The craft beer and microbrewery renaissance that began in the 1980s has transformed into a rather diverse industry. Often these small independent breweries, as well as the products they produce, are a blending of something old and something new.
At its core the microbrewery of the modern era was birthed in a passion for somethng more than the same old lagers and ales offered by corporate breweries. As might be expected, some of these craft beers mirrored the personal, and perhaps, specialized taste, of the brewmaster.
But now there is fierce competition. And so some breweries have turned toward the brewing of unusual, and even odd, beers to set themselves apart from competitors. Here are a few of the strangest and most wonderful craft beers you can find around the world.
- Banana Bread Beer from Wells & Young’s in England. This beer is made with real bananas and has a sweet and malty taste that reminds me of freshly baked banana bread. It’s perfect for dessert or as a treat on a cold day.
- Chili Beer from Cave Creek Brewing Company in Arizona. This beer is not for the faint of heart. It’s brewed with hot peppers and has a spicy kick that will make you sweat. It’s great for pairing with Mexican food or just for challenging your friends to see who can handle the heat.
- Oyster Stout from Porterhouse Brewing Company in Ireland. This beer is brewed with fresh oysters and has a rich and creamy texture that goes well with seafood. It has a subtle briny flavor that complements the roasted malt and hops.
- Pumpkin Ale from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Delaware. This beer is made with real pumpkin and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. It’s like drinking a slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream. It’s a seasonal beer that comes out every fall and sells out fast.
- Chocolate Stout from Rogue Ales in Oregon. This beer is brewed with chocolate malt and real chocolate nibs from Belgium. It has a smooth and velvety mouthfeel and a decadent chocolate flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
At Mudshark Brewery and Public House in Lake Havasu City, an award winning microbrewery in Arizona, we create craft beers that are a rooted a bit more in tradition, and in history.
As an example, consider our Scorpion Amber. Brewed with a bit of malt and a light hops, this beer has a deep, rich amber color with a sweet roasted flavor. This amber ale is rooted in tradition. It is enjoyed as a refreshing beer on a hot summers day, and it goes well with a slice of Billy the Goat pizza.
This is not your standard pizza pie. It is topped with our very special garlic cream sauce, figs, bacon jam, arugula, carmalized onions, and goat cheese.
One of our most popular wheat beers is Havablue, best when shared with friends. A bit sweeter than traditional beers, it is a light golden color. But what really sets this ale apart is the flavor of blueberry and vanilla.
Lake Havasu City, home of the London Bridge, is a blending of somethng old and something new. What a fitting place for Mudshark Brewery, a pioneering microbrewery in the Grand Canyon State that is known for serving tradition with a modern twist.
Written by Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America
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