Fruitbeer
Fruit beers are beers that have been enriched with added fruit. Various basic beers are used to create a tasty fruit beer, with both Lambic beer and wheat beer often serving as a foundation.
The production process of fruit beer involves adding fruit at the end of the brewing process, just before fermentation begins, allowing the fruit to co-ferment. Traditionally, stone fruits such as cherries and peaches are used for this, but raspberry, strawberry, banana and apple are also popular choices.
One of the best-known fruit beers is the Kriek, a Lambic beer enriched with sour cherries. In the case of Oude Kriek, the beer undergoes additional fermentation in the bottle, resulting in a higher alcohol percentage than a regular Kriek. Oude Kriek is characterized by an intense fruitiness and a refreshing sour character. The beer matures in the bottle for approximately two years, with the flavor evolving as time passes.
Modern fruit beers also include commercial varieties in which fruit juices are added without inducing new fermentation. These beers have a fruity character, but are generally quite sweet. For example, rosé beer, with a wheat beer base, gets an addition of red fruit in the form of juice or concentrate.
Sours are perhaps currently the most popular basis for fruit beers. Even IPAs are not spared, with additions such as grapefruit or blood orange to further emphasize the citrus character. Even Milk Stouts are enhanced with fruity notes, often coming from fresh raspberries and blackberries.
The range of fascinating fruit beers is growing steadily. Brewers dare to experiment with various beer styles, brewing techniques, fruit varieties and create surprising blends that increasingly enrich the beer experience.
