Hammer of the Gods Imperial Wheat Beer All Grain Beer Recipe Kit

What does this beer taste like?

Hammer of the Gods Imperial Wheat Beer 

This Imperial wheat beer pours with a deep chestnut hue, crowned by a creamy tan head. The aroma is rich with notes of banana, clove, and honey. On the palate, it reveals flavors of dark fruit, caramelized malt, and honey sweetness, balanced by toffee and subtle spice. The body is velvety smooth, with hints of toasted bread and a gentle warmth from the 9% ABV. The finish is long and layered, with whispers of toasted nuts, honey, and spice, leaving you wanting another sip of this Viking-inspired brew.

And now for the possibly funny, possibly serious, possibly irreverent flowery description....

Born beneath a harvest moon where legends of old do linger and bloom, this Imperial wheat beer pours with a deep chestnut hue, crowned by a creamy tan head. The first sip reveals a complex medley of dark fruit, caramelized malt, and a touch of honey, while banana and clove esters emerge, dancing like ancient spirits around the fire. As you drink, notes of toffee, honey sweetness, and toasted bread blend with subtle hints of spice, grounded by a velvety smoothness from the honey malt. The formidable 9% ABV provides a gentle warmth like the comforting embrace of a hearth on a chilly autumn night. The finish is long and layered, with whispers of toasted nuts, a hint of honey, and a delicate touch of spice, inviting you back for another taste. So raise your glass to the past, and embrace this rich journey in every sip.

All About Imperial Wheat Beer - In Case You Wanted to Know...

Imperial Wheat Beer is the brawny cousin of standard wheat beers—bigger, bolder, and (if you've had a few) louder. It’s got that classic wheat beer vibe that so many people love, but with more strength, depth, and character. Basically, your wheat beer has hit the gym, and now it's going to show off.

Imperial wheat beer is not the oldest member of the imperial family, but it’s definitely made its mark. It takes the light, hazy, and refreshing qualities of a typical wheat beer and cranks them up into a beer that’s still approachable but also a bit richer and a bit more satisfying. Imagine those familiar notes—banana, clove, soft bread—but with more kick.

With an ABV that usually falls between 8% and 10%, it’s not the kind of beer you’d chug after mowing the lawn—this one’s meant to be savored (I suppose you could chug this before cutting the lawn, but your rows would definitely not be straight). It’s got that robust character that makes you want to linger over it a little longer and enjoy what it has to offer. It’s everything great about a wheat beer, just on a bigger scale.

Imperial Wheat Beers walk a fine line between that classic wheat maltiness and their higher alcohol punch. You’ll get flavors like fresh-baked bread, toffee, and a nice, mild sweetness. The yeast produces amazing complexity such as banana, clove, maybe even a touch of nutmeg. The hops are more in the background, adding enough bitterness to keep everything in balance with subtle floral or herbal notes.

Home brewers definitely appreciate this beer style's versatility. Some brewers add honey, fruit, or spices to mix things up, while others might barrel-age it for oak and vanilla complexity. Regardless of variations, here are some defining features of Imperial Wheat Beers:

Higher Alcohol Content: Usually between 8% and 10% ABV, this beer’s got that bold alcohol kick. It’s warming, adds depth, but still keeps that wheat beer smoothness we love.

Classic Wheat Malt Base: Rich wheat malt flavor—think fresh bread, maybe a little toffee, and some sweetness. The higher malt content really gives it that full-bodied, velvety feel.

Fruity and Spicy Complexity: You’ll notice yeast-derived flavors like banana and clove, maybe even some nutmeg. It’s fruity, it’s spicy, and it works perfectly with the malt sweetness.

Balanced Bitterness: Hops are here simply to keep the sweetness in check, adding a gentle bitterness and, occasionally, a hint of floral or herbal flavor.

If you’re into wheat beers but want something with a bit more punch and complexity, then Imperial Wheat Beer will fill that desire. It still has all the elements that make wheat beers great but with an extra layer of richness and strength. So grab a glass, admire that deep amber haze, and savor every bold, familiar sip of Imperial Wheat Beer.