Alternative Fermentables Beer - Alternative Grain Beer
Name
Alternative Grain Beer
Category
Alternative Fermentables Beer
This category contains Specialty-Type Beers using either grain or sugar to add a distinctive character. See the Introduction to Specialty-Type Beer section for additional comments, particularly on evaluating the balance of added ingredients to the base beer.
Guidelines
Impression
A base beer enhanced by or featuring the character of additional grains. The specific character depends greatly on the added grains.
Aroma
Same as base beer style. The added grain will lend a particular character, although with some grains the beer will simply seem a bit more grainy or nutty, and some may have a relatively neutral character.
Appearance
Same as base beer style, although some additional haze may be noticeable.
Flavor
Same as base beer style. The additional grain should be noticeable in flavor, although it may not be necessarily identifiable. Some grains add an additional grainy, bready, or nutty flavor, while others simply enhance the flavor of the base beer. Some grains add a dryness to the finish.
Mouth Feel
Same as the base beer, although many additional grains (e.g., oats, rye) increase body and viscosity, while some (e.g., GF grains) create a thinner beer.
Comments
The additional grain should be apparent somewhere in the sensory profile. If the alternative grain does not provide a noticeable distinguishable character to the beer, enter it as the base style. This style should not be used for styles where the alternative grain is fundamental to the style definition (e.g., Rye IPA, Oatmeal Stout, Rice- or Corn-based International Lager). Note that sake is not beer, and is not intended for this category.
Entry Instructions
The entrant must specify the type of alternative grain used. Entrant must specify a description of the beer, identifying either a Base Style or the ingredients, specs, or target character of the beer. A general description of the special nature of the beer can cover all the required items.
Statistics
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM, and ABV will vary depending on the underlying base beer.
Commercial Examples
- Blue/Point Rastafarye Ale
- Green’s India Pale Ale
- Lakefront New Grist
- New Planet Pale Ale
- Rogue Morimoto Soba Ale
- Voodoo Swimming Jeans
Tags
- specialty-beer