Getting a little tired of the same beer flavors? There's no reason to always stick with the tried-and-true versions, considering the plethora of fascinating brews on the scene today. At an English-style brew pub, you can sample a wide variety of beverages, including some of the more unusual beers. You can stay loyal to the British breweries if you like, but the pubs generally offer numerous options from other regions. Brew masters are becoming increasingly creative because of all the competition in this field, which has resulted in an enormous range of beer flavors.
Unusual Flavors to Try
Meaty Malts
They say bacon goes with everything, and breweries have incorporated this flavor into a handful of beverages. Some have maple accents and others rely on a smoky quality. The trend lends new meaning to the saying, "It's not just for breakfast anymore."
Interestingly, beers with notes reminiscent of bacon or other pork meat often don't contain any meat at all. Typically it's the smoke that provides the flavor and aroma, similar to the way that adding a liquid smoke product to a vegetable soup can give the illusion of added meat.
Fruity Features
Lemon and berry beers have become relatively common. But how about banana beer or even banana bread beer? The banana-flavored brew is historically associated with certain regions in Africa, but you can find it at pubs in Canada now. At least one brand comes from the United Kingdom.
Chocolate Concoctions
Someone who loves a hearty, dark beer and also loves chocolate may become a big fan of chocolate stout. Several versions are available from different countries. These beers make good after-dinner drinks and can even substitute for a dessert. They also can be a fun change of pace for a couple to enjoy on Valentine's Day in addition to the chocolate candy they might share.
Gluten-Free Flavors
Anyone who is fond of drinking beer and has been diagnosed with celiac disease or another type of gluten intolerance may feel frustrated about all the dietary restrictions. Since beer traditionally is crafted from barley and wheat, it's generally off limits for these individuals. However, gluten-free versions are becoming more common with the rising level of knowledge about gluten sensitivities.
Technically, beer can be made from any starchy substance, such as sorghum, rice, and buckwheat. Those substances are safe for people who must stay away from gluten. Make sure to only drink from bottles with labels verifying the beverage is gluten-free.
Considering Authenticity
Casual beer drinkers may not know how common it is for beer producers to imply that a particular brew is crafted in a certain country—such as England—when actually it isn't. Sometimes those beverages originally were made in that nation, but later the company was sold to another corporation located elsewhere. In other instances, one version of the beer is made in a particular country and another in a different nation, such as the United States. The labeling may be virtually the same, but the taste and even the alcohol content are likely to be different.
Concluding Thoughts
Breweries often issue certain flavors for a limited time only, so be sure to give the ones that sound intriguing a try before they disappear. If the beers prove popular enough, the producer may release them again one day or make them a seasonal offering, but you never know.
If you're not sure which beers provide the type of flavor you're looking for, ask the bartender. Individuals who tend bar in establishments with plentiful high-quality beer offerings commonly know a good deal about these beverages and can provide the information you need. Check out an establishment like the Four Mile Bar & Grill brewery to get started.
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