Top 10 American Wheat Pale Ales and Lagers brewed in America
This Top Ten List of American Wheat Pale Ales is from the results of the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup. These beers can be made using either ale or lager yeast. It can be brewed with 30 to 75 percent malted wheat, and hop rates may be low to medium. A fruity-estery aroma and flavor are typical but at low levels; however, phenolic, clove-like characteristics should not be perceived. Color is usually clear golden to light amber, and the body should be light to medium in character.OG: ABV: 3.8-5%. IBU: 10-35
1. Float Trip – Piney River Brewing – Missouri
2. Wagon Box Wheat – Black Tooth Brewing – Wyoming
3. Sweet As Pacific Ale – GoodLife Brewing – Oregon
4. Lemon Rye – 105 West Brewing – Colorado
5. Fieldhouse Wheat – Triton Brewing – Indiana
6. Tumble Wheat – Altitude Chophouse & Brewery – Wyoming
7. Florida Avenue Ale – Florida Avenue Brewing – Florida
8. Are Wheat There Yet? – The Brew Bus Brewery – Florida
9. Flash Bang – Excel Brewing – Illinois
10. Elevator Mogabi – Elevator Brewery – Ohio
History Of American Wheat Pale Ales
American Wheat Pale Ale, a distinctly American craft beer style, emerged in the late 20th century as part of the broader craft beer revolution. In the 1980s, small breweries sought to differentiate themselves from mass-produced lagers by experimenting with traditional European styles, including wheat beers. American brewers took inspiration from German Hefeweizens and Belgian Witbiers but adapted them to local tastes, incorporating regional ingredients and bolder hop profiles. Early pioneers like Widmer Brothers in Oregon introduced their Hefeweizen in 1986, which, while not a pale ale, laid the groundwork for wheat-based beers with a crisp, refreshing character. By the 1990s, brewers began blending the clean, malty backbone of wheat beers with the hop-forward assertiveness of American Pale Ales, creating a hybrid style that balanced citrusy, floral hop notes with the smooth, bready qualities of wheat malt.
The style gained traction in the 2000s as craft beer culture exploded, with breweries like Bell’s (Oberon Ale) and Lagunitas crafting versions that showcased the versatility of American Wheat Pale Ales. These beers typically feature moderate alcohol content (4.5–6% ABV), a hazy golden appearance, and a pronounced hop character derived from American varieties like Cascade or Citra, paired with at least 30–50% wheat malt for a softer mouthfeel. Unlike their European counterparts, American Wheat Pale Ales often forgo yeast-driven flavors like banana or clove, emphasizing hop bitterness and aroma instead. Today, the style remains a staple in craft beer lineups, celebrated for its drinkability and ability to bridge the gap between traditional wheat beers and the hoppy intensity of American IPAs, reflecting the innovative spirit of the U.S. craft brewing movement.
Top 10 Beers in America – Ales Lagers Specialty Barrel Aged