Cali Squeeze does indeed have wheat. In fact, it is a Hefeweizen, which is a type of wheat ale. The name “Hefeweizen” itself translates to “yeast wheat” in German, indicating the prominent role that wheat plays in this style of beer.
When brewing Cali Squeeze, we use a variety of ingredients to create a flavorful and balanced beer. In addition to barley malt, we incorporate malted wheat, toasted wheat, and Cara-malt into the recipe. Each of these ingredients contributes to the overall character and taste of the beer.
The use of wheat in Cali Squeeze serves several purposes. First, wheat adds a distinct smoothness and creaminess to the mouthfeel of the beer. This contributes to its refreshing and easy-drinking nature. Wheat also imparts a slightly hazy appearance to the beer, giving it a pale yellow color. This haze is a desirable characteristic in Hefeweizens and adds to the visual appeal of the beer.
Furthermore, wheat complements the fruity flavors that we add to Cali Squeeze. The wheat base provides a perfect canvas to showcase the added fruit, allowing the flavors to shine through without overwhelming the beer. This combination of wheat and fruit creates a unique and delicious drinking experience.
It's worth noting that the use of wheat in Cali Squeeze also contributes to its low bitterness. Unlike hop-forward beers, such as IPAs, Hefeweizens are known for their restrained bitterness. Instead, the focus is on showcasing the flavors of the wheat, yeast, and any additional ingredients, such as fruit or spices.
Cali Squeeze is a Hefeweizen-style beer that prominently features wheat in its recipe. The use of wheat adds smoothness, creaminess, and a hazy appearance to the beer, while also providing a perfect base for the addition of fruit flavors. So, if you're looking for a refreshing, low-bitterness beer with a wheat-forward profile, Cali Squeeze is definitely worth a try.