Oberon Ale is Bell’s Brewery’s flagship seasonal release, brewed in Comstock, Michigan and sold only from late March through September. Its return each spring is treated as an event across the Midwest, complete with “Oberon Day” celebrations at bars and breweries.
At a Glance
| Style | American pale wheat ale |
| ABV | 5.8% |
| Calories | About 187 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | About 16.2g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Bell’s Brewery, Comstock, Michigan |
| Ingredients | Water, barley, wheat, hops, house ale yeast |
| Availability | Seasonal, late March to September |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Typical price | Around $10 to $13 for a 6-pack of bottles |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Oberon leans smooth and citrusy rather than sharply bitter, closer to a classic wheat ale than a hop-forward pale ale.
The full review
Oberon pours a bright, hazy orange with a soft white head. The aroma is citrusy and slightly spicy, with a mild fruitiness that comes entirely from the house ale yeast, since Bell’s brews it with just four ingredients and no added fruit or spice.
On the palate it is smooth and medium-light bodied, with a gentle wheat creaminess and a soft, citrusy finish. Bitterness is very restrained, which is exactly why it works as an easy, warm-weather session beer.
Compared to other American wheat ales like Blue Moon or Shock Top, Oberon is less sweet and less spiced, relying on yeast character alone for its fruitiness, which gives it a cleaner, more balanced profile.
“Bell’s built a whole regional tradition around this beer, and one sip explains why: it is the definitive Midwest summer beer.”, Beer Is My Life
- Smooth, citrusy flavor entirely from yeast, no added fruit or spice needed
- Easy drinking with restrained bitterness
- Strong cult following and genuine seasonal tradition since 1997
- Only available late March through September
- Limited mostly to states where Bell’s distributes, primarily the Midwest and parts of the East Coast
- Not available on beer delivery apps in most areas
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a genuinely smooth, easy-drinking wheat ale for warm weather, and fans of Midwest craft beer traditions.
Where to buy Oberon Ale
Oberon is sold seasonally (late March to September) wherever Bell’s Brewery distributes, mostly the Midwest and parts of the East Coast, and it is not on beer delivery apps outside that window. Blue Moon Belgian White is a similar citrusy American wheat ale that is available year-round on delivery apps. Use the button above to check availability and pricing near you.
FAQs
What does Oberon Ale taste like?
Smooth and citrusy with a mild spiciness from the house ale yeast, restrained bitterness and a light, refreshing finish.
How much alcohol is in Oberon Ale?
Oberon has an ABV of 5.8%.
Who makes Oberon Ale?
Bell’s Brewery, based in Comstock, Michigan.
When is Oberon Ale available?
It is a seasonal release, typically available from late March through September.
Does Oberon Ale contain fruit or spices?
No, it is brewed with just wheat malt, hops, water and Bell’s house ale yeast; all the citrus and spice character comes from the yeast.
