Bells Oberon – For Whom the Bells Tolls?
August 9, 2010
“For Whom the Bell’s Tolls?” – A guest Beer Review by Lee Salawitch
When I mentioned to a buddy at my 25th college reunion that I’m a fan of craft beer, Steve said, “You have to try Bell’s Oberon Ale, it’s great.” “As in ‘Oberon and Titania?’ ” I wondered. The value of a liberal arts education.
I wanted to sample some of his recommended beverage for over a month; problem is, he lives in Indiana where Bell’s Oberon is available, and I live in Maryland where it is not distributed.
When two other friends recommended it and said it was available at Whole Foods in Dupont Circle, Washington, DC, three blocks from where I was parked, I literally ran to pick up a six pack!
The bright orange and blue label with a golden sun look more than inviting. I can understand how those in colder climates, or those who experienced the blizzards of 2009/2010, equate the seasonal release of Bell’s Oberon as one of the true signs that summer is approaching.
Bell’s Oberon pours a nice light amber color, actually lighter than the photograph, and is translucent, as many summer ales and wheat beers are. The initial pour resulted in a white colored head almost two fingers thick that took a few minutes to dissipate, with lacing that lasted through much of the glass. The scent is of citrus and spice, and not quite as lemony as Sam Adams Summer Ale.
These flavors were not noticeable so they do not distract from the beer’s taste, and the ale has a mild carbonation and a rich, heavy mouthfeel, even though it is a light tasting beer. There is a very slight bitterness which lasted throughout the entire glass. While Bell’s Oberon is a light summery beer, it is also strong enough to be paired with spicy food, such as the cayenne burger and four alarm Mexican food with which the first two were enjoyed!
On the back of the label it is stated that Oberon has “the color and scent of a summer afternoon.” Fresh laundry hanging in the breeze, the smell of the ocean, a very drinkable American wheat ale. I can see that!
Although the Bell’s logo has three, I give this beer four bells. For whom the Bell’s Tolls? If you’re a fan of summer ales or wheat beers and want to sample a more interesting brew, it tolls for thee.
Rating: 
A bit about our guest reviewer – Lee Salawitch.
Lee is 47 and has been a beer
enthusiast for almost 30 years. He’s a fan of craft beers/microbreweries/brewpubs and always seeks out local beers when traveling.
His favorite beers are Sam Adams Black Lager, Pikes XXXXX Stout, Alaskan Oatmeal Stout, and, he’s almost embarrassed to say since he tries to avoid the big breweries, Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale.
In the “true confession” department, Lee is a real lightweight and two beers puts him under the table!
Thanks for sharing Lee!
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Posted in 4 Star Reviews, Ales, American Beers, Guest Reviews, Seasonal Beers, Wheat Beers
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August 9th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Great review Lee, welcome aboard!
.-= Bob the Brit´s last blog ..The Spam Song =-.
August 9th, 2010 at 9:10 am
Nice writeup Lee! We hope to see more of your reviews here in the future! I really wish Bells was distributed to Jersey – I’d really like to try some of their beers, including this one.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Sierra Nevada Kellerweis =-.
August 9th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Interesting Review. Sounds like something I would like. Jim got some while he was in Wisconsin this week and really didn’t care for it, but my Sister did. I guess it all depends on your palate. Unless JIm is having his head blown off by huge flavors her really doesn’t care for it, so I would try this if I can get it.
.-= Don´s last blog ..Ninkasi Spring Reign Ale- I Wish it Wasn’t a Seasonal =-.
August 9th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
@Don – I saw that Jim thinks Oberon might be overhyped. I can see that, but OTOH sometimes beers deserve the hype! Unfortunately, I’ll probably never know if the hype is deserved or not!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..St Bernardus Witbier =-.
August 9th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Hey Lee, nice review! I also love Alaskan Oatmeal Stout, high five!
The Bell’s Oberon sounds nice, this is the second positive review I’ve read of it. Will have to find it sometime.
.-= Royce´s last blog ..Beer Reaction- Genesee Cream Ale by Genesee Brewing =-.
August 9th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
I’ve heard it’s a good beer, but I haven’t found it around here in Seattle. Such is the craft beer world.
.-= Big Tex´s last blog ..World’s Greatest Beer =-.
August 11th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Very nice write up. Oberon was really the first beer from Bell’s I didn’t care for. It’s not a terrible beer by any means but the balance of bitterness and citrus rind against the yeasty wheat flavors didn’t do it for me. But then again I’m not much for the fruity beers either. Good review!
PS: If you like Jack’s Pumpkin Spice you MUST try Dogfish Head’s Punkin Ale. Tastes like liquid pumpkin pie. Almost in season too!
.-= Scott – TheBeerCritic´s last blog ..Worship The Goddess – Ninkasi Brewery =-.
August 11th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
I’d agree with @Scott regarding DFH Punkin’. Its about the only Pumpkin Ale I found palatable!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..International Beer Challenge – 2010 =-.
August 24th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
I think Scott the Beer Critic nails it – Oberon is nice enough, but the bitter finish is just kinda out of place in a yeasty and citrusy beer. It’s like it was tacked on to the end. Not awful, but not something I’d get again.
.-= Jim´s last blog ..Drink up America! We Need the Fuel… =-.