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Water, malt, yeast, and hops. These are the main ingredients that we use to make beer
Hops were not always used in brewing beer. In earlier times, brewers used herbal blends to impart flavor to the beer. In earlier times, brewers used herbal blends to impart flavor to the beer.
You can learn more about Hildegard von Bingen in our article “Happy Women’s Day.“
Hops is a plant that belongs to the cannabis family, which may surprise many people. The female flowers of hops have a conical shape and are rich in resins and oils.
In brewing, resins are used to impart bitterness to the beer and balance the sweetness of the malt.
The oils are used to create distinctive flavors. Currently, hop specialists are breeding incredible varieties by improving natural selection, similar to tulip breeders. DaThe result is a new range of flavors that range from fruity melon, mandarin, and pineapple to spicy flavors like ginger, as well as floral and herbaceous notes. The use of hops to achieve the right balance of bitterness and harmony in the aroma profile is a true art.
In addition to bitterness and aroma, another reason for adding hops is preservation, as hops have antibacterial properties. In addition, hops are essential for stabilizing the foam in beer. In other words: It ensures a beautiful foam crown.
Depending on the beer style, hops can be used in relatively small quantities. An example of this is traditional wheat beer, which has only a low level of bitterness. In IPA recipes, on the other hand, a high hop content is used, leading to a stronger bitterness.
But creativity is the rule in artisanal brewing. We have created our seasonal beer for the summer of ’21, “Fermento Mistral,” with exotic hop aromas but without additional bitterness. DamThis makes it more akin to a less bitter, especially refreshing wheat beer.
Do hoppy beers pair well with food? Yes, hop-forward beers like IPAs pair especially well with Asian and Mexican cuisine, whether spicy or not. Especially for curry and turmeric dishes. On the other hand, IPAs pair well with white chocolate and spicy pastries such as Basler Leckerli and chocolate cake. Learn more about the combination of beer and chocolate in our previous article, ‘The Divine Combination of Chocolate and Beer.“
The summer is in full swing; now is the perfect time to discover various flavors and aromas of hops in beers. The right combination of beer and food can open up new experiences for you. Whether you are traveling this summer or not, be adventurous and try something new.