For a lot of the American Midwest, summer does not officially start until Bell’s Oberon hits the shelves. Brewed in Michigan by Bell’s Brewery and released only from late March to September, it is an American wheat ale rather than a strict witbier, built on a distinctive house yeast that gives it a fruity, peppery character. The sun-graphic can is an icon in its own right. Here is how it tastes and why people wait all winter for it.
Bell’s Oberon at a glance
| Style | American wheat ale |
| ABV | 5.8% |
| Calories | 187 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 16.2g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Bell’s Brewery, Comstock, Michigan, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, wheat, hops, house ale yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it contains wheat and barley |
| Availability | Seasonal, late March to September |
| Typical price | Around $10 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Oberon is fuller and fruitier than a classic wit, driven by its house yeast rather than by added spices, and it carries a little more weight at 5.8%.
The full review
It pours a hazy golden-orange, a shade deeper than most wits, with a soft white head. The aroma is where the house yeast takes over: ripe fruit, a little banana and pepper, and a bready wheat base. Notably, there is no added orange peel or coriander here, the character all comes from the yeast and grain.
On the palate it is smooth and a touch fuller-bodied than a Belgian wit, with a fruity, slightly spicy middle and a soft wheat roundness. There is a gentle bitterness to keep it balanced and a clean, moreish finish. At 5.8% it drinks a little bigger than the sub-5% crowd without feeling heavy.
It is more of an American wheat ale than a true witbier, and that is the point. Instead of leaning on spices it leans on that famous Bell’s yeast, which gives it a signature that fans can pick out blind. That distinctiveness is a big part of the cult appeal.
The only real catch is availability. It is a seasonal beer, so you get it from spring to early autumn and then it disappears, which only makes people want it more.
The beer Michigan uses to mark the start of summer.
- Distinctive fruity, peppery house yeast
- Fuller, rounder body than most wheat beers
- An iconic, much-loved seasonal
- Balanced and very easy to drink
- Only available late March to September
- At 5.8% it is stronger than it tastes
- Not a spiced witbier if that is what you want
Who it is for
Wheat-beer fans who want something with a bit more body and a fruity yeast twist. If you like it, Allagash White and Ommegang Witte are the spiced Belgian-style options to try alongside it.
Bell’s Oberon FAQs
What does Bell’s Oberon taste like?
Fruity and lightly peppery from the house yeast, with a soft, fuller wheat body, gentle bitterness and a clean finish. There are no added spices, so the character comes from the yeast and grain.
How strong is Bell’s Oberon?
It is 5.8% ABV, a little stronger than most wheat beers and witbiers.
How many calories are in Bell’s Oberon?
187 calories per 12 fl oz, with 16.2g of carbs, per Bell’s own figures.
Is Bell’s Oberon a witbier?
Not strictly. It is an American wheat ale. It skips the coriander and orange peel of a classic wit and leans on its house yeast instead.
When is Bell’s Oberon available?
It is a seasonal beer, released from late March through September while supplies last.
Is Bell’s Oberon vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley, wheat, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Bell’s Oberon gluten free?
No. It is brewed with wheat and barley, so it contains gluten.
Where is Bell’s Oberon brewed?
In Comstock, Michigan, by Bell’s Brewery near Kalamazoo.
Where to buy Bell’s Oberon
Bell’s Oberon is available across much of the US during its spring-to-autumn season, and you can have it delivered. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Bell’s Oberon is a superb American wheat ale that earns its cult status. The fruity, peppery house yeast gives it a character no macro wit can match, and the fuller body makes it satisfying as well as refreshing. Mark the difference: this is a wheat ale, not a spiced wit, and it is a very good one. A strong four point three out of five. See the full field in our best witbiers guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Bell’s Oberon?
Bell’s Oberon is an American wheat ale, at 5.8% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Bell’s Oberon?
Bell’s Oberon has an ABV of 5.8%.
How many calories are in Bell’s Oberon?
Bell’s Oberon has 187 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Bell’s Oberon gluten free?
Bell’s Oberon: No, it contains wheat and barley.
Does Bell’s Oberon have carbs?
Yes, Bell’s Oberon has 16.2g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Bell’s Oberon taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
How much does Bell’s Oberon cost?
Bell’s Oberon typically runs Around $10 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Bell’s Oberon without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Bell’s Oberon?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an American wheat ale like Bell’s Oberon. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
