Agave Wheat

For almost 25 years, Colorado’s Breckenridge Brewing has provided thirsty devotees with an ever-growing repertoire of characterful, occasionally quirky beers – including Agave Wheat. Another session strength brew in this issue, Agave Wheat just barely tops 4 percent ABV with just enough bitterness to tame the underlying malty sweetness. Swirling with notes of freshly baked bread, tart lemon zest, and the faintest whiff of alcohol, the aroma is unmistakably American Wheat Ale. Diving a bit deeper, Tom found traces of lavender among the cracker-like malt and tart wheat tang, noting the overall effect as “suggesting the coming of Spring.” As expected, this beer shows a pale golden countenance, shot through with milky white flecks. The prodigious, meringue-like head collapses quickly, leaving a small collar of foam in its wake. No real “agave” flavors put in an appearance, but there is a lingering sugary sweetness lurking beneath the prominent lemony tartness. Tim detected hints of mango and a light background “citric, lemon-lime hop flavor,” lauding the brewer’s “skillful balancing of sweet, tart, and sour.” Conversely, Pete lasered in on the “grainy, slightly toasted” malt, and felt the beer would benefit from a touch more bitterness. Like Tim, he founds notes of mango, but drilled down and discovered a “Sweet Tart-like” flavor to balance the sweetness. Eminently drinkable and chock full of flavor, Tim and Pete both deemed this a superb summer quencher.