As I’ve been looking into more duel types, the wheat beer category has come up more and more often lately. This is partially due to picking up several Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat’s in a variety pack recently, and partially due to my interest in exploring the category further. Admittedly, it isn’t the first thing I typically reach for, but lately I’ve been impressed by some of the beers I’ve sampled.
For this duel, we have the last Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat from my variety pack up against a Bell’s Oberon. Bell’s is a well-known, Michigan based brewer, and Oberon is among their more popular seasonal beers. A quick look at their overall beer selection serves as a reminder that there’s still plenty I’d like to try, but I will get to that in time. First things first, let’s see how this duel went.
HopDuel Survey
| Better label | Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat |
| Better aroma | Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat |
| Better taste | Bell’s Oberon |
| Better finish | Bell’s Oberon |
| Winner | Bell’s Oberon |
Tell us about it
I really enjoy most Boulevard beers, but something about their Unfiltered Wheat just doesn’t do it for me. I’ve tried several of them now and haven’t been impressed in any of the duels. This is a shame because the brewer is truly fantastic. I’m sure there’s someone out there that thinks this beer is great, so I’ll just assume it isn’t for me.
The Bell’s Oberon took the duel by offering a taste and finish that I really enjoyed. It’s a summer beer, light and crisp, with a laid back feel that says it’s comfortable in it’s own skin, take it or leave it. It has a subtle spice to it, which is ironic because according to their website, it’s “made with only 4 ingredients, and without the use of any spices or fruit.” I couldn’t find anything that listed these four ingredients, but whatever the combination, it’s led to a wonderful beer.
HopDuel 