As the days grow shorter and a hint of crispness enters the air, it signals the nearing end of summer. But before we fully embrace the autumn hues and pumpkin spice everything, there’s still time to savor the last tastes of the season. And what better way to do that than with a refreshing, fruity beer?
At Mellow Mushroom, we understand the art of pairing good food with great brews. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of fruity beers that perfectly capture the essence of summer in a glass. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a delightful alternative, our fruity offerings are sure to please.
Brewers carefully select the form of the fruit whether it’s whole, puréed, or concentrated, and decide when to add it to achieve the desired flavor. Adding during the boil results in a subtle, roasted taste, while adding it during fermentation creates a more complex flavor as the yeast consumes the fruit’s sugars. To achieve the most vibrant fruit aroma, brewers often add fruit after fermentation is complete, a technique called “dry-fruiting.” The base beer style, from light blonde ales to dark stouts, is a crucial consideration, as it provides the canvas for the fruit to either complement or become the star of the show.
Mile Wide Beer Company, based in our very own Bluegrass State, has quickly become a local favorite for its innovative and fruity brews. Their Ambrosia is a testament to their creativity. This brew lives up to its mythical name, offering a taste that’s truly divine. While the specific fruits may vary in different iterations, expect a tart and refreshing base complemented by juicy fruit notes that create a harmonious and thirst-quenching experience. Sour beers have gained popularity for their complex flavor profiles, often achieved through the introduction of wild yeasts or bacteria during the brewing process. The addition of fruit further enhances the tartness and adds natural sweetness and aroma, making Ambrosia a perfect bridge between the bright flavors of summer and the more nuanced tastes of fall.
Venturing slightly north, we find Fat Head’s Brewery, a renowned name in the craft beer scene with locations in Ohio. Their Bumble Berry Honey Blueberry Ale offers a sweeter and more approachable take on fruity brews. This ale is brewed with real blueberries and a touch of honey, resulting in a beer that is both fruity and subtly sweet with a pleasant floral aroma. Fruit beers like Bumble Berry often use fruit purees, extracts, or even whole fruits during various stages of the brewing process – from the mash to fermentation or even conditioning. The result is a beer where the fruit character is prominent but balanced, working in harmony with the underlying beer style. The addition of honey in Bumble Berry not only contributes to the flavor but also adds a smooth and slightly viscous mouthfeel.
Returning to our Kentucky roots, Goodwood Brewing in Louisville offers a refreshing twist with their BOB, which stands for Blood Orange Blonde. This Fruit Beer takes a classic blonde ale and infuses it with the zesty and slightly sweet flavor of blood oranges. Blonde ales are typically light-bodied, crisp, and easy-drinking, making them an excellent base for showcasing fruit flavors. The addition of blood orange provides a vibrant citrus aroma and a refreshing tartness that isn’t overpowering. Brewing with citrus fruits often involves adding the zest or juice during the later stages of fermentation to preserve their bright and volatile aromatic compounds. BOB is a perfect example of how fruit can elevate a traditional beer style, adding a layer of complexity and refreshment that is ideal for warm days.
These three beers represent just a glimpse into the diverse and exciting world of fruity beers. Each brewery brings its unique approach to crafting these flavorful brews, utilizing different techniques and fruit combinations to create distinct and memorable drinking experiences.
So, as we bid farewell to summer, take a moment to raise a glass of one of these delightful fruity beers at your local Mellow Mushroom. It’s the perfect way to savor the last lingering moments of sunshine and toast to the flavors of the season. Cheers to a flavorful transition into fall!
-by Maeve Black
