There are still many people who instinctively wince at hearing the phrase “fruit beer”. Despite its growing popularity during the latest craft beer revolution, prejudice has not spared this beer type either.
Let us now explore together how this thirst-quenching and multi-faceted nectar arrived under the beer taps and to the shelves of the shops.
The glorious history of fruit beers
Sneering at the existence of fruit beers is like trying to stop evolution and changes in taste: it is meaningless and absurd, since human experimentation has driven alcohol history from the very beginning.
In ancient times, wines and beer-like drinks were often flavored with honey and fruit. Even in the Roman Empire, people rarely consumed liquor undiluted or without a little piquant twist. The neighboring Germans, who were more skilled in brewing, also consumed these drinks watered or flavored.
Fruit beers of the 21st century are not part of a newfangled craze. Fruit beer was very much a thing at the 16th century in Belgian town called Lembeek. Hence the name of the drink: lambic.
Even though the characteristic taste of lambic beer comes from the production method and fermentation process, they were often flavored with cherries, anise, raspberries or apples. In fact, almost any kind of fruit and spice craven by the great Belgian masters could be used to enhance taste.
In the first stage of a special fermentation process, lambic receives a considerable portion of fruit which forms and ferments together with high-quality beer for a long time. Due to the complexity of the production process and the crucial role of the master brewer, many have compared lambic brewing to wine-making.
These beers can be made exclusively in one region of Belgium. Yet the methodology of 16th century Belgian masters is not far from the process used today to make fruit craft beers.
Fruit beer as far as the eye can see
Fruit beers on tap at Élesztő owe their existence mainly to the aforementioned lambic.
When craft beers hit the market nearly two decades ago, it was time for the fruit-flavored alleged beers filling supermarket refrigerators at summertime to undergo a major shift.
These were radler beers, which are called soft drinks for a reason. In their case, fruit is not added to the brew, but lager is diluted with their juice or extract (i.e. syrup). It is not surprising, therefore, that the alcohol content of radlers is averaged around 2-3%.
In contrast, most lambic-like fruit beers produced in craft breweries receive their dose of fructose during the brewing process. Plus, not only light beers can get this special treatment. After all, fruit beer can be produced from a surprisingly large variety of craft beer types.
The most popular types of beer used for fruit beers:
If we were trying to list the fruit types of craft beers, we would need a much larger text box. The range of radlers from citrus to cherry beer is now well exceeded by most breweries. In some cases, experimentation went beyond reason…
But now let’s focus on the best of them and see what fruity wonders you can find on Élesztő’s taps.
If you come by…
…you will surely discover unique fruity specialties, both in Élesztő and Spirit Bar. Below we have collected some of our favorites that we often put on tap.
1. Cherry wheat beer
With its tart aromas and Belgian witbier base, this genuine craft beer represents what we love about cherry beers: sour and sweet flavors perfectly harmonizing with authentic Belgian wheat beer. A cool drink with great character, excellent refreshment and bringer of cheer at any time of the year.
Our suggestion: First Belgian Cherry
2. Guava sour beer
Originally native to the new world, this exotic myrtle-type fruit was discovered when brewers wanted to create a slightly different flavor from traditional. Monyo Guava Grace is a light and sour drink, and its pleasant aftertaste is able to evoke a tropical atmosphere even in the middle of winter.
Our suggestion: Monyo Guava Grace
3. Mango Gose
Is there anything punkier and bolder than a mango beer? The favorite fruit of many finally meets quality beer in an unmatched experience! In the fermentation tank, the beer already gets its mashed mango portion, as well as some lemon juice to balance acidity with complex flavors.
Our suggestion: Hara’Punk Mangoo
4. Raspberry sour beer
If you want a creamy, full-bodied experience with a raspberry uppercut beckoning summer, this is the fruity beer for you! Red and frothy, sweet and pleasantly sour, excellent thirst quencher for long conversations.
Our suggestion: Horizont Rebel Berry
5. Orange Gose
This special, German-style gose beer is made with orange zest: its aromas are dominated by citrusy lightness, complemented by the slightly salty, but not at all bitter taste of the base beer – it is almost mandatory for gourmets!
Our suggestion: Reketye Orangenesis
If heated by prejudices or aversions you have thus far deprived yourself of the fruit beer experience, you can make up for this shortcoming at Élesztő any time! Or you can throw in your umpteenth mango milkshake pale ale.
Browsing Untappd, you may also find out what beers await you at this moment in your favorite craft beer bar.