Back in May, John brewed up this Sorachi Ace Wheat Ale. In an effort to start brewing with more of the great hops that we have profiled over the years, he decided to focus a refreshing wheat style with the Sorachi Ace hop. Many people enjoy a wedge of lemon or other citrus with their wheat beers. Sorachi’s lemony descriptor seemed like an interesting combination.
Furthermore, to keep it interesting, John also decided to do a yeast blend. Yeast blending is a topic that seems to creep into conversation a little more with every passing year. Here John worked with the standard California Ale yeast (WLP001) and also went for the Kolsch crispness of German Ale yeast (WLP029)to balance off the wheat.

Sorachi Ace completely delivers on the promise of lemony notes. In the flavor, in the finish, and the aroma, it is pure lemon. Almost asian and lemongrass-y in its presentation it certainly sits right on top of the beer. Reflecting on it, I realized it was even slightly ginger like. Maybe just because my mind was playing tricks on me with the Asian food reference.

The yeast blend does a fantastic job of finishing the beer. Fairly dry, but the wheat is present and soft. I really enjoyed the balance between the malt character and the mouthfeel. It was crisp like an American ale but it seemed like the Kolsch yeast really put some life into the wheat. The pilsner malt was a little missing and in the background. Likely it was hiding beneath all that wonderful lemon, citrus notes.

If you haven’t tried Sorachi Ace yet, a simple wheat beer may be the way to go. Or it would complex well with other floral and citrus like American hops. I’d use restraint in a blending experiment though, because even at a quarter ounce as a late hop addition it is dominant.

Enjoy the ramblings on the video.
BREW ON!