Greenbush Sunspot 6Pk

Greenbush Sunspot 6Pk is a 6% ABV hefeweizen from Greenbush Brewing Company in Sawyer, Michigan, sold in a six-pack format. What distinguishes this wheat beer from traditional German examples is an unconventional grain bill that includes black malt alongside white wheat, 2 row malt, and flaked wheat — a move that gives Sunspot a character all its own among American-brewed hefeweizens. The beer holds a 3.5 out of 5 rating on Untappd from over 10,000 reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6%  |  Origin: Sawyer, Michigan, USA  |  Style: Hefeweizen  |  IBU: 15  |  Brewery: Greenbush Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Greenbush Brewing Company operates out of Sawyer, a small town in southwestern Michigan's Harbor Country region. Sunspot is built on a grain bill of white wheat, 2 row malt, flaked wheat, and — unusually for the style — black malt, which lends subtle depth not typically found in a hefeweizen. The beer is fermented with a traditional German wheat yeast strain and hopped exclusively with Saaz, a noble hop variety known for its mild, spicy, herbal character. At 15 IBU, bitterness stays well in the background, allowing the yeast-driven flavors to lead. The beer is unfiltered, preserving the hazy body and full yeast expression characteristic of the style.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clove spice arrives first and dominates the nose, followed by ripe banana and subtle bread-like wheat sweetness. Hints of apple cider and mild caramel round out the scent, adding a layer of fruit complexity beneath the classic hefeweizen aromatics.

Taste: The entry is marked by strong clove and yeast character, assertive but clean. Mid-palate, banana flavor emerges and broadens into a banana bread sweetness, with the wheat grain bill providing a soft, bready backbone. A touch of pepper and mild funk surface toward the back, keeping each sip engaging.

Finish: Medium in length with a smooth, moderately full mouthfeel. The unfiltered yeast gives the body a pleasant weight without feeling heavy or oily, and lingering notes of clove and baked banana trail off gently.

How to Drink Sunspot

Sunspot drinks best poured into a weizen glass at cool — not ice-cold — temperatures, which allows the banana and clove aromas to fully express. It works well in a Shandy, where lemonade complements the wheat sweetness and clove spice. A Radler with grapefruit juice plays nicely against the banana notes. For something unexpected, try it in a Beer-mosa with fresh orange juice, where the yeasty body and fruit character create a brunch-worthy combination.

Best For

• Summer cookouts and outdoor grilling sessions
• Introducing craft beer drinkers to the hefeweizen style
• Pairing with lighter fare like seafood, salads, and brunch dishes
• Stocking a Michigan-focused craft beer selection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sunspot taste like? Sunspot delivers prominent clove and banana flavors driven by its German wheat yeast, supported by a soft wheat body and a subtle peppery edge. The unfiltered presentation gives it a smooth, medium-bodied mouthfeel with a clean, gently sweet finish.

How does Sunspot compare to Bell's Oberon? Both are popular Michigan wheat beers, but they represent different styles — Sunspot is a hefeweizen with pronounced clove and banana yeast character, while Oberon is an American wheat ale with a more citrus-forward, cleaner yeast profile. Sunspot leans more toward traditional German wheat beer flavors, whereas Oberon emphasizes bright, summery fruit notes.

Is Sunspot good for someone new to craft beer? Yes — at 6% ABV and 15 IBU, it is approachable in both alcohol content and bitterness, making it a friendly entry point into wheat beer styles and yeast-driven flavors.

Where is Sunspot made? Sunspot is brewed by Greenbush Brewing Company in Sawyer, Michigan, located in the state's southwestern corner in the Harbor Country region near the Lake Michigan shoreline.

What foods pair well with Sunspot? Grilled bratwurst highlights the clove and wheat character. Lemon-herb chicken mirrors the beer's light, aromatic profile. Banana bread or banana-based desserts echo the dominant yeast flavors. A fresh Caprese salad works well against the soft body and mild carbonation. Eggs Benedict makes it a strong brunch pairing alongside the banana and bread notes.

What sizes does Sunspot come in? Sunspot is available in a standard six-pack format from Greenbush Brewing Company.

Is Sunspot worth the price? Sunspot positions as a craft hefeweizen at a standard six-pack price point, and it delivers genuine style character — particularly the clove and banana complexity — that justifies its place among regional Michigan wheat beers.

Why Sunspot?

The inclusion of black malt in a hefeweizen grain bill is a genuinely unusual production choice that sets Sunspot apart from both traditional German hefeweizens and other American-brewed wheat beers. That decision, paired with a classic German wheat yeast and Saaz hops, creates a beer that respects the style's roots while carving out its own identity. With over 10,000 ratings on Untappd and a loyal regional following, Sunspot has earned consistent recognition as one of southwestern Michigan's notable wheat beers. For drinkers who want hefeweizen character with a slight twist, this is a rewarding and well-executed take on the style.