Kiwi Beer
Kiwi beer is a type of fruit beer made by adding kiwi fruit during the brewing process. It is characterized by its distinctive acidity and refreshing aroma. In recent years, it has garnered attention primarily among craft breweries in Asia and Oceania. In Baguio City, Philippines, local craft breweries serve this beer to offer a new taste experience to both residents and tourists. Its unique character, different from traditional beer and other fruit beers, has led to its growing popularity.
- Taste Rating
-
- Price
- ? Philippine Peso
- Meal Date
- 12/30/2022
- Food Travel Log
- The second try is crucial for unique flavors. I initially found Dr. Pepper odd, but after another try, I was hooked. This kiwi beer had a distinct kiwi sweetness clashing with beer bitterness, creating a unique taste.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Kiwi beer is a type of fruit beer that combines traditional beer with kiwi fruit, characterized by its unique sweet-sour taste and the bitterness of hops. The tasting for this article was conducted at "Craft Brewery" located in Baguio, Philippines. While similar fruit beers are enjoyed around the world, kiwi is a relatively new ingredient, and has recently been gaining attention, particularly among breweries in Asia and Oceania.
The Combination of Kiwi and Beer Brewing
The kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) originates from China and spread worldwide via New Zealand in the 20th century. Its refreshing tartness and rich aroma have made it popular in desserts and juices, but it is also well-matched with lighter styles of beer such as ales or wheat beers. The abundant vitamin C and organic acids found in kiwi impart a distinctive flavor and fruitiness to beer when added during fermentation.
History and Diversity of Fruit Beers
The history of fruit beer is old, with Belgian Lambics such as "Kriek" (with cherries) and "Framboise" (with raspberries) being well-known examples. In recent years, spurred on by the craft beer boom, breweries in various countries have actively developed original beers using locally-sourced fruits. Kiwi beers are also being developed experimentally by small breweries in Europe, Australia, and the United States.
Brewing Process and Characteristics of Kiwi Beer
When making kiwi beer, it is common to add kiwi pulp or juice at the end of fermentation or during maturation. This minimizes the impact of yeast on the flavor, allowing the unique aroma, sweetness, and slight acidity of kiwi to shine in the beer. As the sugars in the fruit are converted to alcohol during fermentation, the result is not overly sweet, harmonizing with the beer’s inherent bitterness. Kiwi also imparts a light green to golden color, fruity aroma, and sometimes a faint astringency.
Craft Beer Culture in Baguio, Philippines
Baguio City, known as a mountain resort area in northern Philippines, has recently developed a distinctive craft beer culture. Beers incorporating local ingredients and tropical fruits are popular among tourists and locals alike, with unique creations such as “kiwi beer” serving as prime examples. The geographic characteristics of the highlands, where temperature and humidity remain relatively steady, are also advantageous for fermentation management.
Comparison with International Fruit Beers
| Fruit | Main Producing Countries | Beer Style | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiwi | Philippines, Australia, USA, etc. | Pale Ale, Wheat Ale | Refreshing sourness, rich fruit aroma, pale green to golden color |
| Cherry | Belgium | Lambic | Bright red color, floral aroma, sweet-tart flavor |
| Mango | India, Philippines | Ale, IPA | Tropical sweetness and aroma, smooth mouthfeel |
Conclusion
Kiwi beer is a modern craft beer with a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from traditional beers, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy a broad range of tastes created by the harmony or contrast between the bitterness of beer and the sweetness of fruit. While rooted in the tradition of fruit beers, it represents a developing aspect of food culture that is set to gain further attention alongside the growth of Asian craft beer culture.