Beer Review: Dancing Man Wheat

Reviewing the Dancing Man Wheat from New Glarus Brewing Company out of Wisconsin. This wheat beer, like Black Top, is one of New Glarus' most sought after seasonals, and several of friends have proclaimed this beer to be one of the best American-made wheat beers. Let's put that claim to the test!
Score: 95

Bottle stamp is "1042 11:53," meaning it was packaged on the 96th day of the year (April 12, 2012). This beer just hit shelves a week or two ago. Served in a 312 weizen glass and enjoyed on 05/05/12.

Appearance: Pours a golden wheat color with lots of visible effervescence. Very clean, transparent appearance. Four to five fingers of foamy white head at pour gradually settles into a decently sized layer that is thicker than what you would get hard pouring a Bourbon County Brand Stout. Minimal lacing, poor retention. 4/5

Smell: Pungent banana and lots of wheat. Phenolic Belgian yeast, fruity wheat, clove, coriander, doughy biscuit and malty banana bread. The aroma is flavorful, but on the "lighter" side. A pitch perfect smelling hefeweizen, honestly. 4.75/5

Taste: Ripe banana throughout. Fruity Belgian yeast, creamy wheat, clove, a little coriander and orange. There is a slightly, sweet doughy "Cheerios" flavor on the back half of a dry, cotton-mouthing finish. There's a faint hint of menthol present and a growing sweet fruitiness/spiciness on midpalate as the beer warms. A little orange and lemon flavor in the background too. Crisp with a residual fruitiness and refreshing. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-light bodied, higher carbonation. Smooth and creamy mouthfeel with a good prickliness from the carbonated wheat on the tongue. Very dry finish. 4/5

Overall: Knockout hefeweizen here. Very simplistic, traditional, drinkable and refreshing. On a hot summer day, this one would absolutely hit the spot.

Recommendation: Seek this beer out. This would be a great gateway beer into craft for casual beer drinkers.

Pairings: A garden omelet with cheese.

Cost: $9.99 for a six pack.