Alternative Fermentables Beer - Alternative Sugar Beer

Alternative Fermentables Beer

Alternative Fermentables Beer - Alternative Sugar Beer

Name

Alternative Sugar 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 tasteful integration of sugar and beer, but still recognizable as beer. The sugar character should both be evident and in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.

Aroma

Same as the base beer, except that some additional fermentables (e.g., honey, molasses) may add an aroma, which should be a pleasant, balanced combination with the beer.

Appearance

Same as the base beer, although some sugars will bring additional, usually darker, colors.

Flavor

Same as the base beer, except that some additional fermentables (e.g., honey, molasses) may add a flavor, which should be a pleasant, balanced combination with the beer. Added sugars should not have a raw, unfermented flavor. Some unfermentable sugars provide a fuller finish, while fully fermentable sugars can thin out the finish.

Mouth Feel

Same as the base beer, although depending on the type of sugar added, could increase or decrease the body.

Comments

The additional sugar should be apparent somewhere in the sensory profile. If the sugars do not add a distinguishable character to the beer, enter it in the base style category. A honey-based beer should not have so much honey that it is perceived more like a mead with beer (i.e., a braggot) than a honey beer. This style should not be used for styles where the alternative sugar is fundamental to the style definition, or where a small amount of neutral-flavored sugar is used simply to increase gravity, increase attenuation, or lighten flavor or body; those beers should be entered as the normal base style.

Entry Instructions

The entrant must specify the type of sugar 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

  • Bell’s Hopslam
  • Cervejaria Colorado Appia
  • Fifth Hammer Break of Jawn
  • Groundswell Piloncillo
  • Long Trail Harvest
  • New Glarus Cabin Fever

Tags

  • specialty-beer