Left Hand Brewing Haystack Wheat
The timing on a recent run to my local shop is a bit uncanny. Just days after Session 45: Wheat Beer had passed I found myself with a mixed six pack of a variety of wheat based beers that I had never had before.
The first out of the bunch is Left Hand Brewing’s Haystack Wheat. Hefeweizen in style, the beer comes in at an easy drinking 5.0% ABV and is one of the more mild takes on the style I’ve enjoyed. I’m not particularly a big fan of Hefeweizens in general, but I’m always up for challenging myself and trying something new. Haystack Wheat proved a worthy competitor and, as fat would have it, a tasty brew, as well.
Appearance
The beer pours hazy and is straw yellow in color. The large white head faded slowly to a thin lacing.
Aroma
Yep. It’s a Hefeweizen alright. A good bit of citrus, subtle banana, a light herbal (clove) component and a hint of pine all come to the nose quite well.
Taste
Compared to some beers in this style, Haystack Wheat is a fairly tame brew in terms of the typical characteristics I often run into. It’s definitely a Hefeweizen, but it’s got a bit more refined, well balanced nature. There’s the telltale banana and clove in the mix, but there’s also a refreshing hop presence that brings a bit of citrus and pine to the table.
Overall
This isn’t a bad brew. As far as my own preferences go, this is right in light with what I would want from a Hefeweizen — not too much banana or strong clove presence. I could see myself (and the wife) enjoying several cold bottles of this during the Summer.
Rating: 3/5