Garlic, chocolate, watermelon, and sage are just some of the wild and wacky flavors taking over the craft beer scene. What do all these flavors have in common? They’re unusual and delicious, and there’s even more of them where they come from.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or curious about the world of craft brewing, the unusual flavors of craft beers promise a new perspective. Read on if you’re curious about the latest trends in craft beer flavors and tips for brewing them at home.
The Evolution of Craft Brewing
The craft beer industry has transformed over the past few decades. What began as an untapped niche market has become a vibrant, experimental industry. This evolution has fostered the emergence of strange flavors, reflecting the adventurous spirit of modern brewers.
Additionally, it’s easier than ever to make your own beer thanks to homebrewing kits. While craft brewing was initially reserved for small, independent breweries, homebrewing kits have become more accessible and more people are now able to experiment at home. Homebrewers have brought new ideas and bold flavors, experimenting with ingredients ranging from personal favorites to cultural staples, and breweries have had to start pushing the boundaries of their beers.
Today’s competitive industry, fueled by homebrewer innovation, makes distinction more important than ever. Brewers are constantly experimenting with flavors like garlic, sage, and even pepper to challenge notions of what beer can be. As a result, you have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of distinctive and delicious beers at home and at the brewery.
Weird flavors for the list of beers to consume without moderation
From fruit and vegetable-infused beers to beers loaded with spices and herbs, the creativity of modern breweries knows no bounds. These unique beers offer a new taste experience that is worth trying while traveling or at home. Here are some must-try flavors on every beer lover’s bucket list.
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Fruit and vegetable beers
Incorporating fruits and vegetables into beer can be refreshing and unexpected, highlighting their natural sweetness. Watermelon Wheat Beer is an ideal summer beer, balancing the sweetness of watermelon with the crunch of wheat beer. Pairing perfectly with fresh salads, seafood dishes, and light desserts, this beer can be used to create a delicious home brew using fresh watermelon puree during secondary fermentation for a natural, refreshing flavor.
For fall, try a pumpkin ale, typically spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The combination of pumpkin puree and pie spices blended during the boil ensures deep, stable flavors. This rich beer is perfect for cool fall evenings, pairing perfectly with roasted meats and fall pies. Adjusting the proportions and adding unconventional spices can help create new and fresh flavors, ensuring that no two beers taste the same.
Spicy and herbal beers
Spices and herbs can create a delicious and colorful contrast to the traditional taste of beer. A sage and honey saison, for example, combines the earthiness of sage with the sweetness of honey. Using wildflower honey during fermentation helps preserve the flavors, creating a well-balanced and harmonious beer that pairs well with grilled beef or roast chicken, plant-based dishes, and cheese platters. Adding fresh sage leaves during the boil also creates a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile.
In contrast, a peppered pale ale offers a spicy kick that complements the hoppy bitterness typical of pale ales. Grinding the peppercorns during the boil maximizes the flavor, creating a distinctive spiciness for those who like a little heat in their ales. This careful balance of spice and hops pairs well with spicy foods, grilled meats, and savory snacks. For home brewers, try experimenting with different types of peppercorns and adjusting the amount and brew time to tailor the brew to your personal preferences.
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Even among these unique flavors, garlic beer stands out for its robustness. Pairing well with garlic bread, grilled meats, and hearty stews, using a roasted garlic infusion adds a subtle sweetness thanks to its caramelization. Home brewers can also try fresh garlic for an alternative aromatic flavor. Adjusting the amount and timing of the garlic can create even more diversity in this unconventional beer.
Dessert Inspired Beers
The rich, indulgent flavors of desserts like chocolate and vanilla create luxurious experiences that appeal to beer lovers and dessert lovers alike. The incorporation of cacao nibs creates a rich, velvety chocolate stout whose decadence cannot be overstated. This beer pairs well with chocolate desserts and rich stews and can be used to finish off a hearty meal. For home brewers, high-quality cacao nibs are essential and can be added during the boil and secondary fermentation to ensure a richness and sweetness that permeates the malt.
A vanilla beer offers an equally sweet and decadent flavor profile for those who avoid chocolatey options. Reminiscent of vanilla desserts, this beer can be paired with sweet dishes, baked goods, and mild cheese to create a contrast with the rich malt flavors. Splitting and scraping real vanilla beans into the fermenter ensures that the vanilla flavor profile is well-integrated into the beer. Using a vanilla bean instead of an extract can also provide a more natural flavor.
Where to go for a taste test
For those who are interested in exploring these strange beers but don’t find the microbrewing process as appealing, several regions in the United States stand out as prime destinations for trying new flavors. With the promise of high concentrations of breweries, these regions are the perfect hotspots for discovering new favorites.
According to Statista, Vermont is known for having the most craft breweries per capita in the United States. Breweries like The Alchemist, famous for its Heady Topper, consistently rank among the best in the world. Characterized by a strong sense of community, a focus on local ingredients and sustainable practices, Vermont’s craft beer scene promises delicious brews in the beautiful Green Mountains.
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In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington are home to thriving craft beer communities. Portland, Oregon is considered the craft beer capital of the region, as highlighted by Travel Portland. Known for their hop-forward beers, several of its craft breweries have had a significant impact on the industry. The region’s breweries are also known for their willingness to experiment with a myriad of ingredients, making it a great destination for those who love experimentation.
Hops to that
Fueled by the creativity and innovation of brewers, the craft beer industry continues to evolve. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious about the latest trends, exploring these unusual flavors, both in taste and process, is a great way to expand your palate. Next time you visit a brewery or beer festival, be adventurous and try something new—cheers!
