Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer

Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer is a diverse category of craft beer that incorporates flavors from spices, herbs, or vegetables instead of, or in addition to, the traditional hops and malt character. These beers often take a classic style as their base and then experiment by adding natural additives to create complex and unique flavor profiles. The history of using such ingredients dates back to ancient brewing traditions before hops became the predominant seasoning agent for beer. Early brewers used a mixture known as gruit, which included various herbs and spices, to flavor their brews.

The appearance of Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beers can vary widely depending on the underlying style and the specific elements used for flavoring. When it comes to flavor and aroma, these beers are characterized primarily by their non-traditional additions. One should expect the spice/herb/vegetable components to be harmonious with the base beer but prominent enough to be easily identifiable. Commonly added flavorings include herbs like coriander or lemongrass in lighter ales, chili peppers in more adventurous concoctions, and ginger or cinnamon in holiday offerings.