Fruit beer isn’t technically a beer style, but rather a category of beers brewed with one or more fruits—either as fermentable sugars or as flavor enhancers. Inspired by traditional lambics, fruit beers are gaining popularity, particularly because many modern craft breweries now use real fruit instead of artificial flavorings. This resurgence is also tied to the growing appreciation for sour beers, which have trained palates to enjoy tart, fruity profiles. The fruit adds a rich layer of flavor and balances the overall taste of the brew.
Where do fruit beers come from?
Fruit beers have their roots in Lambics, a traditional Belgian beer style from the Senne Valley near Brussels. These beers are spontaneously fermented, meaning no additional yeast is introduced to the wort. Lambics serve as the base for many fruit beers like the iconic Kriek, Framboise, and Pécheresse from Belle-Vue. Other notable producers include Belle-Vue and Liefmans, known for crafting refreshing, thirst-quenching brews.
How are fruit beers made?
The choice of base beer is crucial. Brewers avoid overly hoppy beers as their bitterness can clash with the fruit, creating an unpleasant mix. Instead, they aim for harmony between the base beer and the fruit.
Delicate fruits like peaches, apricots, blueberries, and other red berries pair best with lighter beers such as lagers or pale ales. More robust fruits like cherries and tropical varieties can work with stronger beer styles. The key is to strike the right balance between the malt’s sweetness and the fruit’s acidity.
Color also varies widely among fruit beers. Now that beer is classified by style rather than just color, it's easier to understand why these variations occur. The base yeast, type of fruit, and when the fruit is added—during brewing or fermentation—all influence the final color. It can range from pale yellow to deep black.
Interestingly, fruit can be added at several stages in the brewing process. Making fruit beer is an art that requires creativity and experimentation.
Which fruit beers should you try with PerfectDraft?
The best way to choose a fruit beer is by selecting flavors you enjoy: red fruits, exotic fruits, tropical notes—the options are endless! Here are a few recommendations:
Jungle Joy by Brussels Beer Project – An exotic beer brewed with real mango and passion fruit, offering a juicy and refreshing experience.
La Corne du Bois des Pendus aux Fruits – A ruby-colored Belgian beer bursting with raspberry and red fruit flavors, perfect for summer sipping.
Yell'Oh On The Rock by Liefmans – A low-alcohol (4%) fruity beer with aromas of pineapple, apple, and floral notes.
Kasteel Rouge – A Belgian classic made by blending Kasteel Brune with cherry beer, aged in barrels for six months, resulting in a deep cherry flavor and vibrant hue.
When it comes to beer tasting, curiosity is key. Don’t hesitate to explore new and innovative flavors. Some brewers are even using vegetables like butternut squash, tomatoes, and beetroot—perhaps tomorrow’s apéro star will surprise you!
Discover other beers : Snake Venom, the strongest beer in the world and March beer or spring beer !
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