Upland Wheat Ale 6-Pack is a Belgian-style witbier brewed at 4.7% ABV by Upland Brewing Company in Bloomington, Indiana. This unfiltered wheat ale follows the classic wit tradition, brewed with organic coriander and orange zest to deliver a crisp, spice-driven profile that has helped Upland earn multiple Grand Champion Brewery of the Year titles at the Indiana State Fair Brewers' Cup. Quick Facts: ABV: 4.7% | IBUs: 15 | Origin: Bloomington, Indiana | Style: Belgian Witbier | Brewery: Upland Brewing Company (est. 1998) Production & Heritage Upland Brewing Company was founded in 1998 in Bloomington, Indiana, and has grown into one of the state's most respected craft breweries — winning Grand Champion Brewery of the Year at the Indiana State Fair Brewers' Cup four consecutive years through 2014. The Wheat Ale is brewed in the Belgian wit tradition using a wheat-heavy grain bill alongside Cluster, Vanguard, and Mt. Hood hops, with organic coriander and orange zest added for authentic spice and citrus character. The beer is left unfiltered, allowing suspended yeast and wheat starches to create the style's signature cloudy, golden appearance and fuller mouthfeel despite its lighter body. Tasting Notes Aroma: Light clove and orange peel lead the nose, followed by a zesty hit of coriander and subtle yeast-driven banana. The wheat malt backbone provides a soft, bready foundation beneath the spice. Taste: The entry is smooth with wheat-malt sweetness and ripe pear, quickly giving way to clove phenols and cracked pepper at the mid-palate. Orange zest and coriander weave through the profile, while clean hop bitterness from the low 15 IBUs keeps everything in balance without ever turning sharp. A barely perceptible tartness rounds out the flavor, characteristic of the yeast-driven wit style. Finish: Extremely crisp and dry, with champagne-like carbonation lifting the final notes of spice and citrus off the palate. The finish is brief and clean, inviting another sip almost immediately. How to Drink Upland Wheat Ale Pour into a wide-mouthed tulip glass or traditional wit glass to capture the aromatic spice and citrus; gently swirl the bottle before the final pour to incorporate the settled yeast for full flavor and classic haze. An Orange Wheat Shandy works well here — the ale's existing citrus character blends naturally with fresh lemonade for a low-ABV warm-weather drink. A Bière Royale (wit topped with a float of cassis or raspberry liqueur) plays off the beer's dry finish with a touch of berry sweetness. For a savory twist, try a Witbier Michelada — the coriander and orange zest complement the lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice beautifully. Best For Backyard grilling sessions where a light, refreshing beer pairs with charred meats and corn Introducing craft beer to friends accustomed to lighter lagers Pairing alongside a summer brunch spread Supporting Indiana craft brewing with a well-established regional favorite Frequently Asked Questions What does Upland Wheat Ale taste like? Upland Wheat Ale delivers a crisp wheat-malt sweetness layered with clove, orange peel, and coriander spice, finishing dry and clean with champagne-like effervescence. It drinks lighter than its medium body suggests, with subtle pear and banana notes from the yeast. How does Upland Wheat Ale compare to Blue Moon Belgian White? Both are Belgian-style wheat ales brewed with coriander and orange peel, but Upland Wheat Ale comes in at a lower 4.7% ABV compared to Blue Moon's 5.4%, making it a more sessionable option. Upland's version tends toward a drier, more peppery finish with pronounced clove phenols, while Blue Moon leans sweeter with a creamier body. Is Upland Wheat Ale good for beginners? Its low bitterness (15 IBUs), gentle 4.7% ABV, and approachable fruit-and-spice profile make it an excellent gateway into craft wheat ales for those transitioning from mainstream lagers. Where is Upland Wheat Ale made? Upland Wheat Ale is brewed by Upland Brewing Company in Bloomington, Indiana, a craft brewery founded in 1998 that has become one of the state's most decorated operations. What foods pair well with Upland Wheat Ale? Steamed mussels with white wine and garlic echo the beer's Belgian roots. Grilled shrimp tacos with citrus slaw mirror its orange zest character. A light goat cheese salad complements the dry, tart finish. Thai green curry matches the coriander spice note for note. Fresh fruit tarts or lemon bars work as a dessert pairing against the wheat sweetness. What sizes does Upland Wheat Ale come in? Upland Wheat Ale is commonly available in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles or cans, which is the standard retail format for this beer. Is Upland Wheat Ale worth the price? Upland Wheat Ale positions as a well-priced regional craft wit that competes directly with nationally distributed Belgian whites while offering a more authentic, drier interpretation of the style — strong value for fans of unfiltered wheat ales. Why Upland Wheat Ale? What separates this wit from the crowded wheat ale field is Upland's commitment to the unfiltered Belgian tradition — the suspended yeast and wheat proteins aren't just aesthetic, they contribute real texture and flavor complexity that filtered competitors sacrifice. The use of organic coriander and orange zest, rather than extract-based alternatives, gives the spice and citrus notes a more natural, integrated quality. Upland Brewing's track record as a four-time consecutive Grand Champion Brewery of the Year at Indiana's most prestigious beer competition speaks to consistent quality across their lineup. At 4.7% ABV with only 15 IBUs, this is a sessionable, food-friendly wit that rewards repeated drinking without fatigue.
