A tour of the tradition drinks that still survive
There are beers that take centuries in the top of drinking drinks, and although many appear that they are museum relics, in reality these creations are still made with the same recipes and old techniques. From the Finnish lands to the South American roots, these cultural expressions not only represent a flavor, but also a living story that deserves to be discovered.
From the Finnish farms to your palate: La Sahti
Imagine a beer that has resisted half a millennium and that retains in its essence the agricultural tradition of Finland. The Sahti, considered by experts as the only primitive beer still present in Western Europe, transports us to medieval times with each sip. This drink, which remains faithful to its roots, is made with a mixture of grains, including barley, rye and oatmeal, which are fermented with juniper berries and hops.
Unlike modern beers, Sahti does not undergo distillation, but to a soft fermentation that obtains a dark color and an aroma that reminds of mature bananas. With about 8% alcohol, this beer is traditionally reserved for special celebrations such as summer weddings, using wooden vessels called Haarikka for an authentic experience.
The millenary magic of the Jora Chicha in Peru
When crossing the Atlantic and entering in South America, we find the chicha of Jora, a corn fermented that is much more than a drink: it is a cultural symbol that survived centuries of history. According to Inca legends, its accidental discovery occurred when an ancestor, in the rainy season, found that corn stored in poor condition produced a fermentation that generated alcohol.
Today, this craft beer continues to be a fundamental element in ceremonies and celebrations, especially in the rural regions of northern Peru and in cities such as Lambayeque or Piura. The preparation, simple and traditional, consists of boiling the malted corn with spices and letting it ferment in clay vessels, thus achieving an elixir with an alcohol content that usually is around 3%.
The taste of forest and culture in a sip: the Sake of Japan
The delicate universe of the Japanese Sake is much more than a simple alcoholic beverage; For the Japanese, it represents an expression of their culture and spirituality. Although it is often confused with wine, it is actually a kind of beer based on fermented rice. Its elaboration involves a unique process in which a special mold is used, the Koji-Kin, which helps to convert the starch into fermentable sugars.
There are several varieties, from the lightest and most aromatic such as the Junmai to the most sophisticated such as the Daiginjo. The sake can be enjoyed in a wide range of temperatures, from cold to hot, and usually accompanies shin rituals or be consumed in small ceremonies. The transformation of rice into this millenary drink reflects technical knowledge and a deep relationship with nature.
Deep roots beers in Africa: Zulu intent
From the heart of sub -Saharan Africa, intent emerges as a palpable example of how drinks can be much more than a simple drink. Manufactured handmade in Mali and Burkina Faso, this beer is obtained from the fermentation of the red or mining sorghum, a recipe that dates back to pre -colonial times and that is still shared today in small rural circles.
What distinguishes the intent is not only its flavor, similar to a soft lager, but also the cultural and spiritual roots that surround it. Prepared by artisan women who meet ancestral rites, this beer is stored in handmade pumpkins and offers as a symbol of hospitality and respect in important ceremonies, including festivals and marriages.
Its elaborators, known as Dolotières, are guardians of a tradition that combines food, spirituality and culture, sometimes considering an offering for the spirits or beings of the beyond, stressing that beer in this part of the world transcends the mere act of drinking and integrates into the social and spiritual fabric.
Thinking about the past and projecting the future of beers with history
Each of these ancestral and unique beers not only offers a unique flavor, but also opens a window to times and cultures that have resisted at the same time. They remind us that tradition and history can live with innovation, enriching our palate and our knowledge without losing sight of the value of preserving those liquid stories that connect us with our origins.
