Berghoff Backyard Ale 4Pk

Berghoff Backyard Ale 4Pk is a hazy American wheat ale brewed in Monroe, Wisconsin, with an ABV of approximately 5.0–5.3% and sold in a four-pack of 16-ounce cans. This limited-release wheat beer marked Berghoff's first venture into the American wheat ale style and its debut use of 16-ounce cans.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~5.0–5.3%  |  Origin: Monroe, Wisconsin, USA  |  Style: American Wheat Ale  |  Brewery: Minhas Craft Brewery

Production & Heritage

Backyard Ale is brewed at the Minhas Craft Brewery in Monroe, Wisconsin, under the Berghoff brand. The grain bill splits roughly evenly between wheat malt and barley malt, fermented with English ale yeast and hopped with Spalt, a German noble hop variety prized for its delicate, spicy character. The beer is only lightly filtered, leaving suspended yeast in the liquid and producing its signature hazy, golden appearance. Originally released in just two batches to test the 2011 summer market, Backyard Ale was conceived as a limited, seasonal offering rather than a year-round staple.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light and grainy at first approach, with subtle floral sweetness rising underneath. A faint breadiness from the wheat malt rounds out the nose.

Taste: The entry is crisp and bright, led by a gentle citrus hoppiness from the Spalt hops. At mid-palate, a bubbly, yeasty body takes shape, carrying a whisper of banana typical of wheat ales fermented with English yeast. The wheat malt provides a soft, bready backbone that keeps the flavor balanced and sessionable.

Finish: Clean and short, with effervescent carbonation lifting any lingering sweetness off the tongue. A trace of grainy wheat and mild hop spice fades quickly, inviting the next sip.

How to Drink Backyard Ale

Pour into a weizen glass or standard pint glass to showcase the hazy golden color and pillowy head; drinking straight from the can is perfectly acceptable for casual settings. A Radler is a natural fit — combine Backyard Ale with fresh lemonade for an easy warm-weather refresher. A Beer Shandy using grapefruit juice amplifies the ale's existing citrus hop character. For something unexpected, try a Michelada build with lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire — the wheat body absorbs spice gracefully.

Best For

• Casual backyard cookouts and summer gatherings
• Introducing craft-curious drinkers to American wheat ales
• Pairing alongside grilled foods and lighter fare
• Collectors seeking limited or discontinued Berghoff releases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Backyard Ale taste like? Backyard Ale delivers a light, crisp citrus hoppiness up front, followed by a bubbly, yeasty mid-palate with a subtle banana note and a soft wheat-bread finish.

How does Backyard Ale compare to Blue Moon Belgian White? Both are approachable wheat beers, but Backyard Ale uses English ale yeast and German Spalt hops rather than the Valencia orange peel and coriander that define Blue Moon, resulting in a less spiced, more grain-forward profile.

Is Backyard Ale good for beginners? Its light body, low bitterness, and modest ABV around 5% make it an accessible entry point for anyone new to craft wheat ales.

Where is Backyard Ale made? Backyard Ale is brewed at the Minhas Craft Brewery in Monroe, Wisconsin, a facility that produces the full range of Berghoff beers.

What foods pair well with Backyard Ale? Grilled chicken or bratwurst complement the wheat body without overwhelming it. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette echo the hop character. Fish tacos with lime crema match the ale's crisp carbonation, and soft pretzels with mustard lean into its German hop heritage.

What sizes does Backyard Ale come in? Backyard Ale is packaged as a four-pack of 16-ounce cans, which was Berghoff's first release in that format.

Is Backyard Ale worth the price? Backyard Ale positions as an accessible, entry-level craft wheat ale; its limited-release status may add collectible interest for those who encounter remaining stock.

Why Backyard Ale?

Backyard Ale holds a distinct place in the Berghoff lineup as the brand's first dedicated American wheat ale and its inaugural 16-ounce can release. The roughly equal wheat-to-barley malt split, combined with Spalt noble hops and English ale yeast, produces a flavor profile that bridges American and Germanic wheat beer traditions without leaning too heavily on either. Produced in only two batches for the 2011 summer season, it remains a scarce piece of Berghoff's brewing history — a straightforward, well-constructed warm-weather ale that showcased the brewery's willingness to experiment beyond its established portfolio.