Water, malted grain, hops and yeast. These four, basic beer ingredients are just the starting point for craft brewers who revel in creating new recipes that delight beer lovers with equally adventurous tastes. Although brewers typically use malted barley as a grain, What’s in your beer glass?
well with spicy foods. Sun Up ‘til Sun Down is a light IPA with notes of orange blossom and fresh lemon zest that uses untraditional hops. Its name is a nod to a farmer’s work ethic as well as its light, session IPA style. Special releases include Daughters Wit, a Belgian- style beer brewed with estate-grown rice, barley and unmalted wheat, orange peel and local ly grown coriander seeds. Its pinkish hue and slight tartness come from the addition of hibiscus. Stubborn Mule uses estate-grown rice as its only grain, making it a crisp and gluten-free beer. Seasonal and experimental brews Imaginat ive, seasona l brews featuring loca l ingredients are available in small batches in the taproom. Seasonal, fruity lagers have included Tree Shaker, brewed with local peaches and made to taste like a peach cobbler with the addition of graham cracker crumbs and cinnamon. It was a hit last year, so Weller said to expect to see it in the taproom this year. Other experimental brews have included jalapeño peppers and dill pickles. A Baltic-style porter called Winter Migration, featuring family-farmed almonds, was released last fall
they earn their reputations by experimenting with flavors, style and body by adding
items—called adjuncts—such as specialty grains, fruit, spices and even hot peppers to their beers. Specialty grains add nuances and character to beers. For example, rye adds crisp, spicy qualities.
Oats provide body and a silky mouthfeel. Wheat beers tend to be pale in color and low in bitterness. Rice lightens beer, while adding a snappy character. Other ingredients added during
the brewing process may include
tart and tangy citrus fruits, warm baking spices or spicy chiles. Dark chocolate or coee adds rich aromas and extra depth to beers.
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