by Mike Retzlaff
Variety can be the spice of life or grounds for divorce. However, in the world of beer, variety is socially acceptable and expected. In certain beers, the use of spices can be the difference between the mundane and something really special. There really is a variety of suitable additives to enhance our favorite beverage. You don’t need to be satisfied with just coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg. The following ingredients are, among others, approved by the FDA as natural and artificial flavorings for use in beer.
benzyl propionate ginger methyl anthranilate
borneol ginsing extract monosodium glutamate
calcium chloride glycerin or glycerol nutmeg
citral grapefruit oil orange flowers
citric acid hexanal propyl alcohol
citronellol hexanol quassia extract
cis-3-hexanol isoamyl acetate quillaia
cognac oil isopulegol sodium chloride
corn syrup jasmine oil sodium citrate
ethyl acetate lactic acid styralyl acetate
ethyl acetoacetate lactose sucrose
ethyl alcohol lemon oil sucrose otaacetate
ethyl butyrate licorice tartaric acid
ethyl oenanthate lime oil undecalactone
ethyl propionate malic acid yerba santa
ethyl vanillin menthol yucca mohave
So there you go, boys and girls. It’s just like discovering a new paint set or chemistry kit under the Christmas tree! Imagine what you could do to a Wit, Winter Warmer, or Saison by applying just some of these ideas!
Even though there are a few in this listing which sound like ingredients in carburetor cleaner, rocket fuel, or floor stripper, they’re all FDA approved. Throw caution to the wind and get out there and have some fun. Surprise your friends and astonish your fellow CCH members with your latest creation at an upcoming meeting!
(I’m not really sure about the menthol . . . what style of beer would it enhance?)
Crescent City Brew Talk 