Fruit beer

Fruit beer is a type of beer that is brewed with fruit, or fruit extracts, as an adjunct in the fermentation process. The addition of fruit can impart a wide range of flavors and colors to the beer, depending on the type of fruit used.

History

The use of fruit in beer brewing has a long history, dating back to ancient times. The earliest known evidence of fruit beer production comes from archaeological sites in the Middle East, where beer was often brewed with dates and figs. In medieval Europe, brewers would sometimes add fruits such as cherries or raspberries to their beers to enhance the flavor.

Types of Fruit Beer

There are many different types of fruit beer, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some of the most popular types include:

• Cherry beer: This type of beer is often brewed with sour cherries, which give the beer a tart, fruity flavor. The most famous example of this type of beer is the Belgian Kriek lambic.

• Raspberry beer: Raspberry beer is known for its sweet, fruity flavor and bright red color. It is often brewed with a wheat beer base.

• Peach beer: Peach beer is a popular choice for summer brewing. It has a sweet, fruity flavor and a light, refreshing finish.

• Blueberry beer: Blueberry beer is often brewed with a light beer base, which allows the sweet, tart flavor of the blueberries to shine through.

Brewing Process

The process of brewing fruit beer is similar to that of brewing regular beer, with the addition of fruit during the fermentation process. The fruit can be added in various forms, including fresh fruit, fruit puree, fruit juice, or fruit extracts. The type and amount of fruit used can greatly affect the flavor, color, and aroma of the beer.

Popularity

Fruit beer has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among craft beer enthusiasts. Many craft breweries now offer a range of fruit beers, often using locally sourced or seasonal fruits. Despite this, fruit beer still represents a relatively small segment of the overall beer market.

See Also

• Beer style
• Craft beer
• Lambic