Exploring Wild Ales: A Taste of Icelandic Nature in Every Sip
Wild ales are a unique and exciting category of beer, offering flavors that are strongly connected to nature. Unlike traditional beers that use selected yeast strains, wild ale making relies on wild yeast from the environment, creating brews that are truly one-of-a-kind.
The process of brewing wild ales begins with collecting wild yeast. Brewers often expose wort, the unfermented liquid that becomes beer, to the open air. This allows natural yeast and bacteria from fruits, flowers, and even tree bark to settle in. This technique is ancient, known as spontaneous fermentation and is a cornerstone of wild ale brewing. This method also produces complex flavors that range from tart and funky to fruity and earthy.
In Iceland, where nature plays a vital role in our brewing process, wild ales capture the essence of the local landscape. Each batch we make is in fact a reflection of our surroundings, a specific location, from the wild yeast found in the air from the unique microflora of that area. The result is a beer that embodies the flavour of specific areas in Iceland, offering a unique journey in every sip.
Stay tuned as we continue to develop our wild ales and explore the fascinating possibilities of localized flavour on this small island!