Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

US Consumer Spending Falls as Trump Tariff’s Muddle Economy

13 hours ago

US Supreme Court Lets Parents Take Kids Out of Classes With LGBT Storybooks

15 hours ago

In Win for Trump, US Supreme Court Limits Judges’ Power to Block Birthright Citizenship Order

16 hours ago

California’s Newsom Sues Fox News for $787 Million for Defamation Over Trump Call

16 hours ago

Motorcycle Collides With Tractor in Fatal Fresno County Collision

16 hours ago

Fourth of July Celebrations Begin Saturday. Here’s Your Fresno Area Guide

19 hours ago

Bill Moyers, Broadcaster and LBJ’s White House Press Secretary, Dies at 91

1 day ago

State Department Approves $30 Million for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

2 days ago

Cargo Ship That Caught Fire Carrying Electric Vehicles Sinks in the Pacific

2 days ago

4 Million Acres of California Forests Could Lose Protection. What Trump’s ‘Roadless Rule’ Repeal Could Do

2 days ago
From Garlic to Chocolate: Brewing and Tasting Unusual Craft Beer Trends
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 10 months ago on
August 17, 2024

Craft brewers push boundaries with unconventional flavors, from garlic to chocolate, revolutionizing the beer industry. (Depositphotos)

Share

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Garlic, chocolate, watermelon and sage are among the wild and wacky flavors taking over the craft beer scene. What do these flavors all have in common? They’re unusual and delicious, and there’s more where these came from.

Whether a seasoned beer enthusiast or someone curious about the world of craft brewing, unusual craft beer flavors promise a fresh perspective. Read on if you’re curious about the newest flavor trends in craft beers and tips for how to microbrew them at home.

Evolution of Craft Brewing

The craft beer scene has transformed over the past few decades. What began as a niche and untapped market has become a vibrant and experimental industry. This evolution has supported the emergence of bizarre flavors, reflecting the adventurous spirit of modern brewers.

Moreover, bringing the micro-brewing process home has never been easier thanks to the advent of home brewing kits. While craft brewing was initially taken up by small, independent breweries, as home brewing kits became more accessible, more people can now experiment at home. As homebrewers brought fresh ideas and bold flavors to the table, pilot testing ingredients ranging from their personal favorites to cultural staples, breweries had to start pushing the bounds of their beers.

Today’s competitive industry, fueled by home brewers’ innovation, makes standing out more important than ever. Brewers are constantly experimenting with flavors like garlic, sage and even peppercorn to keep challenging notions of what beer can be. As a result, you have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of distinctive and delicious beers both at home and at the brewery.

Bizarre Flavors for the Beer Bucket List

From brews infused with fruits and vegetables to ales laden with spices and herbs, the creativity of modern brews knows no bounds. These unique beers offer a new taste experience worth traveling for or experimenting with at home. Here are some must-try flavors on every beer enthusiast’s bucket list.

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 brew, balancing the sweet watermelon with the crispness of wheat beer. Pairing perfectly with fresh salads, seafood dishes and light desserts, this beer can make a delicious home brew using fresh watermelon puree during the secondary fermentation to achieve a natural and refreshing flavor.

For the fall, try out a pumpkin ale, typically spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Blending pumpkin puree and mixed pie spices during the boil ensures deep and settled flavors. This rich brew is perfect for chilly, autumnal evenings, pairing perfectly with roasted meats and fall pies. Adjusting the ratios of and adding unconventional spices can help to create new and fresh flavors, ensuring that no two brews taste the same.

Spiced and Herb 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 the fermentation helps to preserve the flavors, creating a well-balanced and harmonious brew that pairs with grilled beef or roasted chicken, herbal dishes and cheese platters. Also adding fresh sage leaves during the boil creates a subtle sweetness to round out the flavor profile.

In contrast, a peppercorn pale ale offers a spicy kick that complements the typical hoppy bitterness of pale ales. Crushing peppercorns during the boil maximizes the flavor, creating a distinctive spiciness for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their ales. This meticulous 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 timing to tailor the brew to personal preference.

Even amongst these unique flavors, garlic beer stands out due to its robustness. Pairing well with garlic bread, grilled meats and hearty stews, using a roasted garlic infusion adds a subtle sweetness from 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 brew.

Dessert-Inspired Beers

Rich and indulgent dessert flavors like chocolate and vanilla create luxurious experiences that appeal to beer and dessert lovers alike. Incorporating 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 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 bean porter offers an equally smooth and decadent flavor profile for those who steer away from chocolate options. Reminiscent of vanilla desserts, this beer can be paired with sweet dishes, pastries and mild cheese to create a contrast to the rich malt flavors. Splitting and scraping authentic vanilla beans into the fermenter ensures the vanilla flavor profile is integrated well 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 eager to explore these bizarre brews but may not find the microbrewing process quite so appealing, several regions in the United States stand out as top destinations to try new flavors. With the promise of high concentrations of breweries, these regions provide the perfect hotspots to discover new favorites.

