Bell's Oberon Ale 12Pk Cans

Bell's Oberon Ale 12Pk Cans is a 5.8% ABV American wheat ale from Bell's Brewery in Comstock, Michigan, packaged as twelve 12-oz cans. Scored 93/100 by The Beer Connoisseur, Oberon stands out in the wheat beer category by achieving its signature citrus and spice character entirely without added fruit or spices — relying instead on Saaz hops and Bell's proprietary house ale yeast.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.8%  |  Origin: Comstock, Michigan  |  Style: American Pale Wheat Ale  |  Brewery: Bell's  |  IBU: 10

Production & Heritage

Bell's Brewery, founded in 1985 by Larry Bell in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is one of the oldest craft breweries east of the Rockies and now operates its primary production facility in nearby Comstock. In 2021, Bell's was acquired by New Belgium Brewing's parent company, Kirin-affiliated Lion Little World Beverages. Oberon Ale is brewed with just four core ingredients — water, malted barley, wheat, and Saaz hops — fermented with Bell's house ale yeast strain, which drives the beer's fruit-forward and subtly spicy personality. The beer is left unfiltered, contributing to its hazy, straw-gold appearance and fuller mouthfeel compared to filtered wheat ales.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Orange zest leads immediately, followed by faint clove-like spice and a whisper of vanilla. A mild hop presence lingers underneath without dominating the nose.

Taste: The entry is tart wheat, transitioning quickly into bright, tingly orange and lemon peel flavors across the mid-palate. The yeasty component of this unfiltered brew adds body and depth, while Saaz hops contribute a restrained, earthy bitterness at just 10 IBU that keeps things balanced rather than bitter.

Finish: Dry and crisp with lingering citrus peel and a subtle wheat tartness. The low carbonation gives the finish a smooth, quenching quality rather than a sharp snap.

How to Drink Oberon Ale

Oberon drinks best chilled to around 40–45°F, poured into a wide-mouthed glass to release its citrus aromatics. A traditional wheat beer glass or tumbler works well. For cocktail-adjacent serves, try a Shandy — Oberon's natural citrus character pairs seamlessly with lemonade without needing an artificially fruity base. A Beermosa made with fresh-squeezed orange juice amplifies the ale's existing orange notes for a brunch staple. A Radler combining Oberon with grapefruit soda highlights the Saaz hop bitterness and creates a lower-ABV warm-weather drink.

Best For

• Stocking a cooler for backyard cookouts and summer gatherings
• Introducing craft beer drinkers to the American wheat ale style
• Bringing a host gift that appeals to a wide range of beer preferences
• Pairing with grilled seafood or light fare at an outdoor dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Oberon Ale taste like? Oberon Ale delivers bright orange and lemon peel citrus flavors, subtle clove-like spice, and a tart wheat backbone, finishing dry and crisp. The unfiltered brew has a smooth, slightly creamy mouthfeel despite its light body.

How does Oberon Ale compare to Blue Moon? Both are wheat-based ales with citrus notes, but Blue Moon is brewed with Valencia orange peel and coriander, while Oberon achieves its citrus and spice character entirely through Saaz hops and its house ale yeast — no fruit or spices are added. Many reviewers find Oberon fuller-bodied and more complex, with a drier finish compared to Blue Moon's sweeter, thinner profile.

Is Oberon Ale good for beginners? Oberon is an approachable wheat ale at 5.8% ABV with very low bitterness (10 IBU), making it a strong entry point for anyone exploring craft beer beyond mass-market lagers. Its citrus-forward flavor and smooth finish appeal to a broad range of palates.

Where is Oberon Ale made? Oberon Ale is brewed by Bell's Brewery at their production facility in Comstock, Michigan, just outside Kalamazoo. Bell's has been brewing in southwestern Michigan since 1985.

What foods pair well with Oberon Ale? Grilled shrimp or fish tacos complement Oberon's citrus notes and dry finish. Light salads with vinaigrette mirror the ale's tartness. Soft, mild cheeses like fresh mozzarella or chèvre work with the wheat body. Grilled chicken with herb seasoning matches the subtle spice. Lemon-based desserts, such as lemon bars, echo the citrus peel flavors without overwhelming the beer.

What sizes does Oberon Ale come in? This listing is a 12-pack of 12-oz cans; Oberon is also commonly available in 6-packs of 12-oz cans, 6-packs of 12-oz bottles, and single-serve 16-oz cans.

Is Oberon Ale worth the price? Oberon positions as a moderately priced craft wheat ale — comparable to other well-distributed craft 12-packs — and its 93/100 score from The Beer Connoisseur places it among the highest-rated beers in the American wheat category at its price tier.

Why Oberon Ale?

The strongest case for Oberon is what it leaves out. Where nearly every popular wheat ale on the market relies on orange peel, coriander, or other additions to build citrus and spice flavors, Oberon generates those same qualities from its yeast and Saaz hops alone — just four ingredients and nothing more. That restraint earned it a 93/100 from The Beer Connoisseur, with a perfect 24/24 aroma score. Since its debut, Oberon has become one of the most recognized seasonal-turned-year-round craft releases in the Midwest, and the unfiltered, full-flavored profile gives it a depth that separates it from lighter, blander wheat ales sharing shelf space.