Breathe it in.

Our new American Wheat Ale shines with fresh floral aromas, bright citrusy hops and crisp, crackery malts touched with just a bit of sweetness. A refreshing treat for wheat beer fans, Petrichor (5.5%) promises bright days on the horizon.  

Petrichor is the first release in the Brewer’s Select Series, a rotating roster of unique, limited edition creations showcasing innovative recipes from our talented team of brewers. To get the full forecast on Petrichor, read on!

Reviews are done by our Sensory Specialist Travis Houston, a Certified Cicerone and FoBAB judge.

Malts: Pilsner, White Wheat, Vienna, Oats 

Hops: Ekuanot, Huell Melon

Petrichor is a beer that was previously only available on draft in small quantities, and is part of our new Brewer’s Select Series. What are the other beers in the series? 

To quote Austin, our Innovation Coordinator, and the creator of Petrichor: “Every beer in the Brewer’s Select Series started off as a Taproom-only  release. After several iterations and polishings, we’re ready for the rest of the world to try our beers!” The other beers are Morelos, a refreshing Mexican Lager with a hint of lime, and Raven, an Export Stout with complex notes of dark chocolate and rye. Morelos and Raven will be released later this year, so stay tuned!

Petrichor is an American Wheat Ale. What are the notable features of this style, and what does Petrichor bring to the style? Where does the name come from?

Though barley is the cereal grain that’s usually associated with beer, wheat has been used to brew a number of styles throughout history. When added to a malt bill it contributes the sweet flavors and aromas we associate with wheat, like honey, bread dough, and citrus. American brewers have taken inspiration from traditional wheat beers, brewing their own versions of hefeweizens and witbiers, with some even adding American hops to create a hybrid style that some call “Hoppy Wheat Ale.” Petrichor takes inspiration from these classic European brews, while also utilizing new hop varietals that enhance the citrus character without increasing bitterness. The result is a refreshing, flavorful beer with a smooth, balanced finish.

As for the name, Petrichor is an ancient Greek word that refers to the distinct aroma that permeates the air just after it finishes raining. Though the word roughly translates to “rock” or “stone,” the phenomenon is actually caused by plants and other organisms releasing aromatic oils into the soil which are lifted into the air by the impact of rain drops. Since it’s dependent on what plants are in the area, Petrichor also has its own kind of terroir, meaning no two different places will ever smell exactly the same. 

What are some other favorite American Wheat Ales? 

Oberon by Bell’s is a classic American Wheat Ale that I look forward to every spring. Boulevard’s 80-Acre is a hoppy wheat ale that’s always delicious, as is Gumballhead from 3 Floyds, which pushes the boundaries between American Wheat and Pale Ale.

Appearance: Light gold with slight haze and thick, fluffy, white foam.

Aroma: Slightly floral with hints of grapefruit and cantaloupe. 

Taste: Fresh bread dough and a melange of citrus and melon. Lightly sweet with restrained bitterness. 

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied without being overly sweet or dry.

Overall: Petrichor is a bright, refreshing American Wheat Ale that features notes of grapefruit and melon. The finish is medium-bodied with just enough balancing bitterness and smooth, slightly sweet finish.

What foods would pair well with Petrichor?

Petrichor would go really well with grilled Salmon, or another light fish.

Ideal glassware for Petrichor? A standard shaker pint.