Tasty additive for an American Wheat ale

[AfricanBrewer777]

Good day Friends,

Anybody have any tried and tested suggestions on extra flavoring can add to an American wheat ale I'm about to brew. Just looking for something to give a little extra kick to it. Any suggestions welcome. Thanks!

 

[unionrdr]

Orange zest is always a good one. I tried adding 3C of watermelon juice @ flame out that gave mixed results at best.

 

[AfricanBrewer777]

Thanks unionrdr. Good citrusy undertone may be just the thing it needs.

 

[TasunkaWitko]

I've heard of great results with any citrus, also watermelon.

It might be too late for beech-smoked grains, but have heard very, very good things about that.

Cherries are another choice, as are huckleberries - I really enjoyed both. If no huckleberries, blueberries should be an acceptable substitute, or any berry that you like.

I am sure there are a million others, but These are the ones I've had a little experience with, or the ones that really stand out in my reading.

Hope this helps.

 

[TasunkaWitko]

This article might be helpful:

Summer Wheat - Seven Ways

 

[AfricanBrewer777]

Thanks Tasunkawitco. Will look into the beech-smoked grains. Helpful info. Much appreciated!

 

[BlueHouseBrewhaus]

Lemon zest and seeds of paradise will give you a good SA Summer clone. Ginger (fresh grated) in the boil will give you some spice. I also tried pineapple juice in secondary with nice results. Have fun and experiment.

 

[TasunkaWitko]

I have a recipe for a smoked wheat beer, written for 1 or 5 gallons; I haven't tried it yet but it is on my list before winter sets in too hard.

If you're interested, feel free to PM me any time.

 

[ScrewyBrewer]

I like to add some dried bitter orange peel, cardamon and Citra hops for aroma and flavor, makes a really special beer.

 

[rodwha]

Honey! Or even honey and cherry! Made several honey wheats and have about nailed it down. It tastes similar to Blue Moon's honey wheat.

I'll be making a lemon peel and grains of paradise Belgian wit soon.

A friend made an apricot wheat which was good too.

 

[AfricanBrewer777]

Thanks again. I've ordered some Citra hops. Reckon will try that. Rodwha, the honey and cherry sounds great! This is what brewing is all about!

 

[rodwha]

I don't care much for cherry, but it was awesome in my beer! I'd think many kinds of fruit would go well with the honey. I like the honey wheat just as is though too.

 

[Bandit-brewer]

In a wit. Blackberry's. Get them frozen from where ever. Thaw, mash, and add to secondary till clear, week or two. Gives a really nice tartness. So far the best iv'e paired with a wit. Done watermellon and different citrus.

 

[Rcbandl]

Orange zest is amazing. Our wheat ale just hit 2 weeks in the bottles and we tasted one last night and it was very good. We used 3 ozs of fresh orange zest (or should I say carefully peeled with a potato peeler) in a 5 gallon batch added at 10 minutes to the boil. After brew day it seemed very strong, but has since mellowed out and is now just a nice fresh aroma and a hint in the flavor.

We are bringing a few bottles to our new homebrew clubs meeting this afternoon, so I will get some experienced input when the club samples it.

 

[stevedasleeve]

My house American wheat ale is all Amarillo + 2 oz elderflowers at flame out. Dry hopped with any big citrus hop, Citra whole cones in the keg. My wife threatens to beat me up any time we run short....

 

[AfricanBrewer777]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I'm considering more jab one batch to try all these out! Much appreciated