Beasley Beer: Wheat Or Not Wheat?

Wheat beer is typically a top-fermented ale, with a higher percentage of wheat in proportion to malted barley. It comes in a variety of styles, including German Weizenbier and Belgian Witbier. Belgian Witbier is made with unmalted wheat and spiced with coriander and orange peel, while German Weizenbier is traditionally brewed with a large share of wheat malt. Beasley's Honey White is a wheat beer brewed with Tellicherry black pepper, North Carolina honey, and North Carolina oats. It is designed to be paired with honey-drizzled fried chicken, North Carolina barbecue, spicy food, or local cheeses.

Beasley's Honey White is a wheat beer

Wheat beer is typically a top-fermented ale, brewed with a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley. The two main varieties are German Weizenbier and Belgian Witbier. Wheat beers are usually light in colour, low to medium in alcohol content, and can be cloudy or clear in appearance. They are also often associated with a lack of bitterness, making them easy to drink.

Beasley's Honey White is a Witbier, a variety of wheat beer that is brewed using unmalted wheat and spiced with coriander and orange peel. It is a Belgian-style wheat beer, known for its refreshing and subtle spicy notes.

The Witbier gets its name from the suspended yeast and wheat proteins, which cause the beer to look hazy or white when cold. It is typically brewed with hops and a blend of spices, such as coriander, orange, and bitter orange.

Beasley's Honey White is a unique and delicious take on the Witbier style, incorporating local ingredients and a collaboration with a renowned chef to create a beer that is perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes.

It's a Belgian Witbier

Beasley's Honey White is a wheat beer, specifically a Belgian-style Witbier or Wit. Witbiers are brewed using unmalted wheat, and sometimes oats and malted barley. They are also known as white beers due to their cloudy, pale appearance, which is caused by the high level of wheat used in the mash. Witbiers are traditionally bottle-conditioned and served cloudy, with a thick, foamy head.

Beasley's Honey White is a collaboration between Fullsteam Brewery and Chef Ashley Christensen, a 2019 James Beard winner (Outstanding Chef). It is brewed with Tellicherry black pepper, North Carolina honey, and North Carolina oats. It is designed to pair with honey-drizzled fried chicken, but also goes well with North Carolina barbecue, spicy food, or local cheeses.

The Witbier style of beer dates back hundreds of years but fell into relative obscurity until it was revived by Belgian brewer Pierre Celis in the 1960s. The name Witbier translates to 'white beer' and refers to the beer's bright, cloudy, pale colour. Witbiers are light and smooth, with a creamy flavour. They are often spiced with coriander and orange peel, which gives them a distinct flavour that sets them apart from other wheat beers.

Belgian Witbiers usually have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of between 4.5 and 5.5%, although some sources state that it can be as high as 7%. They are typically served in a tall Weizen glass, which allows for a large, frothy head and showcases the beer's unique aroma. Witbiers are best paired with lighter foods such as salads, cheese, fish, and seafood.

It's brewed with Tellicherry black pepper

Beasley's Honey White is a wheat beer brewed with Tellicherry black pepper, North Carolina honey, and North Carolina oats. It is a Belgian-style Witbier with a lively, fruity, and spicy character. The addition of Tellicherry black pepper imparts a unique flavour and aroma to the beer.

Tellicherry black pepper is a renowned grade of pepper known for its large peppercorns and mature, bold flavour. Sourced from the Malabar coast of India, specifically the region of Tellicherry in northern Kerala, these peppercorns exhibit a complex taste profile with a balance of heat, citrus notes, and a hint of sweetness. The aroma is robust and earthy, with layers of spice and a floral-citrus top note. By grinding the peppercorns just before use, the optimal flavour and fragrance can be experienced.

The Tellicherry peppercorns used in Beasley's Honey White add a distinctive character to the beer. While the exact recipe is not publicly available, it is safe to assume that the pepper contributes to the overall flavour and aroma profile. The pepper likely enhances the spice notes in the beer, providing a subtle warmth and complexity.

