect from a wheat beer. Decent one-finger head that reduces quickly with little lacing.

Smells...awesome. Literally like bread and apricot jam, but not cloying. Just fresh.

Tastes great, frankly. The fruit is up front, but is not overpowering. Balances nicely with a light bready malt, with a hint of hops on the back end.

Mouthfeel is good, probably a little more carbonation than one would expect, but goes down light.

This is very drinkable...on a hot day, I could go through a couple of these at a cookout. And your typical cookout foods go very well with this one.

Seriously...this beer is underrated. Give it a go this summer.

Serving type: bottle

06-01-2009 23:35:15 | More by Newsman

smibroncos

New York

4.13/5  rDev +28.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A. Poured a cloudy straw with a white frothy two finger head, some lacing on the glass.

S. Apricot, citrus grass

T. Lightly apricot flasvored still can taste the wheat, not much in the hops department, but I like the flavor.

M. Medium bodied, fizzy carbonation, mnedium duration

O. Taste just like apricot wheat beer, imagine that.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2011 23:55:10 | More by smibroncos

ithacabaron

California

4.1/5  rDev +27.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

As far as wheat beers go, this is lacking in many of the more familiar esters of banana and clove. Additionally, this beer is not very cloudy at all -- I think of it more as a blonde/amber ale with a wheat back. Hops are minimal, but there, a bit of Tett spiciness and crispness at the end of the sip. Apricots are definately there, not shy, but not overpowering. The amount of apricot puree I taste here is indicitave of what I feel a fruit beer should be, in terms of fruit strength.

I enjoy this on late summer evenings with friends. Even non-beer drinkers will enjoy this, and it's a very good choice to convert macro drinkers with.

Not for every day, but definately a sweeter summer favorite.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2003 01:36:59 | More by ithacabaron

righthereisay

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev +27.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Purchased a bottle at the Brews Bros in Mt Lebanon

Smell: Let's face it, it smells like apricots. Not my favorite fruit by any means...but still good.

Taste is rather good for a fruit beer. I always try them (fruit beers), never like them...This one isn't that bad. I could definitely throw these down on a hot summer day. Tangy, malty, not too much apricot. Not too sweet by any means. Very drinkable.

Let's face it. It is a fruit beer. Not in my top 300, but it would do on a summer day. Much better than the usual Miller Lite, and the usual summer beers from Saranac, Sam Adams. etc...also much better than the new Lemonade beers....

I was surprised. Not too shabby.

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2012 01:17:35 | More by righthereisay

kbnooshay

New York

4.08/5  rDev +27.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Well for girls that don't like beer this is their beer because it tastes likes a fruit drink. But the thing is I am not a girl! So here is the review. Had a 12 ounce bottle of this that poured a nice golden-orange color. The smell is great, and of apricots. The taste is really sweet, and well...apricotty. The wheat end is a little dissapointing though.
Moderate mouthfeel, crisp, and a little sticky with lots of bubbles. Insanely drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2005 01:24:34 | More by kbnooshay

Yagman3000

New York

4.05/5  rDev +26.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Grabbed a 6er in bottles because I haven't had one in a while and wanted to embrace a beautiful spring day.
Appearance is fine. Delicate orange glow hut practically no head.
Smell is pretty delicious. I have a little sweet tooth and this has true apricot notes.
Taste is hood but nothing exceptional. Fruit up front with a slightly grainy wheat finish. A bit on the side of a sour.
Mouthfeel is least appealing aspect. Not thick enough and finishes a but too tart and biting on the tongue.
Overall good but doesn't hold a tee to a DFH Aprihop. Would like to try this right after a Magic Hat #9 to compare.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2011 22:49:47 | More by Yagman3000

plaid75

New York

4/5  rDev +24.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a wheat glass. Nice cloudy straw complexion with a fluffy three finger head. Good head retention and lacing.

The smell was very pleasant - a nice subtle apricot aroma with a hint of spice.

The taste was also a nice subtle apricot. There was also a nice spice finish.

The mouthfeel was very pleasant. Nice and light.

A very drinkable fruit beer. A perfect light summer drink.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2006 01:13:26 | More by plaid75

negroobserver

New York

3.98/5  rDev +24%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

C: Light Golden Color. A bit hazy like a standard wheat beer.
S: Sweet. Honey. Apricots. Honey dew. Other fruity tones.
T: Mild sourness. Light and watery, but not in a bad way. Medium Carbonation. The mild sour taste gets a little old. Crisp and clean taste.
B+

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2011 16:46:17 | More by negroobserver

CraftVA

Virginia

3.98/5  rDev +24%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A – Color is golden and transparent, with a fluffy white head (which receded pretty quickly.)

