Shortfuse Bear-ie White 6Pk

Shortfuse Bear-ie White 6Pk is a 4.8% ABV American pale wheat ale brewed with 120 pounds of Haribo Gummy Bears, sold in a six-pack format. Produced by Short Fuse Brewing Company — winner of the 2021 Great American Beer Festival Brewery and Brewer of the Year — this inventive wheat beer has earned a loyal following with over 8,500 ratings on Untappd averaging 3.5 out of 5.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.8%  |  IBU: 14  |  Origin: Schiller Park, Illinois  |  Style: American Pale Wheat Ale  |  Brewery: Short Fuse Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Short Fuse Brewing Company operates out of Schiller Park, Illinois, at 5000 N River Rd. Bear-ie White starts with a grain bill heavy on pilsner malt, which provides the clean, crisp backbone characteristic of the style. What distinguishes this beer from the broader wheat ale category is the addition of 120 pounds of Haribo Gummy Bears during brewing, infusing the finished product with a subtle candy-fruit sweetness that sits atop the traditional wheat ale profile. The result is a beer that lands squarely in the easy-drinking, low-bitterness range at just 14 IBU.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light grain and bready pilsner malt lead into soft mixed-fruit sweetness. Behind that initial impression sits a gentle candy-like quality reminiscent of the gummy bears used in production.

Taste: The entry is smooth and crisp, driven by the pilsner malt base. Mid-palate, hints of mixed fruit emerge — think the vaguely tropical, berry-adjacent sweetness of gummy candy rather than any single identifiable fruit. The 14 IBU bitterness is nearly imperceptible, allowing the malt sweetness and fruity undercurrent to carry through without interruption.

Finish: Short and clean with a pleasant sweet ending that lingers briefly. The body stays light and the carbonation keeps everything refreshing through the final sip.

How to Drink Bear-ie White

Serve cold, around 40–45°F, in a standard pint glass or wheat beer glass to appreciate the very clear yellow color and long-lasting head. This is a straightforward, sessionable beer built for warm-weather drinking straight from the can. For cocktail-curious drinkers: try a Beer-mosa by replacing the usual wheat beer with Bear-ie White for added fruit sweetness; use it in a Shandy with fresh lemonade where its candy-fruit notes complement citrus naturally; or build a Michelada where the low bitterness allows the tomato-lime-spice mix to stay balanced.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and casual outdoor gatherings where easy-drinking beer is essential
• Introducing craft-curious friends to inventive wheat ales
• Gifting to the beer geek who collects novelty brews from award-winning breweries
• Game-day sessions where low ABV and high drinkability matter

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bear-ie White taste like? Bear-ie White drinks as a smooth, crisp wheat ale with low bitterness and subtle mixed-fruit sweetness derived from the Haribo Gummy Bears added during brewing. The overall impression is light, refreshing, and gently candy-like without being cloying.

How does Bear-ie White compare to Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat? Both are approachable American wheat ales, but Bear-ie White distinguishes itself with its gummy bear-infused fruit sweetness and cleaner, more filtered appearance, while Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat leans into a hazier, more traditional wheat character with citrus and bread notes. Bear-ie White also sits at a slightly lower 14 IBU, making it marginally less bitter.

Is Bear-ie White good for beginners? Yes — the low 4.8% ABV, minimal bitterness at 14 IBU, and approachable fruit-candy sweetness make it one of the more accessible craft wheat ales available. It works well as a gateway beer for those transitioning from mainstream lagers.

Where is Bear-ie White made? Bear-ie White is brewed by Short Fuse Brewing Company at their facility located at 5000 N River Rd in Schiller Park, Illinois. The brewery gained national recognition after winning Brewery and Brewer of the Year at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival.

What foods pair well with Bear-ie White? Grilled chicken or fish tacos work well, as the beer's light body won't overpower delicate proteins. Fresh summer salads with fruit vinaigrette complement the gummy-fruit sweetness. Soft pretzels and mild cheeses like mozzarella echo the malt backbone. Lemon bars or fruit tarts mirror the candy-sweet finish. Light Thai dishes with mild spice find balance against the low bitterness.

What sizes does Bear-ie White come in? Bear-ie White is commonly available in a six-pack format of standard 12 oz cans.

Is Bear-ie White worth the price? Bear-ie White positions as a mid-range craft six-pack from a GABF award-winning brewery, and the novelty of its gummy bear brewing process adds genuine distinction in a crowded wheat ale market. For drinkers seeking something playful yet well-executed, it represents solid value in the craft segment.

Why Bear-ie White?

The use of 120 pounds of Haribo Gummy Bears in the brewing process is not a gimmick layered onto an otherwise forgettable beer — it is a deliberate production choice that yields a genuinely distinct flavor profile within the American wheat ale style. Short Fuse Brewing's credibility is reinforced by their 2021 GABF Brewery and Brewer of the Year win, signaling that the brewers behind this recipe operate at a high level across their entire portfolio. With over 8,500 Untappd ratings and consistent scores around 3.5 out of 5, Bear-ie White has demonstrated sustained appeal beyond novelty. It fills a specific niche: a sessionable, low-bitterness wheat ale with real character that stands apart from the dozens of generic wheat beers competing for shelf space.