Brett Beer Style and Hops Varieties Suitable for Funky Brew Aficionados

Reading Time: around 16 min

A Hophead’s Guide to Wild Yeast Magic…

Brett beer, short for Brettanomyces, might just become your newest funky friend in the world of ales. Unlike those clean-cut lagers or the sweet and heavy stouts that might normally catch your eye, Brett beers bring the wild side to your taste buds…

…with their unique, often fruity and sour edge.

That’s as unpredictable as your aunt’s dance moves at family weddings.

With flavors that can range from pineapple-y punch to barnyard chic, these ales are all about the thrill, making them a hit with beer geeks and adventurous drinkers alike.

Now, before you dive into brewing your own bottle of funky freshness, let’s talk hops.

These little green magicians are crucial for nailing the perfect Brett beer.

You’ll want to handpick your hops like you swipe on a dating app. Looking for the ones that complement Brett’s personality. Some popular varieties that tango well with Brett include the citrusy Cascade, the floral East Kent Golding, and the spicy Styrian Golding.

But remember, it’s not just about the type; it’s how you use them. Dry hopping with these can add aromatic layers to your beer that’ll make you feel like a DJ mixing the ultimate flavor track.

Key Takeaways

Brett beers offer a funky, fruity, and sometimes sour flavor that’s far from your average ale.
Selecting the right hops like Cascade, East Kent Golding, or Styrian Golding, is key for a harmonious brew.
Dry hopping can enhance the aromatic complexity of Brett beers, adding depth to their unique taste profile.

Understanding Brett Beer

Get ready to dive into the wonderfully wild world of Brett Beer, where the traditional rules of brewing are tossed out, and the funky yeast takes the wheel.

The Basics of Brettanomyces

So, what’s the deal with Brettanomyces, or “Brett” as you might hear it affectionately called by beer geeks at the bar? It’s a type of yeast, different from the usual Saccharomyces cerevisiae that brewers worship. This isn’t your grandma’s yeast.

Think of Brett as the unruly cousin who shows up and turns the flavor profile upside down. The key to Brett Beer magic lies in its power to ferment and transform. While most yeasts are done after the main event…

…Brett sticks around like the guest who just won’t leave.

Munching on sugars other yeasts ignore, giving Brett beers their unique edge.

Historical Significance and Revival

Back in the day – and I mean waaay back – Brett was the life of the party in all beers, simply because folks didn’t know how to evict it. This wild yeast was present naturally, and people just went with it.

Fast forward to modern times, and you’ve got yourself a beer revolution with Brett making a comeback, not as an uninvited guest, but as the star of the show. Craft brewers have been rummaging through history’s attic, resurrecting this storied yeast…

…to create complex, funky brews that turn heads and raise eyebrows.

Characteristics of Brett Beer

Get ready to tease your taste buds with the funkadelic notes of Brett Beer. You’ll spot one by its telltale funky, sometimes fruity, often barnyard-like aromas. Yeah, barnyard. Like a pastoral painting with a twist. Imagine peaches and hay having a dance-off.

The flavors can range from a zesty citrus tang to a leathery earthiness, catapulting your palate into uncharted territories of complexity. It’s a rollercoaster ride of taste, with twists and turns that can only come from the slow…

…intimate waltz of fermentation that Brett orchestrates over months.

Or even years.

Remember, this beer style’s personality is as wild as the yeast that ferments it.

Hoppy aromas: Earthy, spicy, floral
Malty aromas: Caramel, biscuit, bread crust
IBU bitterness: 20-50 IBUs
Alcohol level: 5-8% ABV
SRM color range: 5-20 SRM

Suitable hops for Brett beers are the ones that complement, not clash. Think of hops that bring their own touch of fruit, floral, or earthy tones to the mix. Varieties like East Kent Golding, Fuggle, or Styrian Golding can add a sophisticated background note.

While the American classics like Cascade, Amarillo, or Citra offer a bolder citrus to partner Brett’s own fruity funk.

In the realm of Brett Beer, expect the unexpected, and savor the ride.

Cheers to the wild side of brewing!

The Hopping of Brett

Buckle up, my friend, because we’re about to hop into the world of Brett beers.

And if you think the world of hops is a jungle, adding Brett just turns it upside down!

Hop Varieties That Play Well With Brett

When you’re on the lookout for hops that can tango with the funky Brettanomyces, think citrus, think fruit, think anything but your grandma’s fruitcake.

Top Picks:

Simcoe: This one’s like the cool kid at the hop party, bringing fruits, pine and a tad of earthiness to the dance floor with Brett.
Amarillo: Bright and orangey, Amarillo whispers sweet nothings into Brett’s funky ear, creating a love story in your beer.
Citra: Citra hops? Think citrus and tropical fruit punch that Brett didn’t realize it signed up for. But absolutely loves.
Mosaic: Here’s a hop that’s as complex as your relationship status, meshing a cocktail of berries and herbs that makes Brett come alive.

Hops Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Oz per gallon	Max of Oz per gallon	Min of Oz per batch [5gal]	Max of Oz per batch [5gal]	Average of Oz per gallon
Citra	Aroma	0.03	0.25	0.16	1.25	0.13
	Bittering	0.05	0.48	0.25	2.39	0.19
	Dry Hop	0.05	0.64	0.25	3.18	0.2
	Flavor	0.03	0.16	0.16	0.79	0.08
	Hopback	0.1	0.1	0.48	0.48	0.1
	Whirlpool	0.03	0.45	0.17	2.23	0.18
Citra Total		0.03	0.64	0.16	3.18	0.17
Saaz	Aroma	0.09	0.43	0.45	2.17	0.19
	Bittering	0.08	0.36	0.42	1.82	0.22
	Dry Hop	0.07	0.84	0.37	4.22	0.32
	Flavor	0.08	0.21	0.4	1.07	0.16
	Whirlpool	0.06	0.3	0.3	1.52	0.15
Saaz Total		0.06	0.84	0.3	4.22	0.2
Mosaic	Aroma	0.08	0.36	0.4	1.82	0.19
	Bittering	0.1	0.2	0.5	0.98	0.16
	Dry Hop	0.09	0.58	0.46	2.91	0.2
	First Wort	0.27	0.27	1.36	1.36	0.27
	Flavor	0.09	0.17	0.45	0.87	0.13
	Whirlpool	0.03	0.48	0.17	2.38	0.21
Mosaic Total		0.03	0.58	0.17	2.91	0.19
Simcoe	Aroma	0.04	0.21	0.2	1.04	0.12
	Bittering	0.05	0.22	0.23	1.11	0.14
	Dry Hop	0.07	0.48	0.35	2.41	0.19
	First Wort	0.05	0.05	0.23	0.23	0.05
	Flavor	0.06	0.18	0.3	0.91	0.11
	Whirlpool	0.07	0.27	0.35	1.34	0.16
Simcoe Total		0.04	0.48	0.2	2.41	0.14
Nelson Sauvin	Aroma	0.09	1	0.45	5	0.28
	Bittering	0.08	0.08	0.41	0.41	0.08
	Dry Hop	0.17	0.53	0.83	2.67	0.21
	First Wort	0.1	0.1	0.48	0.48	0.1
	Flavor	0.2	0.2	1	1	0.2
	Whirlpool	0.18	0.27	0.91	1.33	0.21
Nelson Sauvin Total		0.08	1	0.41	5	0.22

Hops Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Grams per liter	Max of Grams per liter	Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Average of Grams per liter
Citra	Aroma	0.24	1.87	4.76	37.45	0.96
	Bittering	0.37	3.58	7.49	71.54	1.44
	Dry Hop	0.37	4.76	7.49	95.24	1.49
	Flavor	0.24	1.19	4.76	23.81	0.56
	Hopback	0.71	0.71	14.29	14.29	0.71
	Whirlpool	0.25	3.33	5	66.67	1.33
Citra Total		0.24	4.76	4.76	95.24	1.26
Saaz	Aroma	0.68	3.26	13.62	65.12	1.45
	Bittering	0.63	2.72	12.6	54.47	1.69
	Dry Hop	0.55	6.32	11.01	126.32	2.38
	Flavor	0.61	1.6	12.11	32	1.2
	Whirlpool	0.45	2.28	9.09	45.59	1.17
Saaz Total		0.45	6.32	9.09	126.32	1.52
Mosaic	Aroma	0.6	2.73	12	54.55	1.42
	Bittering	0.75	1.47	14.98	29.33	1.17
	Dry Hop	0.68	4.36	13.64	87.26	1.51
	First Wort	2.04	2.04	40.85	40.85	2.04
	Flavor	0.68	1.3	13.62	26.05	0.95
	Whirlpool	0.25	3.57	5	71.43	1.59
Mosaic Total		0.25	4.36	5	87.26	1.45
Simcoe	Aroma	0.3	1.56	5.99	31.2	0.85
	Bittering	0.34	1.67	6.81	33.33	1.01
	Dry Hop	0.53	3.6	10.53	72.05	1.44
	First Wort	0.34	0.34	6.81	6.81	0.34
	Flavor	0.45	1.36	9.09	27.19	0.8
	Whirlpool	0.53	2	10.53	40	1.19
Simcoe Total		0.3	3.6	5.99	72.05	1.06
Nelson Sauvin	Aroma	0.68	7.49	13.62	149.78	2.11
	Bittering	0.61	0.61	12.25	12.25	0.61
	Dry Hop	1.25	3.99	24.96	79.88	1.59
	First Wort	0.72	0.72	14.38	14.38	0.72
	Flavor	1.5	1.5	29.96	29.96	1.5
	Whirlpool	1.36	2	27.23	39.94	1.54
Nelson Sauvin Total		0.61	7.49	12.25	149.78	1.65

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

Balancing Bitterness and Sourness

When bitterness and sourness shake hands in a Brett IPA, it’s not your average business deal; it’s a balancing act on a tightrope.

Keys to Harmony:

Bitter vs. Sour: It’s a throwdown. Aim for equilibrium, or your taste buds will be more confused than a chameleon in a bag of Skittles.
Hops Schedule: Throw those hops into the boil early for bitterness, but save some for later to get those aromatic highs without the bitter lows.

Remember, your taste adventure is unique, so grab these hops and let Brett be your guide through the wilderness. A wilderness that’s bitter, sour, and absolutely exhilarating!

Hopping Recommendations

When you’re brewing with Brett, hops take a backseat like the cool kids on the school bus. You’re not looking to blast your palate into oblivion. You’re here for the groove, the vibe, the je ne sais quoi.

So, what hops do you bring to this funky ferment?

Think subtle, think smooth.

Think hops that won’t crash the party with an electric guitar when everyone’s chilling with the acoustic. You might want to reach for the classic, noble types. Like a bit of Tettnang or East Kent Goldings.

They’re like the smooth jazz of the hop world.

Here’s the lowdown for your 5-gallon batch of Brett bliss. Start with a gentle nod of about 1-2 ounces of Tettnang at the beginning of the boil. This isn’t a hop handshake. It’s more of a respectful nod from across the room.

As you’re nearing the end of the boil, with about 10 minutes left on the clock, why not throw in another 0.5-1 ounce of East Kent Goldings? It’s like adding a dash of spice to a fruit salad.

Just a hint to keep things interesting.

And that’s it! You don’t want to overshadow the star of the show.

Brett’s going to take its sweet time chewing through the complex sugars. Working its funky magic for months, maybe even years. It’s a slow burn, a long con, a marathon dance party in your fermenter.

Brewing Process

You’re up for a ride, fellow brew enthusiast! You’re about to hop into the wild world of Brett beers. Where we transform mere hops and grains into funky, bubbly masterpieces.

Fermenting With Brett

You’ve decided to play with Brettanomyces, sweet. This little microbe is what gives Brett beers their unique flair. Aim for a moderate original gravity; The Brett will need enough food to party, but not so much that it crashes on your couch forever.

Here’s the game plan:

Pitch your Brett strain, like a DJ dropping the beat.
Maintain a steady fermentation temperature that’s just right for your Brett to boogie without burning out.

Aging and Conditioning Techniques

Patience, you must have! Aging and conditioning are where the Brett beer really finds its groove. It’s a long-term relationship, not a speed date.

Oak Aging: Adding wood chips might just be the zesty spice your beer needs. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll be chewing on a barrel.
Bottle Conditioning: This is where the CO2 magic happens! Prime your bottles with just enough sugar for a secondary fermentation feast. Letting the Brett carbonate your brew naturally.

Remember, check the final gravity to ensure it’s stable, so you don’t end up with bottle bombs!

Tips for Homebrewing Success

Here’s the secret sauce for your home-brewed hit:

Sanitize like a germaphobe: Brett is a wildcard that can run amok if you don’t keep it on a tight leash.
Monitor like a hawk: Gravity readings are your best friend. They’ll tell you when the party’s over and Brett has finished its dance.

By juggling these elements just right, you’ll be the maestro of a brew that’s as funky and complex as jazz fusion. Just remember, it’s all about balance. Too much funk might leave you with a beer that feels like it’s arguing with your taste buds.

Keep it cool, and your brew will have the smooth moves of a craft beer Casanova.

[Un]common Add-on Ingredients For Brett

There are also a bunch of additional ingredients you can use to spice up your Brett.

Add-on Name	Min of Oz per gallon	Max of Oz per gallon	Min of Oz per batch [5gal]	Max of Oz per batch [5gal]	Average of Oz per gallon
Flaked Oats	0.18	6.36	0.91	31.79	3.18
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate)	–	0.05	–	0.24	0.02
Calcium Chloride	–	0.06	0.02	0.32	0.02
Flaked Wheat	1.45	14.55	7.27	72.73	3.57
Epsom Salt	–	0.09	0.01	0.44	0.02
Yeast Nutrient	–	0.02	–	0.08	0
Lactic Acid	–	–	–	–	–
Rice Hulls	0.67	2.91	3.33	14.55	1.43
Honey	0.33	14.55	1.63	72.73	3.3
Flaked Barley	1.31	3.51	6.55	17.57	2.13
Flaked Rye	0.67	14.55	3.33	72.73	5.08
Rolled Oats	1.23	16	6.15	80	4.69

Add-on Name	Min of Grams per liter	Max of Grams per liter	Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Average of Grams per liter
Flaked Oats	1.36	47.62	27.23	952.38	23.8
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate)	–	0.35	–	7.04	0.17
Calcium Chloride	0.03	0.48	0.53	9.52	0.18
Flaked Wheat	10.89	108.93	217.87	2,178.66	26.71
Epsom Salt	0.01	0.66	0.23	13.21	0.12
Yeast Nutrient	–	0.12	–	2.3	0.01
Lactic Acid	–	–	–	–	–
Rice Hulls	4.99	21.79	99.86	435.73	10.68
Honey	2.44	108.93	48.89	2,178.66	24.69
Flaked Barley	9.8	26.32	196.08	526.32	15.96
Flaked Rye	4.99	108.93	99.86	2,178.66	38.03
Rolled Oats	9.22	119.83	184.35	2,396.53	35.16

Flavor Profiles and Expressions

Alright, get ready to embark on a taste rollercoaster.

Where Brett beers bring a whole new funk to the game.

The Influence of Malts and Grains

You thought malts and grains were just for breakfast? Think again. These are the unsung heroes in your Brett beer orchestra. A mix of grain varieties like wheat, oats, and especially rye can make your beer belt out a symphony of flavors.

Imagine a slice of freshly-baked rye bread but in liquid form.

That’s the rich, earthy baseline they lay for the Brett’s solo.

Grain	Contribution
Rye	Spiciness, Complexity
Wheat	Silkiness, Body
Oats	Creaminess, Mouthfeel

Identifying Flavor Notes

Your taste buds are about to go on a scavenger hunt for flavors. Ready to play? When you sip that glass of Brett beer, look for that tangy twist of tart green apples dancing with those funky barnyard beats.

These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill beer flavors.

They’re wild, untamed, and unapologetically bold.

Flavor Note	Descriptor
Tart	Sharp, Zesty
Barnyard	Earthy, Musty

Creating Complexity in Brett Beers

Alright, it’s time to don your mad scientist coat because making Brett beers is like a chemistry experiment, minus the risk of blowing anything up. The real magic happens when you mix in just the right type of sugar.

‘Cause guess what?

Brett yeasts munch on those sugars differently, creating layers upon layers of complexity.

It’s pretty much a flavor party, and every sip is an invitation.

So go ahead, brew up a storm.

And watch people’s faces light up with surprise with every gulp of your masterfully crafted Brett beer!

Styles and Recipe Development

Get ready to add some funk to your brewing routine with a wild yeast called Brettanomyces! You’ll discover how to put a spin on classic beers and whip up something entirely new that’ll tantalize your taste buds.

Classic Styles with a Brett Twist

Taking a beloved beer style and adding a dash of Brettanomyces can create a taste sensation. Let’s start with Saison. Traditionally a farmhouse ale, dry and peppery. Inject some Brett and watch it evolve into a complex, earthy…

…and slightly tart symphony in your mouth.

Lambics, already funky and sour, are old pals with Brett. When you invite Brett over to your Lambic party, you’re deepening those wild, fruity, and sour notes that make you smack your lips and ponder life.

On the other hand, if you’re brewing a Pale Ale or an IPA and want to stand out in the craft beer universe, Brett will be your rocket. It can add layers of pineapple or hay-like barnyard bliss.

In a sip, not a shovel.

Experimental and Mixed Fermentations

Mixing it up with Brett is like cooking with a spice you can’t pronounce. Adventurous and a bit risky, but often delicious. Embrace experimentation! Remember, Brett plays well with other microbes, including lactobacillus and pediococcus.

Blending for a funky fest of flavors.

Craft Beer has gotten bold these days, and so can you. Pitch Brett into a beer with fruit or aim for a sour IPA with some hoppy high notes. Every sip promises an unusual blend, leaving your taste buds guessing and your friends impressed.

