
The History of Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale: A Unique Twist on a Classic Flavor
Blueberry muffins are a classic breakfast treat that have been enjoyed for generations. But what if I told you that there is a brewery out there that has taken this beloved flavor and turned it into a tart ale? Yes, you read that right. Great Notion Brewing has created a Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale that will make you question everything you thought you knew about beer.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the history of this unique twist on a classic flavor. It all started in 2016 when Great Notion Brewing, located in Portland, Oregon, decided to experiment with different flavors for their beers. They wanted to push the boundaries and create something that would stand out in the saturated craft beer market. And that’s when the idea for Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale was born.
The brewers at Great Notion Brewing were determined to capture the essence of a blueberry muffin in a beer. They wanted to create a beer that would not only taste like a blueberry muffin but also have the same aroma and mouthfeel. And let me tell you, they succeeded.
The process of creating this unique beer was no easy feat. The brewers had to carefully select the right ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. They started with a base of wheat and oats, which gave the beer a smooth and creamy texture. Then, they added fresh blueberries, vanilla, and lactose to give it that signature blueberry muffin taste. And to top it all off, they added a touch of lemon zest to give it a tart finish.
But the real secret to this beer’s success lies in the brewing process. The brewers at Great Notion Brewing use a technique called kettle souring, which involves adding lactobacillus bacteria to the wort (unfermented beer) to create a tart and acidic flavor. This process is what gives the Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale its unique tanginess that perfectly complements the sweetness of the blueberries.
When the Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale was first released, it caused quite a stir in the craft beer community. Some were skeptical, while others were intrigued. But once people tried it, they were hooked. The beer quickly gained a cult following, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s like drinking a blueberry muffin in liquid form, and who wouldn’t want that?
Since its initial release, Great Notion Brewing has continued to perfect the Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale. They have experimented with different variations, such as adding cinnamon and maple syrup, to give it a more breakfast-like feel. And each time, they have managed to capture the essence of a blueberry muffin in a beer.
Now, you may be wondering, is this beer actually good? Well, let me put it this way. If you’re a fan of blueberry muffins, you will love this beer. And even if you’re not, you will still appreciate the creativity and skill that went into creating it. It’s a beer that will make you question everything you thought you knew about beer and leave you wanting more.
In conclusion, the Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale from Great Notion Brewing is not your average beer. It’s a unique twist on a classic flavor that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. So the next time you’re in Portland, make sure to stop by Great Notion Brewing and try this one-of-a-kind beer. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Exploring the Flavor Profile of Great Notion Brewing’s Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale
Are you tired of the same old boring beers? Do you crave something unique and flavorful? Look no further than Great Notion Brewing’s Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale. Yes, you read that right, a blueberry muffin flavored beer. And before you roll your eyes and dismiss it as a gimmick, let me tell you, this beer is no joke.
First off, let’s talk about the appearance. This beer pours a beautiful deep purple color, reminiscent of a freshly baked blueberry muffin. And the head? It’s like a dollop of whipped cream on top of your muffin. But don’t let the pretty appearance fool you, this beer means business.
As you take your first sip, you’ll be hit with a burst of blueberry flavor. But not just any blueberry flavor, it’s like you’re biting into a warm, gooey blueberry muffin. The tartness of the blueberries is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the muffin, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. And just when you think it can’t get any better, the subtle hints of vanilla and cinnamon come through, adding another layer of complexity to this already amazing beer.
But let’s not forget about the tart aspect of this ale. The tartness comes from the addition of lactobacillus, a type of bacteria commonly used in sour beers. But don’t let the word “bacteria” scare you off, this beer is not sour in the traditional sense. The tartness is more of a tangy, refreshing quality that complements the blueberry muffin flavors perfectly.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But does it actually taste like a blueberry muffin?” And to that, I say, yes, it does. Great Notion Brewing has somehow managed to capture the essence of a blueberry muffin and infuse it into a beer. It’s like drinking a liquid version of your favorite breakfast treat. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to start their day with a blueberry muffin beer?
But this beer isn’t just a one-trick pony. It has a surprisingly smooth and creamy mouthfeel, making it easy to drink and enjoy. And at 6.5% ABV, it’s not too heavy, making it the perfect beer for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with brunch, as a dessert beer, or just because, this Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale is sure to please.
Now, I know some of you may be skeptical. A blueberry muffin flavored beer? It sounds like something out of a Willy Wonka movie. But trust me, Great Notion Brewing has nailed it with this one. They have managed to take a seemingly crazy idea and turn it into a delicious and unique beer that will leave you wanting more.
But don’t just take my word for it, go out and try it for yourself. Great Notion Brewing has a cult following for a reason, and this beer is just another example of their creativity and skill. So next time you’re in the mood for something different, skip the basic IPAs and stouts and reach for a Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale. Your taste buds will thank you.
How to Make Your Own Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale at Home: A Recipe from Great Notion Brewing
Are you tired of the same old boring beers? Do you crave something unique and flavorful? Look no further, because Great Notion Brewing has the perfect solution for you – their Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale. This beer is a delicious combination of tartness and sweetness, with a hint of blueberry muffin flavor. And the best part? You can make it at home with this easy recipe from Great Notion Brewing.
First things first, let’s talk about the ingredients. You’ll need 6 pounds of pale malt, 1 pound of flaked oats, 1 pound of flaked wheat, 1 pound of honey malt, and 1 pound of lactose. Oh, and don’t forget the 2 pounds of blueberries – we’re not making a regular beer here, we’re making a blueberry muffin beer. And of course, you’ll need some hops – 1 ounce of Citra and 1 ounce of Mosaic. Now, if you’re thinking “Wow, that’s a lot of ingredients,” well, you’re right. But trust us, it’s worth it.
Now, let’s get to the fun part – the brewing process. First, you’ll need to mash the grains in 5 gallons of water at 152 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour. Don’t worry, we’ll wait while you Google what “mash” means. Once that’s done, you’ll need to sparge the grains with 3 gallons of water at 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Again, if you have no idea what “sparge” means, don’t worry, we had to Google it too. Basically, it means to rinse the grains with hot water to extract all the good stuff.
Next, you’ll need to bring the wort (that’s the liquid you just created by mashing and sparging) to a boil and add the hops. Let it boil for an hour, and then add the blueberries. Yes, you read that right – we’re adding blueberries to our beer. This is where the magic happens. The blueberries will give the beer that tart and fruity flavor that we all love.
After the hour is up, turn off the heat and let the wort cool down. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer it to a fermenter and add the yeast. Now, this is where things get a little tricky. You’ll need to let the beer ferment for about 2 weeks, but here’s the catch – you’ll need to add more blueberries halfway through the fermentation process. This will give the beer an extra burst of blueberry flavor.
After the 2 weeks are up, it’s time to add the lactose. This is what will give the beer that creamy and sweet taste, just like a blueberry muffin. Let it ferment for another week, and then it’s time to bottle or keg your beer. We recommend bottling it, because let’s be real, there’s nothing more satisfying than cracking open a cold one that you made yourself.
And there you have it – your very own Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale, just like the one from Great Notion Brewing. Now, we know what you’re thinking – “But wait, what about the recipe for the actual blueberry muffins?” Well, we’ll leave that up to you. We’re a brewery, not a bakery. But we have faith in your baking skills, and we’re sure you can find a great recipe online.
So go ahead, impress your friends with your homemade Blueberry Muffin Tart Ale. And if anyone asks where you got the recipe, just tell them it’s a secret from Great Notion Brewing. Cheers!
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