THE BUZZ
- One of the biggest reasons fruit-flavoured beers have taken off? Millennials! In a study conducted by global market research agency Mintel, folks in the US between the ages of 21 and 34 are more likely to buy fruit-flavoured beer over regular beer.
- As craft beer sees no sign of slowing down, neither does the experimentation associated with it. Enter small breweries playing with fruit concentrates, purées and peels to set their brands apart.
- Hops already have inherently fruity characteristics, ranging from citrussy to tropical, so adding specific fruit to help dial up and complement these flavours makes sense.
- It’s a great “gatewaybeer” for tipplers who are put off by the bitterness of unadulterated IPAs, lagers and Pilsners, but aren’t all that keen on those sweet alco-pops, either.
WHAT TO TRY:
The Franschhoek Beer Company OPA
Orange Pale Ale? You bet, says brew master Olaf Morgenroth, who adds two types of Belgian orange rind during boiling and fermentation. The result is a crisp beer with the astringency of citrus, balanced out by the flavour of malt. www.franschhoekbeerco.co.za
Liefmans Yell’Oh
For everyone who has succumbed to Liefmans Fruitesse on ice, the Belgian brewery has launched this yellow mellower. Pleasantly dry, slightly tart pineapple dominates, with supporting acts of lime, elder flower and basil. www.liefmans.be
Boston Van Hunks Pumpkin Ale
Pumpkin’s a fruit too, y’all. This US-inspired pumpkin ale with its proudly SA name (remember Van Hunks and the Devil on Table Mountain?), is a rich, spicy sip incorporating cinnamon, nutmeg and coriander, and both butternut and pumpkin. www.bostonbreweries.co.za
THE COCKTAIL:
THE REDHEAD
Divide crushed ice between tumblers and fill three-quarters of the way with Liefmans Fruitesse. Add 2 T Maraschino liqueur to each tumbler, then garnish with slices of lime and Maraschino cherries.
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