7 Beer Styles You Won’t Believe Actually Exist

In the vast world of beers, beyond the familiar lagers and ales, lies a treasure trove of unique brews that challenge the palate and showcase brewing creativity and cultural heritage.

From the depths of ancient traditions to modern craft innovations, here are seven beer styles that will surprise and delight even the most adventurous beer enthusiasts.

Himbeergeister

Himbeergeister is a testament to German brewing prowess, blending the classic wheat ale with the luxurious essence of fresh raspberries.

This beer style is distinguished by its use of massive amounts of raspberries, added during the fermentation process, resulting in a vibrant, fruity ale that balances the sweetness of the berries with the light, refreshing body of wheat.

The tradition of fruit-infused beers in Germany dates back centuries, but Himbeergeister takes it to new heights, offering a unique drinking experience that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

Zwickelbier

Zwickelbier offers beer lovers a taste of German brewing tradition in its most unrefined form. This unfiltered and unpasteurized lager is served directly from the conditioning tank, providing a cloudy appearance and a richer flavor profile.

The name “Zwickelbier” comes from the “Zwickel” or sample port on the tank, through which brewers traditionally taste-test the beer. Its history is rooted in the Bavarian brewing practices, where freshness and locality were prized above all.

Zwickelbier is a celebration of the brewery’s craft, offering a sneak peek into the brewing process and a taste that’s as close to the source as possible.

Sea Salt Gose

Sea Salt Gose is a daring variation of the traditional gose, a sour wheat beer from Germany. What sets this style apart is the pronounced saltiness, achieved by adding sea salt during brewing.

This addition enhances the beer’s natural sourness and complexity, offering a tantalizing balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and intriguing.

The gose style dates back to the 16th century in the town of Goslar, but the modern twist of sea salt gose brings an oceanic depth to this ancient brew, making it a favorite among those looking for something truly out of the ordinary.

Gotlandsdricka

Hailing from the Swedish island of Gotland, Gotlandsdricka is a smoky, malty farmhouse ale that embodies the Viking spirit. Made with smoked malt and juniper, this beer echoes the ancient brewing traditions of the island, where local ingredients and wild fermentation created unique flavors.

The addition of juniper not only imparts a distinctively sharp, piney note but also pays homage to the brewing practices of a bygone era, where juniper branches were used in the brewing process.

Gotlandsdricka offers a taste of history, transporting drinkers to the rugged landscapes and smoky hearths of medieval Sweden.

Chicha

Chicha is perhaps the most unconventional beer on this list, with its origins rooted in the ancient cultures of South America. This traditional brew is made from various grains, most commonly maize, which is chewed by the brewers to initiate saccharification through the enzymes in saliva.

Chicha’s history spans thousands of years, serving as a ceremonial drink among indigenous peoples. Its preparation varies significantly across regions, but the communal aspect of brewing and consuming chicha remains a testament to its cultural significance.

This ancient beer offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of South American traditions.

Schraderbrau

Schraderbrau revives an old German technique of imparting smoky flavors to beer, specifically a wheat ale, by kilning malt over burning beechwood logs. This method creates a distinctively smoky aroma and taste, reminiscent of campfires and autumn evenings.

The practice of smoking malt dates back to times when modern kilning methods were not available, making Schraderbrau a nod to the rustic, artisanal processes of beer making.

This smoked German wheat ale offers a hearty, warming experience, perfect for those chilly nights when only a beer with depth and character will do.

Rooibos Red Ale

Rooibos Red Ale is a modern craft beer innovation that marries the distinctive herbal and slightly sweet taste of rooibos tea with the malty richness of a red ale.

Originating from the craft beer movement, this style showcases the potential for beer to transcend traditional ingredients and embrace global flavors. Rooibos, a plant native to South Africa, lends this beer a unique color and an array of nuanced flavors, from earthy and nutty to sweet and spicy.

Rooibos Red Ale represents the adventurous spirit of contemporary brewing, inviting beer lovers to explore the boundaries of flavor and tradition.

Conclusion

In exploring these seven unique beer styles, we’ve only scratched the surface of the diverse and fascinating world of beer. Each brew tells a story of tradition, innovation, and cultural heritage, inviting us to explore flavors and brewing techniques that span continents and centuries.

From the smoky depths of Schraderbrau to the vibrant freshness of Himbeergeister, the beer landscape is as rich and varied as the cultures that craft them.

We encourage you to continue your beer exploration journey. Whether it’s seeking out these rare finds at your local specialty beer shop, attending a beer tasting event, or experimenting with homebrewing, there’s a whole world of unique beers styles waiting to be discovered.

Dive into the history, savor the flavors, and share your discoveries with fellow beer enthusiasts. The adventure into the world of beer is endless, and every sip is a new story.

Cheers to discovering more beer styles that you won’t believe exist!