Of two worlds opposed to a wave fusion

When we think of those drinks that help us close the day with a smile or start with renewed energies, two old acquaintances almost come to mind: coffee and beer. Even if they seem opposite poles – a stimulating and another relaxing – they actually share more secrets than we imagine. Dedicated to passionate artisans and art experts, both drinks go through meticulous processes that guarantee unique flavors and vibrant communities in every corner of the planet.

Why not mix these two stars of liquid creativity?

Creating a beer with coffee notes may seem like a challenge, but in reality, it is nothing more than a sophisticated version of the usual process of making beer. The key is to understand that coffee, in essence, works as an additional ingredient that provides aroma and flavor profile, without complicating traditional recipes. The preferred technique to incorporate coffee in beer is cold extraction, known in the world as Cold Brew, which bacteria acidity and unwanted oils that can cloud foam and sensory experience.

What is Cold Brew’s magic and why do beer teachers prefer?

The process involves soaking ground grains in cold water for more than a day, usually between 24 and 48 hours, to obtain an intense concentrate. Then, that concentrated liquid is mixed with beer before its bottling to enhance the aroma and flavor without adding bitter notes or oils that may affect the texture. The choice by Cold Brew is also due to the fact that it helps to keep the beer cleaner and higher quality, in line with the tendency to create complex and balanced flavors.

The art of balancing bitterness and aromas: the keys to a perfect coffee beer

And what about the bitter taste? Both beer and coffee have their own levels of bitterness, and combine them requires skill and precision. The amount of hops in the recipe is adjusted according to the coffee profile used. For example, a dark turse grain, which gives intense and deep notes, is usually accompanied by less hops so that the piece does not dominate. The idea is to create a balance in which coffee supplies sophistication, without bitterness.

A look at the stars: varieties that unite coffee and beer

The options are varied and many craft breweries dare to experiment. Dark beers, such as Stout or Porter, are usually favorites to integrate coffee due to their robust and deep profile. But innovation is also in a trend: beers with fruits and coffee, which offer citrus and sweet nuances at the same time, they are gaining ground quickly. An example of this gives it a beer that combines the aroma of raspberries with the character of coffee, creating a very particular and refreshing sensory experience.

What reveals the level of bitterness in these creations?

Coffee beers generally have a level of bitterness that goes from medium to high, with indices that range between 20 and 60 IBU, depending on the variety and the profile sought by the brewer. This bitterness brings an interesting counterpoint with the natural sweetness of the roasted and fruit flavors of coffee, opening doors to ideal pairings with desserts, strong cheeses and intense dishes.

Looking towards the future: a trend that came to stay?

The world beer scene is in full boiling with experiments that combine the character of coffee and beer, and it does not seem that this will stop. The popularity of these mixtures could transform not only recipes, but also consumer routines, perhaps even opening debate about whether coffee beer could be included in breakfast or morning moments, breaking with many traditional taboos. What seems clear is that this style is here to stay, with a trend that invites to explore, experiment and, of course, taste without prejudice.

Beyond the blonde: discovering new flavors

Who said beer is just a three -tone drink? Blonde, dark and toast are only the beginning of a sensory trip that brewers are taking to new heights. Today we bring you a journey through the universe of the most unusual beers in the world, where flavors challenge the imagination.

Sparkling surprises! Beers with flavor to …

Get ready to open your mind (and your palate) with this surprising list of beers that seem taken from a dream or perhaps somewhat curious party.

1. Pizza flavor beer

Imagine a bubbling tomato sauce in a bottle. The creators of ‘Mamma Mia’ in Illinois thought that combining beer and pizza was a great idea and achieved it with ingredients such as Mozzarella and Oregano.

2. Tea beer with lemon

The Canadians of Mill St. Brewery take a refreshing turn to the classic ice tea with a beer that mixes the taste of Earl Gray and other teas. You can only find it in the North cold.

3. Beer Flavor Cream

How about a beer who remembers a French dessert? Southern Tier took the freedom to create a beer that evokes the sweetness of the Crème Brulée. A whim for sweet lovers!

4. Hot dog flavor beer

Did you ever think you could drink your favorite food? ‘The Butcher’ combines beer with sausage flavor, achieving a sip that is as unexpected as it is delicious.

5. Dona flavor beer

Shenondoah Brewery surprised everyone by launching a Stout that is in fact a fun dessert option, infused with chocolate and caramel notes.

6. Berry with champagne

Sometimes ideas are better in theory. Krait Prestige tried to mix beer with champagne, but the result evaporated from the market as fast as it was created.

7. Milk -flavored beer

Japan’s Abashiri brewery launched ‘Bilky’, a beer that gives the idea of ​​a foamy shake, using milk in its elaboration process. Perfect for the darker!

8. Spicy beer

Mexicans do not stop at anything, not even when making beer. This spicy drink, emulating the popular Coronita, includes a Serrano Chile inside the bottle.

9. tomato beer

Budweiser launched a beer that mixes tomato and clams in a turn that reminds the famous Bloody Mary cocktail, but with additional spark.

10. Yerba mate beer

Brazil welcomes ‘ilex’, a greenish beer made with Yerba Mate, which has been a success since its launch in 2007.

Beyond beer: the flavor revolution

Innovation in the beer world is endless. Each new creation challenges our expectations and revives the old discussion: what is beer really? So the next time you take a sip, ask yourself: what will be the next unexpected flavor that I will find in the vast beer universe?

The monks and their divine elíxir

There was a time when the beer made by the Transmissions monks of the Abbey of Saint Sixtus in Belgium was considered the creme of the creme among the beers of the world. Known for its complexity and its heavenly touch, the Westvletan 12 has been the undisputed queen in multiple beer classifications. But how has this panorama changed?

From kings to plebe beer: the fall of an icon

The times have changed and, although it is still estimated that Westvletan 12 occupies a prestigious second place in Ratebeer, its position has faltered in Beradvocate, where it has fallen to the number 18. What is it due to? With more renowned North American breweries, such as Tree House and The Alchemist in ascent, the competition has intensified.

The secrets behind the ranking

The issue persists: is this loss of position the result of other emerging quality standards or a different appreciation by consumers? The solution can reside on a trip to Belgium, where the beer magic is found in every corner, but, of course, getting a bottle of this jewel is not an easy task.

Aging: the art of patience and temperature

During a recent tasting, we decided to challenge the destination by buying four versions of the famous Quadrupel Trapense: two of seven years, one of five and one fresh. It turns out that storage conditions have a more significant impact than could be imagined. Not all heroes carry a layer; Sometimes, they are simply stored in a cold winery.

Sabor Guardian: The storage difference

The bottles stored at room temperature showed clear oxidation signs, while the fresh, although promising, failed to dazzle. The judges agreed that the 2010 and 2012 versions stored cold were the most prominent, demonstrating that sometimes good taste reaches those who know how to wait.

The mysticism surrounding Westvleteren 12

Despite the difficulty of obtaining a bottle of these, it cannot be ignored that Westvletan 12 remains, in many ways, a symbol. However, after trying several versions, an even more interesting question arose: is the fame of this beer only the result of its mysticism and the era of reviews?

Tastings and comparisons

When evaluating the different years, everything seems to lean towards a mirror of society. Are we buying a story more than a beer? Compared to other trains beers such as St. Bernardus abt 12, the difference becomes subtle. Maybe it’s time to expand our circle of friends beers.

Final notes of an adventurous tasting

From Honey and Jerez to touches of cardboard or vanilla, each version of Westvletere left us questions and learning. Each sip represents a story, a time and a space; But perhaps, in the end, what really matters is to enjoy the beer trip and the emotions that each drink can offer.