Here’s the thing about Ithaca Beer Company Apricot Wheat: you have to judge it as a fruit beer. That’s what I do, and you see, it fares really well when you do. If you love apricots, this is the beer for you and, well, if you don’t, why the hell are you drinking it? Compare it to what I consider the classic apricot ale, Magic Hat #9 and I think…wait for it…Ithaca Beer Company Apricot Wheat comes out the winner!
From the website:
Our smooth wheat beer is light in color and body…perfect for those looking for a lighter taste. The combination of wheat and barley gives Apricot Wheat a different malt character than our other ales. The hint of apricot gives this beer a pleasant nose and fruity finish.
Hint of apricot? I sure got more than a hint, my friends! And that’s what I want. I want the signature ingredient to sing. It does here.
Ingredients from the website:
Malt:2-Row Pale, White Wheat
Hops: Summit
Other: Natural apricot flavor
Ithaca Beer Company Apricot Wheat has an alcohol content of 5% by volume and runs $10.99 a six-pack at Total Wine. It’s not sold here in Georgia, but I got a bottle from my good buddy Jimmy White.
Ithaca Beer Company Apricot Wheat pours to a pale blonde yellow color with a very, very light head formation and a robust apricot dried-fruit nose. Taking a sip, the beer has a firm body, with malt and crackery wheat at the base and a soft butteriness. The apricot fruit quickly takes over, robust and juicy, and yet it never cloys as the beer finishes balanced with a bit of hops and crackery wheat.
You want apricot? You can’t handle the apricot!!! This is a wonderful beer, so refreshing and delicious, and the epitome of what a fruit beer should be.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler