Brewing Up a Taste of the Past
History and beer – two of my favorite topics. You know what they say, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Well, that’s certainly true when it comes to the world of craft beer. Because as innovative and experimental as today’s brewers may be, they’re really just picking up where their ancestors left off centuries ago.
You see, the roots of craft beer run deep. In fact, some could argue that beer is one of the oldest beverages known to man, with evidence of brewery operations dating back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. And while the specific techniques and ingredients may have evolved over time, the underlying passion and artistry behind crafting the perfect pint has remained a constant.
So, as a self-proclaimed “hop head” and history buff, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the fascinating stories behind some of today’s most innovative craft beers and pair them with their historical counterparts. Because let’s be real – what’s better than sipping on a perfectly balanced IPA while learning about the brewing traditions that paved the way for it?
Bringing Back the Bohemian
Now, let’s start our journey in the heart of Europe, where the Czech Republic has long been celebrated for its world-renowned Pilsner-style beers. And at the center of this rich brewing heritage is the legendary Saaz hop.
Saaz hops have been a cornerstone of Czech brewing for over 700 years, with their distinctive earthy and spicy aroma gracing the likes of iconic beers like Stella Artois. But it’s not just their historical significance that makes them special – these noble hops are prized for their ability to impart a delicate bitterness and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the crisp, clean character of a traditional Pilsner.
Fortunately, craft brewers here in the States have been quick to recognize the magic of Saaz. Case in point: Brewery Vivant’s Farm Hand, a Belgian-style Saison that pays homage to the hop’s Bohemian roots. Brewed with a blend of Saaz and Golding hops, this effervescent farmhouse ale boasts a captivating interplay of earthy, spicy, and citrusy flavors – a true taste of the farmhouse tradition that inspired it.
But the Saaz story doesn’t end there. In fact, one could argue that it’s the US-grown version of this storied hop that’s really piqued the interest of today’s craft brewers. With its slightly spicier and more assertive profile, Saaz US has become a darling among hop-forward ales, lending its unique stamp to everything from IPAs to Pale Ales.
Just look at Sierra Nevada’s Northern Hemisphere Harvest Ale – a fresh-hopped delight that showcases the vibrant, herbaceous character of Saaz US in all its glory. Or Oskar Blues’ Gubna Imperial IPA, where the Saaz US hops mingle with a host of other Northwest varieties to create a dazzling display of citrus, pine, and stone fruit.
So, as you can see, the legacy of Saaz lives on, bridging the gap between the time-honored brewing practices of Bohemia and the innovative spirit of today’s craft scene. And there’s no better way to experience this connection than by pairing a classic Bohemian Pilsner with one of these modern Saaz-centric masterpieces.
Chasing the Freshness of Centuries Past
Of course, the craft beer revolution isn’t just about reviving old-world styles – it’s also about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. And when it comes to harnessing the fleeting magic of freshly harvested hops, today’s brewers are taking a page straight out of history.
You see, back in the day, before the advent of mass-produced, dried-and-pelletized hops, brewers had to work with what they could find locally. And that often meant getting their hands on freshly picked, “wet” hops straight from the bine. The result? Beers that were bursting with a unique, earthy, and almost “vegetal” hop character that you just can’t replicate with processed hops.
Fortunately, the modern “wet hop” movement is giving craft beer enthusiasts a chance to experience this time-honored tradition. And leading the charge is none other than Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., whose Northern Hemisphere Harvest Ale has become a seasonal must-have for hop heads everywhere.
Crafted with freshly harvested Cascade and Centennial hops from the Pacific Northwest, this IPA is a masterclass in balancing the bold, resinous flavors of wet hops with a sturdy malt backbone. The result? A beer that’s both intensely aromatic and surprisingly drinkable – a true reflection of the terroir and the hard work that went into its creation.
But Sierra Nevada isn’t the only one chasing that fresh-from-the-bine magic. Just up the coast, Deschutes Brewery has been wowing fans with their Chasin’ Freshies, a wet-hopped IPA that showcases the vibrant, grassy notes of Cascade and Centennial hops in all their glory.
And let’s not forget the West Coast stalwarts like Smog City and The Bruery, who’ve been pushing the boundaries of wet-hop beers with their innovative offerings. Take Smog City’s Wet Hoptonic, for example – a hop-forward pale ale that blends the earthy, herbal character of freshly picked hops with a clean, balanced finish. Or The Bruery’s Humulus Wet no8, a hoppy lager that pays homage to the centuries-old tradition of brewing with just-harvested hops.
