Wild Specialty Beer

Recipes:
369
BJCP 2021:
28C
Era:
Craft
Origin:
North America

Profile

The Wild Specialty Beer is a unique and varied category that embraces the intricate marriage of unconventional fermentations with imaginative ingredients. This style is all about innovation and experimentation, often resulting in flavors that challenge the norms and stand out in the world of beers. It builds on the historical practices of harnessing wild yeast and bacteria to impart distinct sourness and funk, while giving brewers free rein to explore adjuncts ranging from fruits to spices, and even disparate grain bills.

Flavor profiles in this style can be as diverse as the brewers' imaginations allow – from mildly tart to puckeringly sour, underpinned by earthy, barnyard qualities associated with Brettanomyces or other wild yeasts. The use of bacterial cultures like Lactobacillus or Pediococcus can add layers of complexity ranging from lactic acidity to more intense vinegary sharpness. Fruity esters might mingle with these tart attributes when complementary additives are used. Aroma-wise, expect an equally eclectic spectrum: fruity notes might lead or intertwine with funky aromas characteristic of wild fermentation; wood-aged variants bring vanilla and tannins into play; hop character may be absent or subtly supportive depending on the brewer's intent.

Specifications

Alcohol

In Database
1.8 < 5.8 < 10.1 %

Bitterness

In Database
1 < 20 < 72 IBU

Color

In Database
5 < 9 < 59 EBC
2 < 4 < 30 SRM

Original Extract

In Database
6.2 < 13.0 < 19.8 °P
1.025 < 1.053 < 1.083 OG

Final Gravity

In Database
0.0 < 2.6 < 5.9 °P
1.000 < 1.010 < 1.023 FG

Popularity Over Time

Most Used Yeasts

Most Used Hops

Dosage of Hops

Hop Pairings

Brewing Recipes