Fruit wheat beer - maybe melon

[Redman]

I was thinking of using a wlp 051 or wlp 060 or even the 001 or 0072 french ale to make a melon (either watermelon or another melon) wheat beer or should i stick with a traditional.
Any suggestions


thanks
redman
jarod

[BDawg]

What are you looking for in the final product exactly?

[Redman]

I was hoping to get a nice melon flavor not over powering but there. I want to introduce my wife and some family to our world, and also drink alot myself.





Jarod

[BDawg]

I'd go with a very neutral or a fruity yeast. Kolsch, English, or any one of the American Ale yeasts would be great. Lots of folks are turned off by strong phenolics, so I'd avoid them in a "gateway" beer.

my .02

[ninetoedbrewing]

I agree with B Dawg that you want to keep it neutral. I have a Watermelon Wheat beer that has proven to be a pretty good gateway drug with my wife and her friends. I use the American Hef yeast, which does not throw those banana/clove flavors. If you want the whole recipe, let me know (hint, its Northern Brewer's American Wheat recipe with 1 gallon of pureed seedless watermelon thrown in at flameout).

[ScootsieDoubleday]

I'd go with a very neutral or a fruity yeast. Kolsch, English, or any one of the American Ale yeasts would be great. Lots of folks are turned off by strong phenolics, so I'd avoid them in a "gateway" beer.

my .02

+1 on a Kolsch yeast. Alternatively, the American Ale II (Wyeast) or Cal Ale V (White Labs).