So, as you can see, the quest for that elusive “freshness” is nothing new. In fact, you could argue that it’s one of the driving forces behind the entire craft beer movement. And by tapping into these age-old brewing techniques, today’s hop-loving artisans are not only creating mind-blowingly delicious beers – they’re also keeping the spirit of their ancestors alive, one pint at a time.
Embracing the Dark Side
Of course, the craft beer revolution isn’t just about hops and bitterness. In fact, some of the most fascinating and historically significant beer styles actually come from the darker side of the spectrum.
Take, for instance, the rich, malty world of bock beers. These robust, lager-style brews have their roots in the 13th-century brewing traditions of Einbeck, Germany, where local merchants and tradesmen would stock up on these potent ales to fortify themselves during the long, cold winters.
Centuries later, the bock style has evolved and diversified, spawning a whole family of sub-styles – from the rich, chocolatey Doppelbocks to the crisp, malty Maibocks. And one shining example of this historic lineage is Anchor Brewing’s Anchor Bock, a beer that pays homage to the style’s Teutonic origins while still putting a distinctly American spin on things.
Crafted with a blend of domestic two-row, caramel, and chocolate malts, Anchor Bock delivers a harmonious interplay of toasted, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors. But it’s the spicy, herbal kick of Nugget and Glacier hops that really sets this bock apart, adding a touch of bitterness that cuts through the malt and creates a remarkably drinkable, food-friendly brew.
Of course, no discussion of historic beer styles would be complete without a nod to the grand tradition of English Extra Special Bitters (or ESBs, for short). These malt-forward ales have been quenching the thirst of pub-goers across the pond for centuries, with their subtle hop presence and delicate balance serving as the perfect complement to hearty pub fare.
And when it comes to modern interpretations of this classic style, Beachwood BBQ and Brewing’s Hops of Brixton stands out as a true masterpiece. Brewed with a traditional malt bill of Maris Otter and caramel, this ESB showcases the elegant, earthy character of Kent Golding hops, creating a wonderfully sessionable beer that’s equally at home alongside fish and chips or a juicy steak.
But the craft beer world’s fascination with historic beer styles doesn’t end there. In fact, one could argue that the rise of bold, high-gravity stouts and porters is, in many ways, a modern homage to the pioneering brewers of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Just look at Cigar City’s Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout – a jet-black behemoth that pays tribute to the rich, roasty stouts of yore while incorporating a delightful array of spices and adjuncts that would have left our ancestors scratching their heads. Or Cycle Brewing’s Rare DOS, a whiskey barrel-aged stunner that channels the spirit of those long-ago porter brewers who first experimented with the transformative powers of oak.
So, as you can see, the world of craft beer is truly a tapestry of centuries-old brewing traditions, woven together with the innovative spirit of today’s artisanal visionaries. And by pairing these historic beer styles with their modern counterparts, we not only get to indulge our hoppy (or roasty) cravings – we also get to embark on a journey through the rich, ever-evolving story of beer.
Raising a Glass to the Past (and the Future)
As I sit here sipping on a freshly poured pint of Wynwood Brewing’s Pops Porter – a GABF gold medal winner that pays homage to the classic porter style – I can’t help but marvel at how far the craft beer world has come.
Sure, we’ve made incredible strides in terms of innovation and experimentation. But at the end of the day, the heart and soul of this movement lies in its deep respect for tradition. Because as much as we love to push the boundaries and explore the unknown, we also recognize the importance of honoring the brewing practices and flavor profiles that have stood the test of time.
And that’s why I’m so excited to see brewers like those at The Up & Under Pub carrying on this legacy. By thoughtfully pairing their cutting-edge craft creations with the historic beer styles that inspired them, they’re not only educating and delighting their patrons – they’re also keeping the spirit of brewing alive and well.
So, whether you’re a hop head, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates a well-crafted pint, I encourage you to dive headfirst into this world of Saaz-infused Pilsners, fresh-hopped IPAs, and barrel-aged stouts. Because at the end of the day, the story of beer is the story of humanity – a timeless tale of innovation, tradition, and the enduring power of a good drink shared among friends.
Cheers to the past, and here’s to the future!
