American-Style Wheat Wine Ale

Wheatwine is potent, difficult to brew and decidly different. Which is why every intrepid homebrewer should give it a whirl. Have you ever heard of wh...

Barleywines are rooted in their strength, malt-forward sweetness and, in some cases, rampant hopping. But what if you want to push the limits of the style? What if you are seeking to brew an "alternative barleywine?" AHA Governing Committee member Drew Beechum set out with his club to answer that exact question, and one of the results was this recipe for Summer Time Wheat Wine. This recipe consists of equal parts wheat and pale malt, with a touch vienna and honey. The mix of American and German noble hops make for a subdued hop profile, but a more aggressive "west coast" hop regimen can be used for a deliciously hoppy wheat wine. But be careful if you plan to enjoy this beer at your next barbeque—the high alcohol content can go unnoticed among the smooth and slightly sweet ale. It's a sneaky one! For more information on this recipe and other "alternative barleywine" recipes, read "Totally Twisted Barleywines" by Drew Beechum in the March/April 2007 Zymurgy.