S – A delicious fruity scent dominated by the apricots, with a hint of hoppiness.

T – Crisp and fruity up front with some wheat flavors coming in at the end. Somewhat sour.

M – A light on the mouthfeel and very carbonated.

O – A refreshing beer with a nice fruity flavor without being too sweet.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2012 00:00:25 | More by CraftVA

JoeyBeerBelly

New York

3.98/5  rDev +24%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle served in a weizen glass.

L - clear copper color with a white head that thins to a ring.

S - apricots with some wheat in the background.

T - lots of tart apricot flavor blended in with light malted wheat finishing on the tart side with sweetness on the lips.

F - light/medium bodied, crisp and refreshing.

O - I enjoyed this one and I will have it again.

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2012 20:20:55 | More by JoeyBeerBelly

rousee

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +23.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours somewhat murky gold-orange color. Leaves very little head and has very little carbonation.

Smell is malty with a slight apricot fruit hint as you would expect.
Taste is a malty wheaty light ale with a hint of nicely ripened apricot as it is described. Im not a huge fan of fruit beers but on a hot day, they can be appropriate and this might be one of th ebest fruit beers I have tried. Definitely a good one for the style and I would definitely buy it again.

Serving type: bottle

08-26-2006 19:15:25 | More by rousee

bobsy

Ontario (Canada)

3.95/5  rDev +23.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I'm surprised at the lack of love for this fruit beer because I think its actually quite well made. Golden body with a small white head. Fresh burst of apricot and grain in the aroma. Relatively straightforward apricot and wheat flavour, but well demarcated and crisp. Refreshing carbonation and a relatively light beer. Not something you would drink in the middle of a snowstorm, but a good summer brew.

Serving type: on-tap

08-24-2008 16:19:16 | More by bobsy

DannyS

New York

3.95/5  rDev +23.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Served in a tulip glass, poured from a 12 oz. bottle.

A - nice, slightly hazy orange. Thin, quickly dissipating head.

S - Smeels like Apricots. There's not much else on the nose, but the apricot smell is fresh and potent.

T - Tastes like slightly bitter apricot. Otherwise, standard yeast and hops on the palate. The only thing that stands out is the very upfront apricot taste.

M - The carbonation is a lot more biting than others, but otherwise it is very easy on the tongue.

D - This one's crazy drinkable. Enjoyable enough to drink but light enough to easily pound back a few more.

Overall - I got this bottle at the Foodery in Philly. If this were more available where I live in NY, I might consider it over #9 as a standby brew. Not groundbreaking, but nice and fruity. A great everyday beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2009 02:00:45 | More by DannyS

bjohnson

Massachusetts

3.93/5  rDev +22.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a cloudy golden color with not much head to start. Slight retention with some bubbles coming from the bottom.
S: Huge sweet apricot nose with a slight wheaty malt twang in the background.
T/M: Good sweet apricot blast up front followed by a backbone of wheaty malt. Finishes smooth and refreshing with a recap of that sweet apricot. Pretty slippery through the mouth. A bit watery but has a good aftertaste. I am definately a fan of this one from Ithaca. Good level of carbonation after the initial sweet apricot taste, though the taste fizzes out when the carbonation blast hits.
D: Definately a drinkable beer. I am suprised as I don't particularly like fruit beers, but on a hot, humid day like today, it was perfect.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2006 19:17:30 | More by bjohnson

shamrock7

Rhode Island

3.93/5  rDev +22.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This is a very light, crisp tasting beer. It’s easy on the pallet and goes down nicely. The mix of the apricot aroma and big fruity taste is sure to please those that go for the fruity beers. It won’t leave you full, but you will be satisfied.

I can see this one being a summer time favorite – it’ll definitely quench your thirst. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re in the mood for a wheat/fruit beer, give this one a try.

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2007 22:32:07 | More by shamrock7

tugdriver7

Maryland

3.93/5  rDev +22.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Part of an Assortment 12-pack (4 different Ithaca brews) I picked-up at the Beer Zoo outside Hershey PA. I hadn't heard of Ithaca, but I bought it specifically to try the apricot. I was not disappointed. I'm not a huge "fruit beer" fan, but there's something about the way the apricot was used--like hops--to add a ctirus-like edge to balance the malt. Pale gold color, small head that stayed through a few sips; apricot in the nose with a mostly malt taste. Nicely done. Refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2007 04:13:37 | More by tugdriver7