As the popularity of non-alcoholic beers grows, so does the art of tasting and appreciating these brews. Each variable from hops used, to brewing process, to the addition of functional ingredients can all impact flavour, and it can help to understand this on your tasting journey.
Identifying Hop Profiles in Non-Alcoholic Beers
Non-alcoholic beers present unique challenges in identifying hop profiles due to the absence of alcohol, which typically acts as a flavour carrier. However, brewers have developed techniques to enhance hop characteristics in these beverages.
Different hop varieties contribute distinct aromas and flavours, ranging from floral and spicy notes in European hops to citrus and tropical fruit notes in American and Pacific varieties. The timing of hop additions during the brewing process significantly impacts the final flavour profile, with bitter hops added early for balance, flavour hops added mid-boil, and aroma hops added late to maximise fragrance.
Cryogenic Brewing Techniques
Cryogenic fermentation is an innovative technique used in brewing alcohol-free beer that limits alcohol production while retaining full flavor. This process involves fermenting the wort at extremely low temperatures which significantly slows down yeast metabolism and alcohol production.
The cold contact fermentation method allows for the development of beer-like flavours and aromas without generating substantial amounts of alcohol. Some breweries, like IMPOSSIBREW, utilise cryogenic fermentation to create non-alcoholic beers that maintain the taste profile of traditional brews.
This technique is particularly effective because lager yeasts are psychrotolerant, meaning they can still function at low temperatures, albeit at a much slower rate. By carefully controlling the fermentation time and temperature, brewers can achieve the desired flavour complexity while keeping alcohol content below the legal limit for non-alcoholic beverages.
Nootropics and Flavour Enhancement
IMPOSSIBREW incorporates a proprietary "Social Blend" of nootropic herbs designed to mimic the relaxation effects of alcohol without the negative consequences. This blend includes ingredients like L-Lheanine, Ashwagandha root, and other plant extracts aimed at promoting relaxation and stress relief.
According to the company, 97% of customers reported feeling more relaxed after consuming their product. To maintain flavour quality while incorporating these nootropics, IMPOSSIBREW employs a one-to-one brewing process that avoids dilution or alcohol removal, focusing instead on crafting a full-flavoured non-alcoholic beer from the start.
The company has received recognition for taste, with both their lager and pale ale varieties winning "UK's Best Tasting Alcohol-Free Beer" awards in their respective categories, demonstrating how nootropics can be integrated into alcohol-free beer production to offer functional benefits while still prioritising taste and brewing craftsmanship.
To try their Welcome Bundle with a love-it-or-return-it guarantee, head to their site today to get started. http://impossibrew.co.uk/welcome
