Savory Avery: A Savory Spice and Avery Brewing Collaboration
Spices aren't just for food, they are often used in brewing! We recently partnered with Avery Brewing in Boulder, CO for a one-of-a-kind, limited-edition collaboration that we're calling Savory Avery.
In the realm where creativity meets craftsmanship, the collaboration between Savory Spice and Avery Brewing Company sparked a neon gold 7.8% ABV Belgian beer that defies convention and tantalizes the senses. Imagine a brew that marries the rich tradition of Belgian Ale with a symphony of spices sourced from the corners of the world. This isn’t just any beer; it’s a sensory adventure waiting to be savored.
So how did this completely unique (and unconventional) brew come to be? What, exactly, does this (genius) version of Belgian beer taste like? And most importantly, how can you try it for yourself? Don't worry, we have answers to all your questions!
The Process: How It All Went Down
When our friends at Avery Brewing Co. suggested a collab, we enthusiastically agreed. Savory Spice brings nearly two decades of expertise in sourcing and blending premium spices which merges flawlessly with Avery Brewing Company’s 30+ years of passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing. It’s a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and relentless pursuit of flavor perfection. In other words, we knew we couldn't go wrong!
Picture the scene: master spice blenders and seasoned brewers huddled together, tasting, experimenting, and debating until every element harmonizes just right. (Well, actually, you don't have to picture it...we took photos to document the process!) The process involved detailed measurements, experimenting with adding spices to different styles of beer in different ratios, and tasting to identify the perfect balance of flavor. (Yes, it was fun but also surprising and even a bit challenging.)
After hours of experimentation, we landed on the unexpected: a spice-infused Belgian beer that stands apart in a sea of craft brews, beckoning those who seek something beyond the ordinary. What makes this collaboration truly daring is not just the ingredients themselves, but the boldness with which they are combined.
The Spices: Something New & Different
We've already written about Brewing with Spices and showcased some of the spices that are commonly used to add flavor to beer. You have probably heard of (if not tried) vanilla porters or stouts, salted Gose, and maybe even brews with flowers like hibiscus or lavender. Not to mention the perennial fall favorite, Pumpkin Spice Beers.
But we wanted to create something distinct, different, and completely unique. After much tasting, we were pretty sure we had a winner on our hands...and it featured some unexpected spices. Spices are a global commodity and we're excited that this beer features flavors and ingredients from around the world!
This collaboration beer features Spanish Saffron, Cardamom, French Thyme, California Basil. In case you're not familiar with these flavors or (more likely) you're wondering how they could possibly work well in a beer, we're going to break them down for you.
Spanish Saffron: These reddish threads are actually the stigma of a crocus flower and have to be hand-picked during the annual harvest. Perhaps best known for its use in paella and risotto, when used in cooking (or brewing), saffron imparts a beautiful golden hue and a subtly sweet, honey-like and slightly floral flavor.
Cardamom: Native to India, this spice is sometimes called "the queen of spices." It's unique flavor has been used for thousands of years in both sweet and savory dishes but it might be most familiar as a key ingredient in Chai Spices. Cardamom has a distinctive astringent, eucalyptus-like flavor with peppery notes.
French Thyme: There are dozens of varieties of thyme and some dried thyme can be brown and almost flavorless, but not ours. We've sourced one a high-quality variety that retains its color and flavor. It has a slightly bittersweet flavor with peppery and subtly grassy notes and pairs well with many other spices.
California Basil: Basil is one of the most well-known herbs and is used in a variety of cuisines around the world. Like thyme, there are a multitude of varieties of basil, each with their own flavor characteristics. This basil has a slightly sweet, warm herbal flavor.
So to recap, the spices we're using in this beer impart an overlap of sweet, peppery, and herbal flavors. They also bring distinctive honey, eucalyptus, and grassy notes.
The Beer: Belgian-Style Golden Strong Ale
We experimented with a few different styles of beer. With some, the flavor of the spices was too subtle, with others we found that a single flavor dominated, yet others were just lacking. But when we tried a Belgian-Style Golden Strong Ale, we knew we'd found our perfect canvas. This beer is known for having fruity and complex flavor that we knew would create the ideal balance of flavor with spices. Yet, it's also approachable, not overly bitter or malty and not too light or too dark.
After settling on our spices and our beer style, we needed one more thing...the secret ingredient! There's one more addition to this brew that takes it from being a great spiced beer to a one-of-a-kind experience: prickly pear. The sweet, melon-like, fruity flavor complements the spices and accents the inherent fruitiness of this Belgian ale.
So this collaboration brings together the best of both worlds: the simplicity of a traditional malt bill and minimal bitterness, combined with an all-star blend of spices. With each sip, you'll experience a light-bodied brew with classic Belgian Yeast flavors, a Saffron nose, and a kiss of Cardamom on the tongue. The finish offers the balanced flavors of French Thyme and California Basil, complemented by the sweet touch of Prickly Pear.
At first sip, the beer reveals it’s complexity – slightly floral on the nose with whispers of saffron that transport you to distant spice markets. The mild citrus , aromatic and herbaceous notes of French Thyme dance delicately on your palate, followed by a subtle yet refreshing hint of California basil that adds a soft minty undertone. Just when you think you’ve unraveled it’s secrets, deeper notes of sweet prickly pear surprise you, intertwining seamlessly with a hint of cardamom that resonates harmony on the finish.
The end result is a delightful surprise to the senses that leaves you wanting another sip and savoring every drop!
Savory Avery Brew: Try It For Yourself
Savory Avery is a 7.8% ABV Spiced Belgian Golden Strong collaboration effort between Avery Brewing Company and Savory Spice Shop. This beer pours a neon golden color and features Saffron, Cardamom, French Thyme, California Basil, and a touch of Prickly Pear.
It will be available exclusively at the Avery Brewing Co. taproom while supplies last!
So if you are in the mood for something intriguing and fun, join us for a glass of this collaborative Belgian beer. Let its aromas and symphony of flavors transport you to a realm where spice and hops intertwine in perfect harmony. Raise your glass to innovation, to collaboration and to the boundless possibilities of what happens when creativity knows no limits.
Cheers to Savory Spice, Avery Brewing Company, and to daring collaborations that brew magic in every glass, resulting in a delightful surprise to the senses that leaves you wanting another sip and savoring every drop!
Browse Spices for Brewing or leave a comment below with your favorite spice-infused beer.
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