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30A

Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer

An appealing fusion of spices, herbs, or vegetables (SHVs) and beer, but still recognizable as beer. The SHV character should be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.

Transparent glass outline for Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer; colour varies by recipe

Colour varies by recipe

Parameter ranges

Alcohol · ABV

Varies with the base style

Bitterness · IBU

Varies with the base style

Color · SRM

Varies with the base style

Original gravity · OG

Varies with the base style

Final gravity · FG

Varies with the base style

Ranges describe a style, not an individual beer. Colour depends on the base beer and ingredients. The transparent glass outline does not depict a fixed beer colour.

About this entry

Often called Spice Beer, regardless of whether spices, herbs, or vegetables are used.

Appearance

Varies by base style and special ingredients. Lighter-colored beer may show distinctive ingredient colors, including in the head. Variable clarity, although haze is generally undesirable. Some ingredients may impact head retention.

Aroma

Varies by base style. The SHV character should be noticeable in the aroma; however, some SHVs (e.g., ginger, cinnamon, rosemary) have stronger aromas and are more distinctive than others (e.g., most vegetables) – allow for a range of SHV character and intensity from subtle to aggressive. Hop aroma may be lower than in the base style to better show the SHV character. The SHVs should add an extra complexity, but not be so prominent as to unbalance the resulting presentation.

Flavor

Varies by base style. As with aroma, distinctive SHV flavors should be noticeable, and may range in intensity from subtle to aggressive. Some SHVs are inherently bitter and may result in a beer more bitter than the base style. Bitterness, hop and malt flavors, alcohol content, and fermentation byproducts, such as esters, should be appropriate for the base style, but be harmonious and balanced with the distinctive SHV flavors present.

Mouthfeel

Varies by base style. SHVs may increase or decrease body. Some SHVs may add a bit of astringency, although a “raw” spice character is undesirable.

Notes

The overall character matters more than whether every individual ingredient can be identified. Balance, drinkability, and execution of the theme are the most important qualities. The SHVs should complement the original style and not overwhelm it. Base style attributes will be different after the addition of SHVs; do not expect the beer to taste identical to the unadulterated base style.