The Craft Brewers Conference, hosted by the Brewers Association, is the leading educational source for small and independent craft brewers. With nearly 6,000 U.S. brewery members and 37,000 members of the American Homebrewers Association making up the Brewers Association, it is an honor that several of our juice concentrates were bonafide crowd-pleasers!
Our favorites were:
- Lime jalapeño
- Citrus Cucumber
- Apple Hibiscus
- Blackberry
The Northwest Naturals team of flavor experts prepared for the event by creating custom blends we knew would fit the needs of the attendees. We understood that using juice concentrate in brews enhances flavor and maintains flavor consistency, but it can also increase control in the brewing process and allow for more experimental brewing.
We wanted to create juices that make it easy for you to be creative. Our products are cost-efficient. They save you time and increase shelf stability so you can focus on flavor. As experts in the beverage industry, we love experimenting and using our creativity. We want to help you do that too!
See below for ideas on utilizing these award-winning juice concentrates to bring your brews to new levels. If you are inspired to try any of these applications, visit our website to request a free juice concentrate sample!
Craft Brew Flavor Inspiration
Lime Jalapeño Saison
Using the Northwest Naturals lime jalapeno juice blend introduces a unique flavor profile that balances citrus and spice. Use it in a Saison, a beverage known for its complex and fruity flavors. Some might believe that adding lime and jalapeño can overcomplicate and crowd the experience with too many flavors, but the result can be dynamic and harmoniously complex. The lime and jalapeño can be added during fermentation, allowing the flavors to meld with the yeast character, resulting in a spicy and zesty saison with a hint of tartness.
Citrus Cucumber Pilsner
The citrus cucumber blend is light, refreshing, and crisp, perfect for warm weather. A Pilsner is well-known for its crispness and refreshing qualities, but the zing of citrus can bring it to new levels of flavor depth. It is a modern twist on a traditional style, but it is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Apple Hibiscus Blonde Ale
Incorporating apple and hibiscus into craft brews can result in flavorful beer profiles that blend fruitiness, floral notes, and a touch of tartness. Using the blend in a blonde ale is perfect because its mild maltiness can provide a neutral base for the apple and hibiscus to shine. The floral and fruity notes of hibiscus can complement the apple’s natural sweetness, creating a delicate and flavorful beverage.
Blackberry Kettle Sour
Kettle souring involves introducing lactobacillus bacteria to the wort, creating a tart and tangy beer. Adding a blackberry juice concentrate during fermentation can elevate that tang and sourness while contributing a delightful berry flavor. The harmony between the sourness and the fruity blackberry can create a deliciously unique and lively taste experience.
Let’s Get Brewing!
Using fruit juice concentrates in brews can add unique flavors and aromas to your beer. However, it’s important to use these concentrates thoughtfully to achieve the desired balance and avoid overpowering the beer’s profile. We recommend ordering a free juice concentrate sample to get started. We also recommend talking to a Northwest Naturals flavor expert to guide you in the process. We love seeing your flavor goals come to life, and it would be an honor to help you get there!
So, are you ready to create your next bestseller? Contact us today!