Shock Top is Anheuser-Busch’s answer to Blue Moon, a Belgian-style wheat ale built around a big hit of citrus. It is brewed with real orange, lemon and lime peel plus coriander, and it leans harder on that fresh-citrus character than most of its rivals. It is an easy, sunny, patio kind of beer rather than a serious witbier, and on a hot day it does the job. Here is how it tastes and where it fits.
Shock Top Belgian White at a glance
| Style | Belgian-style wheat ale |
| ABV | 5.2% |
| Calories | 167 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 13.6g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, wheat, orange, lemon and lime peel, coriander, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it contains wheat and barley |
| Typical price | Around $8 to $11 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Shock Top pushes citrus to the front and keeps everything else easy, so the citrus dial is high and the finish stays soft.
The full review
It pours a hazy pale gold with a white head. The aroma is all citrus: fresh orange and lemon zest up front, with a little coriander and only a faint wheat note behind. It smells bright and fruity, more citrus soda than a subtle Belgian wit.
On the palate it is light and easy, with a clear lemon-lime-orange character, a soft wheat body and almost no bitterness. It is a touch lighter and thinner than Blue Moon and leans even harder on the citrus, which makes it refreshing but also a little one-dimensional.
There is not much of the coriander-and-clove complexity you get from a proper wit here. What you get instead is a clean, fruity, sessionable wheat beer that is at its best ice cold in the sun. Taken on those terms it is perfectly enjoyable.
At 5.2% ABV and a low price it is an easy grab for a barbecue or a cooler, and its wide availability helps. It is more of a citrus wheat refresher than a benchmark witbier, and it is fine as long as that is what you are after.
A sunny citrus refresher that never pretends to be more than that.
- Bright, fresh citrus character
- Light, easy and very sessionable
- Cheap and widely available
- Good ice cold on a hot day
- One-dimensional next to a proper wit
- Thin body and little spice complexity
- Citrus can feel a bit artificial to some
Who it is for
Drinkers who want a light, fruity, cheap wheat beer for the sun rather than a complex Belgian wit. If you want more depth for a little more money, step up to Blue Moon or Allagash White.
Shock Top Belgian White FAQs
What does Shock Top taste like?
Bright and citrus-forward, with fresh orange, lemon and lime, a soft light wheat body and almost no bitterness. Refreshing but fairly one-note.
How strong is Shock Top?
It is 5.2% ABV, standard strength for a Belgian-style wheat ale.
How many calories are in Shock Top?
167 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 13.6g of carbs.
Is Shock Top a craft beer?
No. It is brewed by Anheuser-Busch, though it is presented in a craft-style wheat beer format.
Is Shock Top vegan?
Yes. It is brewed from water, barley malt, wheat, citrus peel, coriander, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Shock Top gluten free?
No. It is brewed with wheat and barley, so it contains gluten.
How is Shock Top different from Blue Moon?
Shock Top leans harder on citrus, especially lemon and lime, and is a touch lighter. Blue Moon is smoother, sweeter and more orange-focused.
Where is Shock Top brewed?
By Anheuser-Busch in the US, headquartered in St. Louis.
Where to buy Shock Top Belgian White
Shock Top is widely available across the US and can be delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Shock Top is a bright, citrus-forward wheat beer that makes a decent cheap refresher for hot days. It lacks the spice complexity and body of a proper witbier and can feel a little one-note, but taken as an easy patio beer it does its job. A fair three point six out of five. See how it stacks up in our best witbiers guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Shock Top Belgian White?
Shock Top Belgian White is a Belgian-style wheat ale, at 5.2% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Shock Top Belgian White?
Shock Top Belgian White has an ABV of 5.2%.
How many calories are in Shock Top Belgian White?
Shock Top Belgian White has 167 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Shock Top Belgian White gluten free?
Shock Top Belgian White: No, it contains wheat and barley.
Does Shock Top Belgian White have carbs?
Yes, Shock Top Belgian White has Around 13.6g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Shock Top Belgian White 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.
What is a good alternative to Shock Top Belgian White?
If you can’t find Shock Top Belgian White, Blue Moon Belgian White is a close alternative in the same Belgian-style wheat ale category.
How much does Shock Top Belgian White cost?
Shock Top Belgian White typically runs Around $8 to $11 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 Shock Top Belgian White 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 Shock Top Belgian White?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Belgian-style wheat ale like Shock Top Belgian White. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
