This sounds a lot like Widmer‘s Crimson Wheat (Jeff’s review) to me… the conspiracy theorist part of me wonders, since A-B owns shares in Widmer, if in fact it is the same beer… but no, no rye, and different hops.

New Spring Ale Complements Warm Weather for a Limited Time

For the past three years, Anheuser-Busch brewmasters have brewed special batches of beer crafted to complement the changing seasons. For the first time, there’s a new addition to the familiar line of favorites. Sun Dog Amber Wheat joins the seasonal beer family this spring.

“Wheat beers are one of my favorite styles to brew because of their versatility. From Bavarian to Belgian to American, each style has its own color, aroma and taste,” said Florian Kuplent, brewmaster, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. “Our take on the American amber wheat ale is a luminous deep amber color with a slight caramel sweetness and refreshing citrus note.”

Sun Dog is stepping up to fill the shoes of the very popular Spring Heat Spiced Wheat which has graduated to a year-round offering known now as Shock Top Belgian White. Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale, Winter’s Bourbon Cask Ale and Beach Bum Blonde Ale will continue to be available during their respective seasons.

Each ingredient in Sun Dog was carefully selected to create a perfect balance of aroma and flavor. The caramel malt gives it a rich amber hue and subtle sweetness. Its refreshing taste comes from a blend of wheat and pale barley malts. The Cascade and Willamette hops from the Pacific Northwest and imported Hallertau hops from southern Germany, give the beer its noticeable hop aroma and citrus flavor. To brew ales, yeast is rapidly top-fermented at warm temperatures, usually around 65 to 75 degrees. As a result, esters are naturally produced, bringing out the ale’s fruity aroma.

Sun Dog is an unfiltered beer, with a naturally cloudy appearance and fuller texture which allows it to stand up to spicy foods like Thai noodle salads and Cuban sandwiches. The beer is best served in a tall, wide-mouthed glass which opens up the aromas of the beer and showcases its beautiful long-lasting head of white foam.

The Sun Dog tap marker, a friendly, sunglasses-wearing dog with a bright red Frisbee will be easily spotted in bars, pubs and restaurants. The beer is also available in six-packs at grocery and convenience stores. From the name to the tap marker to the taste, everything about Sun Dog is approachable and fun, just like man’s best friend.

Sun Dog is brewed at Anheuser-Busch’s Fort Collins, Colo., brewery and contains 5.3 percent alcohol by volume.