Vermont is renowned for the highest number of craft breweries per capita in the United States, according to Statista. Its breweries like The Alchemist, famous for its Heady Topper, consistently ranked among the best in the world. Characterized by a strong sense of community, prioritizing local ingredients and sustainable practices, Vermont’s craft beer scene promises delicious brews against the beautiful Green Mountains landscape.

In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington are home to thriving craft beer communities. Portland, Oregon is referred to as the craft beer capital in this region, as noted by Travel Portland. Known for its hop-forward beers, a number of its craft breweries have made a significant impact on the industry. The region’s breweries are also known for their willingness to experiment with myriad ingredients, making it a great destination for the experimental enthusiast.

Hops to It

Driven by the creativity and innovation of brewers, the craft beer industry continues to evolve. Whether a seasoned aficionado or simply curious about the latest trends, exploring these unusual flavors, both in taste and process, is a great way to expand your palate. The next time you visit a brewery or beer festival, be adventurous and try something new – cheers!

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Trump Sends in DOGE to Slash Federal Gun Regulations by July 4

DON'T MISS

Tensions Flare at Announcement of Major Fresno County Gang Takedown

DON'T MISS

Measure C ‘Blackmailed’ As Fresno Enviro Coalition Gets Huge Say on Transportation Tax

DON'T MISS

Despite $49M Deficit, Fresno Unified Gives Top Brass 5% Raise, 3% One-Time Bonus

DON'T MISS

US Consumer Spending Falls as Trump Tariff’s Muddle Economy

DON'T MISS

US Supreme Court Preserves Key Element of Obamacare

DON'T MISS

US Supreme Court Lets Parents Take Kids Out of Classes With LGBT Storybooks

DON'T MISS

Fresno Unified Trustees Will Get Automatic Raises on Tuesday

DON'T MISS

Alleged ‘Fake’ ICE Agents Charged. Fresno Court Date Set

DON'T MISS

In Win for Trump, US Supreme Court Limits Judges’ Power to Block Birthright Citizenship Order

UP NEXT

Tensions Flare at Announcement of Major Fresno County Gang Takedown

UP NEXT

Measure C ‘Blackmailed’ As Fresno Enviro Coalition Gets Huge Say on Transportation Tax

UP NEXT

US Consumer Spending Falls as Trump Tariff’s Muddle Economy

UP NEXT

US Supreme Court Preserves Key Element of Obamacare

UP NEXT

US Supreme Court Lets Parents Take Kids Out of Classes With LGBT Storybooks

UP NEXT

Fresno Unified Trustees Will Get Automatic Raises on Tuesday

UP NEXT

Alleged ‘Fake’ ICE Agents Charged. Fresno Court Date Set

UP NEXT

In Win for Trump, US Supreme Court Limits Judges’ Power to Block Birthright Citizenship Order

UP NEXT

California’s Newsom Sues Fox News for $787 Million for Defamation Over Trump Call

UP NEXT

Motorcycle Collides With Tractor in Fatal Fresno County Collision

Despite $49M Deficit, Fresno Unified Gives Top Brass 5% Raise, 3% One-Time Bonus

11 hours ago

US Consumer Spending Falls as Trump Tariff’s Muddle Economy

13 hours ago

US Supreme Court Preserves Key Element of Obamacare

14 hours ago

US Supreme Court Lets Parents Take Kids Out of Classes With LGBT Storybooks

15 hours ago

Fresno Unified Trustees Will Get Automatic Raises on Tuesday

16 hours ago

Alleged ‘Fake’ ICE Agents Charged. Fresno Court Date Set

16 hours ago

In Win for Trump, US Supreme Court Limits Judges’ Power to Block Birthright Citizenship Order

16 hours ago

California’s Newsom Sues Fox News for $787 Million for Defamation Over Trump Call

16 hours ago

Motorcycle Collides With Tractor in Fatal Fresno County Collision

16 hours ago

Ringo Is Ready to Rock Your World With ‘Pawsitive’ Vibes!

16 hours ago

Trump Sends in DOGE to Slash Federal Gun Regulations by July 4

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency has sent staff to the agency that enforces federal gun laws with the goal of revis...

10 hours ago

American Flag Revolver
10 hours ago

Trump Sends in DOGE to Slash Federal Gun Regulations by July 4

Rob_Bonta_Speaking_At_Press_Conference_1280x720
10 hours ago

Tensions Flare at Announcement of Major Fresno County Gang Takedown

Garry_Bredefeld_Sandra_Celedon_Mesure_C_1280x720
11 hours ago

Measure C ‘Blackmailed’ As Fresno Enviro Coalition Gets Huge Say on Transportation Tax

Fresno_Unified_Raises_1280x720
11 hours ago

Despite $49M Deficit, Fresno Unified Gives Top Brass 5% Raise, 3% One-Time Bonus

Eastern Market in Washington, D.C.
13 hours ago

US Consumer Spending Falls as Trump Tariff’s Muddle Economy

Obamacare Sign in San Ysidro, California
14 hours ago

US Supreme Court Preserves Key Element of Obamacare

Pride Flags Fly in New York
15 hours ago

US Supreme Court Lets Parents Take Kids Out of Classes With LGBT Storybooks

16 hours ago

Fresno Unified Trustees Will Get Automatic Raises on Tuesday

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend