Tag: Brewing grains

The vast majority of beer consumed worldwide is not made primarily with wheat but rather malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. While the popular misconception that all beer contains wheat persists, the grain bill is highly dependent on the beer style and its recipe.

Over 50% of the grist in traditional Berliner Weisse, a classic sour style, is typically wheat malt. This historical precedent means many modern kettle sours have wheat as a key ingredient, although the precise formula can vary widely.

While most IPAs traditionally rely on a malted barley base, a significant number of modern India Pale Ale styles, especially hazy and New England varieties, do incorporate wheat into their grain bills. This addition is not accidental but a deliberate choice by brewers to influence texture, mouthfeel, and appearance.