Crafting Your Own Brett Recipes

Alright, my fellow brew alchemist, it’s time to craft your own Brett masterpiece.

Think of your beer as a canvas and Brett as your quirky, unpredictable paint. Start with a balanced base recipe. Perhaps a simple malt bill with standard hops. Then, choose a Brett strain that suits your groove. Maybe one that imparts tropical vibes.

Or old leather boots charm (hey, some folks like it!).

Keep in mind, Brett’s an attention-seeker and can overshadow subtle hops, so pick bold ones. Aim for varieties known for their fruity or floral aromas that can go toe-to-toe with Brett’s funky punch. Think Citra, Cascade, or maybe Amarillo.

Remember, beer brewing is an art, and with Brett, you’re painting outside the lines while laughing hysterically. Because let’s face it, at the end of the day, you’re just seeing what happens when you let yeast go wild in your garage.

Enjoy the ride and let your taste buds do the talking. Cheers to the funky unknown!

Pairings and Enjoyment

Brett beer isn’t just a beverage; it’s a culinary adventure for your taste buds.

Imagine a fusion of flavors that brings joy to your palate and warmth to your soul.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Picture this: You’ve got a glass of Brett beer in one hand.

Its funky, fruity ambiance begging for a partner in crime.

Now pair that with:

Charcuterie: Bold and daring, just like your weekend plans.
Aged Cheeses: Let the complex flavors of the beer and cheese have their own little party.
Grilled Meat: The smokiness will dance beautifully with Brett’s tropical fruit notes.
Seafood: Something light and fresh to balance that delightful sourness.

Serving and Glassware

Let’s talk strategy.

You’ve got the beer, so now you need the gear:

Goblet Glass: Fancy, right? It’s like giving your beer a throne.
Stemmed Tulip: Nurtures those aromas and flavors and gives you a grip that says, “I got this.”

With every sip, expect a punch of personality in the mouthfeel that makes you want to sip, savor. And maybe even do a little dance. Cheers to your drinking pleasure.

Elevated by the right food and the perfect glass!

Notable Brett Beers and Breweries

Buck up, champ! You’re about to embark on a funky quest through the wild world of Brett beers, guided by the stars of the style.

Benchmark Brett Beers

First off, you’ve gotta try Boulevard’s Love Child No. 1. It’s like a psychedelic rock ballad in liquid form. Complex, bold, and with a tartness that’ll make your taste buds sing. This rebel dances on the edge of wine and beer, all thanks to the Brettanomyces yeast.

Let’s not forget Stone Brewing’s Enjoy After Brett IPA. Picture your IPA getting bitten by a radioactive funk monster and loving it. It’s hoppy, it’s bizarre, it’s a hop-head’s funky daydream, aged to perfection where the Brett does its groovy thing.

Breweries Specializing in Brett

Allagash Brewing Company, your new best friend, is a virtuoso in the Brett performance. These mavens from Maine will hook you up with their Allagash Saison or wild wonders like Coolship Resurgam.

You’ll marvel at how they turn microscopic critters into symphonies of flavor.

Got a thing for the off-kilter and artisanal? Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project has you covered with some of the wildest, brett-centric concoctions. It’s craft brewing turned on its head. Expect bold, imaginative brews that aren’t afraid to walk on the wild side with yeast.

The Future of Brett Beers

You’re in for a wild fermentation ride, because the future of Brett beers is looking funkier than a 70’s disco.

Innovations in Brett Beer Making

You know those mad scientist brewers? They’re cooking up something special with Brett beers these days. New fermentation techniques and blending methods are popping up like hop-cones in spring. It’s safe to say, innovation isn’t just brewing.

It’s fermenting at full tilt.

They’re tossing in everything but the kitchen sink. Think exotic fruit, rare malts, and even zany yeast strains plucked from the shire of God-knows-where.

Are you ready for a tropical punch Brett IPA? Because it’s happening.
Keep an eye out for Brett beer aged in reclaimed spirits barrels: bourbon, rum, you name it!

And let me tell you, these beers are not just conversation starters.

They’re the whole chit-chat.

The Brett Beer Community and Events

Remember when you needed a secret knock to get into a speakeasy? Well, imagine that, but for Brett beer lovers like us. The community is tight-knit and giddy to share the latest Brett concoction. Events are sprouting up as if yeast finally got its social calendar sorted.

Check out the “Brett Fest”: a gathering you surely don’t want to miss, with tap takeovers from the finest funk masters in the land.
Homebrew clubs are getting in on the action, with Brett beer competitions that could knock the socks off a giant.

So, stay tuned and stay thirsty, my friend, because you’ll want to be first in line when these doors swing open.

Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com