American wild ale

American Wild Ale

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American Wild Ale is a style of beer that originated in the United States. It is known for its complex flavors and unique brewing process. This article will provide an overview of American Wild Ale, including its history, brewing techniques, and notable examples.

History

American Wild Ale is a relatively new style of beer that emerged in the late 20th century. It draws inspiration from traditional Belgian sour ales, such as Lambic and Gueuze, but incorporates American brewing techniques and ingredients.

The rise of American Wild Ale can be attributed to the growing popularity of craft beer in the United States. As American brewers began experimenting with different styles and flavors, they started to explore the world of sour and wild fermentation. This led to the development of American Wild Ale as a distinct beer style.

Brewing Techniques

American Wild Ale is characterized by its use of wild yeast and bacteria for fermentation. Unlike traditional brewing methods that rely on specific strains of yeast, American Wild Ale utilizes a variety of microorganisms, including Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus.

The brewing process for American Wild Ale often involves a combination of spontaneous fermentation and barrel aging. Brewers may expose the wort (unfermented beer) to the open air to allow wild yeast and bacteria to inoculate the beer. After fermentation, the beer is typically aged in oak barrels, which adds additional complexity and flavors.

Notable Examples

There are several notable examples of American Wild Ale that have gained recognition in the craft beer community. Some of these include:

• Russian River Brewing Company - Their beer, Supplication, is a highly sought-after American Wild Ale that is aged in Pinot Noir barrels with sour cherries.

• The Bruery - Known for their experimental beers, The Bruery produces a range of American Wild Ales, including Oude Tart, a Flemish-style red ale aged in oak barrels.

• Jester King Brewery - Located in Texas, Jester King Brewery specializes in farmhouse ales and wild fermentation. Their beer, Atrial Rubicite, is a barrel-aged sour beer made with raspberries.

See Also

• Lambic
• Gueuze
• Brettanomyces
• Lactobacillus
• Pediococcus