Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company Sunset Wheat

**Aroma:** “A big hit of wonderful esters—especially banana—and bubblegum. Some spicy phenols emerge as the beer warms, mostly clove, with a touch of citrus and pepper. Lemon tart and pastry follow, bringing forth Froot Loop aroma, and bready and herbal notes linger behind the yeast.” **Flavor:** “Such subdued flavor, which is surprising, given the hint of sour acetic in the aroma. Delicate clove and pepper phenols. Some great citrus notes of orange and lemon develop, and even more lemon in the aftertaste. The banana esters are on the lighter side, and balance with the sweet wheat and bread crust malts. Creamy and medium-light body, but a dry finish.” **Overall:** “The palate is soft, with a sweet body, and complex fruity and spiciness that carry the beer into a smooth, dry finish. While it’s not classic for a hefe, and it’s on the lighter side in body and ester profile for the style, it’s still a nice balance.”

**Aroma:** “Peachy at first, and then the strawberry emerges. And even more fruit, with grapefruit, grape, and citrus, some light sweetness and tartness, and a bit of stone fruit. White pepper spice phenolics, and baking soda mineral notes.” **Flavor:** “The wheat body of the base beer is great for the fruitiness of the beer, and has a bit of breadiness and sweetness, and is light and dry. The fruit notes in the flavor aren’t specific to strawberry but also include white grape, citrus, and watermelon rind—the strawberry is especially present in the retronasal exhale. The hops flavors are citrusy, slightly grassy, providing balance. Light and dry, with a tart, astringent, lightly bitter finish.” **Overall:** “Well executed beer, and the aroma is fairly subtle, even for a subtle fruit like strawberry. It’s very light and finishes a bit harsh from the bitterness. While it has some good flavors, it could use some more balance and nuance.”

**Aroma:** “A breath of graham cracker−like wheat, a touch of bread, and a clean, very low yeast character. Some light citrus esters, and a touch of herbal, grassy hops and raw wort, plus a sense of some bitterness to come.” **Flavor:** “The aroma suggested a more hops-forward flavor than comes through. A delicate balance of low bready malt character with a hint of graham cracker and a bit of earthy and herbal hops. Some fruit esters emerge as peach and nectarine, along with some unexpected almost Brett-like notes. Medium body with a touch of sweetness. The finish is a touch bitter and a little watery.” **Overall:** “Very refreshing and easy to drink—this beer is balanced and clean, with the malt and hops in harmony. Some nice hops on the nose, but not the expected bitterness in the flavor. A great lawnmower beer. The soft palate makes this a good pairing for food.”