Yuengling Summer Wheat has indeed been discontinued. The decision to discontinue this beer, along with Yuengling IPL, was made in 2017 as part of a business strategy to focus more on their core brands. While it is always sad to see a beer being discontinued, it is not uncommon for breweries to make such decisions in order to streamline their offerings and focus on their most popular and profitable products.
Yuengling Summer Wheat was an India Pale Lager (IPL) with a 5% ABV. IPLs are a hybrid style that combines the hop-forward nature of an IPA with the clean and crisp characteristics of a lager. This particular beer was known for its bright and vibrant color, which was likely achieved through the use of specialty malts. The hop profile of Summer Wheat included Bravo, Belma, Cascade, and Citra hops, which would have imparted a range of flavors and aromas, including citrus, tropical fruit, and floral notes.
One of the advantages of IPLs is that they offer a more balanced flavor profile compared to traditional IPAs, thanks to the influence of the lager yeast. The lager yeast ferments at cooler temperatures and produces a cleaner and smoother finish, allowing the hop flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate. This balance between the hops and the malt base is what makes IPLs a popular choice for those who enjoy hoppy beers but prefer a more approachable and refreshing experience.
While it is unfortunate that Yuengling Summer Wheat has been discontinued, it is important to remember that the beer industry is constantly evolving and changing. Breweries often need to make difficult decisions about which beers to produce and which to discontinue in order to meet market demands and focus on their core offerings. In the case of Yuengling, the introduction of their Golden Pilsner likely played a role in the decision to discontinue Summer Wheat and IPL, as they wanted to prioritize their core brands and focus on what sells best.
It is worth noting that the discontinuation of a beer does not necessarily mean that it was not well-received or enjoyed by consumers. Sometimes, it simply comes down to business decisions and the need to allocate resources effectively. As a beer enthusiast, it can be disappointing to see a favorite beer disappear from the market, but it also presents an opportunity to explore and discover new and exciting offerings from both familiar and unfamiliar breweries.
Yuengling Summer Wheat has indeed been discontinued. This decision was made in 2017 as part of a business strategy to focus on the core brands of the brewery. Summer Wheat was an IPL with a 5% ABV, featuring a balanced lager base and a hop profile consisting of Bravo, Belma, Cascade, and Citra hops. While it is always sad to see a beer go, the beer industry is constantly evolving, and breweries must make choices that align with their business goals and market demands.