Style Guide: Fruit Beers
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fruit beer

Fruit beers have been around for centuries, but their history is not as well-documented as that of other types of beer. 

The earliest evidence of fruit being used in beer brewing comes from China, where Neolithic villagers were making a beverage using honey, rice, hawthorn fruit or grapes around 7000 BC. Other early references to fruit beers trace back to ancient Egypt, where dates or pomegranates were added to beer.

In Europe, fruit beers were first brewed in Belgium. Belgians are known for their innovative brewing techniques, they were the first to experiment by adding fruit to Lambic "biers", which are a type of sour ale. Belgium's first fruit biers were krieks, which are made using cherries. Krieks were followed by framboises (raspberry) in the 1950s & pêches (peach) in the 1980s.

Fruit beers have become increasingly popular in recent years, so much so they are now brewed all over the world. There are many different types available, made using a variety of fruits, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches or apricots. Some are brewed with whole fruits, while others are brewed then purees or extracts are added. One of the most famous British fruit beers are a series of Organic Fruit Beers from Samuel Smiths Brewery, which come in a range of flavours.

Flavour profiles vary, depending on types of fruit used, brewing methods, or even the amount of fruit added. Fruit beers can be sweet, sour, or tart. They can have a wide range of aromas & flavours. Some fruit beers are light & refreshing, while others are more complex full-bodied beers.

Fruit beers are a great way to enjoy the flavours of summer fruits. They are also a good choice for people who are looking for a lighter alternative to heavier beers.

Here are some of the most popular types of fruit beers:

  • Kriek: A Belgian sour made using cherries.
  • Framboise: A Belgian sour made using raspberries.
  • Pêche: A Belgian sour made using peaches.
  • Apricot Lambic: A Belgian sour made using peaches.
  • Strawberry Blonde
  • Raspberry Wheat Beer
  • Blueberry Ale
  • Peach Wheat Beer
  • Apricot Wheat Beer

Here are some food suggestions to pair with your sweet, tart or sour fruity beers, they're a great alternative to lager for pairing with food.

  • Fruit beers pair really well with light desserts, such as pies, patisserie or tarts.
  • Pair them with grilled white meats, such as chicken or fish. The sweetness really works alongside the clean flavours of the meat
  • With a sweet or tart beer, they pair really well with spicy foods, such as Thai or Indian cuisine. It will help to cut through hot dishes and cleanse the palette.

When choosing a fruit beer, it is important to consider the type of fruit used, the flavour profile of the beer, and the food that you will be pairing it with. With so many different types of fruit beers available, there is sure to be one that you will enjoy.