When paired with the honey and oats, the Tellicherry black pepper helps to create a well-rounded and unique wheat beer. The beer is designed to complement honey-drizzled fried chicken, North Carolina barbecue, spicy dishes, or local cheeses. The versatility of the beer showcases the ability of Tellicherry black pepper to elevate and complement a variety of flavours.

The use of Tellicherry black pepper in Beasley's Honey White demonstrates the versatility of this spice, which can enhance both culinary creations and craft beers. Its bold flavour and aroma contribute to the overall character of the beer, making it a memorable and enjoyable drinking experience.

It's designed to be paired with fried chicken

Beasley's Honey White is a wheat beer, a type of beer brewed with a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley. Wheat beers are light and refreshing, making them a perfect match for fried chicken. Beasley's Honey White is specifically designed to be paired with fried chicken.

Wheat beers are brewed with a significant proportion of wheat, which can range from 40% to 70%. This gives them a deliciously tart yet citrusy flavour, with fruity, cereal-like aromas and spicy hints from hops. German wheat beers tend to have a fuller body than other styles, while Belgian white beers are often made with raw unmalted wheat.

Beasley's Honey White is a collaboration between Fullsteam Brewery and Chef Ashley Christensen, a 2019 James Beard winner. It is brewed with Tellicherry black pepper, North Carolina honey, and North Carolina oats. The combination of these ingredients creates a beer that pairs perfectly with fried chicken, especially when drizzled with honey.

The beer's unique blend of spices and honey complements the savoury, crispy, and juicy flavours of fried chicken. The black pepper and honey in the beer enhance the spiciness and richness of the chicken, while the oats provide a smooth and balanced mouthfeel.

When pairing beer with fried chicken, it is essential to consider the spices used in the dish and the overall heat level. Wheat beers, like Beasley's Honey White, are an excellent choice as they offer a refreshing and light option that can stand up to the bold flavours of fried chicken without overwhelming it. The carbonation and bitterness of wheat beer also help to cut through the grease and refresh the palate between bites.

It's a collaboration between Fullsteam Brewery and Chef Ashley Christensen

Beasley's Honey White is a wheat beer that was collaboratively created by Fullsteam Brewery and Chef Ashley Christensen, a 2019 James Beard winner for Outstanding Chef. Fullsteam Brewery is a production brewery and tavern inspired by the food and farm traditions of the South. They brew traditional and experimental beers with a Southern sensibility, often incorporating local farmed goods, heirloom grains, and seasonal botanicals. Chef Ashley Christensen, on the other hand, is a renowned chef who has received multiple nominations and awards from the James Beard Foundation, including Best Chef: Southeast in 2014.

The collaboration between Fullsteam Brewery and Chef Ashley Christensen resulted in the creation of Beasley's Honey White, a Belgian-style Wit beer with a unique and distinctive flavour profile. It is brewed with Tellicherry black pepper, North Carolina honey, and North Carolina oats, resulting in a lively and refreshing beer. The use of local ingredients and the expertise of both parties involved in the collaboration has led to the development of a beer that pairs exceptionally well with honey-drizzled fried chicken, North Carolina barbecue, spicy food, or local cheeses.

The partnership between Fullsteam Brewery and Chef Ashley Christensen showcases their shared passion for innovation and their commitment to supporting local producers. By working together, they have created a beer that not only tastes delicious but also celebrates the best of what the region has to offer. This collaboration has brought together the worlds of brewing and culinary arts, resulting in a unique and memorable drinking experience.

Beasley's Honey White has received positive reviews from beer enthusiasts, who appreciate its complex flavour profile and versatility in pairing with different dishes. The beer has become a popular choice for those who enjoy craft beer and are looking for something that pairs well with a variety of cuisines. The collaboration between Fullsteam Brewery and Chef Ashley Christensen has been well-received by the community, and it showcases the potential for future collaborations between brewers and chefs to create unique and exciting beers.

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