Exploring Hippie Beer Choices: What's Their Brew?

The drinking habits of hippies have been a topic of interest for many, with some sources claiming that real hippies drink beer made from tree branches. This unique beer variety, such as the Meewasin 80 ale crafted by Prairie Sun Brewery, is not just a novelty but also carries an eco-friendly message, with proceeds going towards expanding the Meewasin Trail in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Aside from tree branch beer, other beer choices associated with hippies include those with hemp seeds, like the Humboldt Brown Ale and the Dubhe Imperial Black IPA. Additionally, the 1960s saw the rise of hippies who embraced Ripple, an artificially flavored, lightly carbonated sweet wine drink, as their drink of choice, rebelling against the preferences of their parents' generation.

Beer made from tree branches

If you're a hippie, or you're looking for a beer to impress your hippie friends, then you might be interested in a unique brew: beer made from tree branches. Yes, it exists! And it's not just one brewery experimenting with this idea. There are a few different breweries that have created beers using tree branches and other tree parts, like bark and sap.

One example is the Meewasin 80 beer, made by Canadian brewery Prairie Sun Brewery. This beer is brewed with branches from local pine and spruce trees, which the brewers say adds a special sweetness and aroma to the beer. It's described as a light and refreshing beer with some citrusy, earthy, and woody flavours. Plus, it's for a good cause: all proceeds from the beer go towards expanding the Meewasin Trail in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, adding 10 miles to connect two public parks.

Another brewery, Scratch Brewing Company in Illinois, has also experimented with tree-based beers. They've created beers made entirely out of trees, including maple beer made with sap instead of water, oak beer flavoured with fermented acorns, and hickory beer made with bark. They've also brewed beer using a hollowed-out log, or kuurna, fitted with juniper branches to filter the wort from the mash, a traditional Finnish method for making sahti.

If you're looking for a truly unique beer experience and want to taste the essence of nature, then these tree-based beers might be worth seeking out. They offer a chance to capture the taste of the forest and the great outdoors in a glass.

For those who want to take their hippie beer experience even further, there are also beers made with hemp seeds, like the Humboldt Brown Ale from Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. in Weed, California, and the Dubhe Imperial Black IPA from Uinta Brewery in Utah. So, whether you're a nature lover or just looking for something different to sip on, these beers made from tree branches and other natural ingredients offer a one-of-a-kind drinking experience.

Hemp Ale

Hemp beer is not brewed from direct hemp but instead uses hemp products such as seeds as a later flavour addition. Breweries follow a basic guide of water, hops, barley or malt, and yeast for their brews, which is based on current German beer purity laws. The addition of hemp to hops-based beers will maintain a complementary, yet distinct, flavour. Most hemp beers are hopped and then hemped at some point in the process, with the hemp typically being added after the boiling process. The brew is then allowed to sit for several weeks to enable the yeast to ferment and the hemp to infuse.

In the United States, hemp is defined by the 2018 Farm Bill as containing no more than 0.3% THC, which is not enough to be psychoactive. Breweries in the US are experimenting with adding hemp to their brews, and the plant's robustness and usability mean that several parts of hemp can be used as an additive during the brewing process. This includes the hemp flower, leaf, extract, seed oil, hearts, and fibres.

Hemp beers have been described as having an "herbal flavour", "caramel" tastes, and a "stickily sweet and lightly bitter finish".

Beer from Weed, California

If you're a hippie with a penchant for beer, you might want to try some brews from Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. in Weed, California. Yes, the town is called Weed, and the brewery makes no apologies for this—in fact, it embraces the name with the tagline "Drink Legal Weed" and "Celebrate Weed!" emblazoned on its beer caps.

Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. offers a range of beers that are perfect for those who enjoy a mountain-high trip to hop heaven. Their beers are dank with Centennial and Simcoe hops, providing a unique flavour that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine sipping on a crisp, refreshing beer while taking in the breathtaking views of the California mountains. It's an experience that combines nature and indulgence.

One of their standout beers is the Humboldt Brown Ale, originally packaged as Hemp Ale. This beer is brewed with hemp seeds, which, according to Bob's Red Mill, have "a pleasant nut-like flavour and creamy texture." The seeds add a nutty and earthy dimension to the beer, resulting in a smooth and satisfying drinking experience. Picture yourself kicking back with a cold Humboldt Brown Ale, the nearby mountains a hazy backdrop to your relaxed state of mind.

But wait, there's more to Weed, California, than just Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. The town itself is worth exploring, with its unique charm and, of course, its namesake. Weed is located in Siskiyou County, nestled among stunning natural landscapes. The town's proximity to Mount Shasta, a majestic volcano, gives it a mystical aura. So, after sampling the local brew, you can venture out and explore the majestic mountains, lush forests, and maybe even spot some wildlife.

So, if you're a hippie seeking beer-fuelled adventures, Weed, California, is the place to be. Grab a six-pack from Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. and embark on a journey of flavour and exploration. Remember to enjoy responsibly and always be mindful of your surroundings, both natural and urban. Cheers to good beer and good times, my fellow hippies!

Dubhe Imperial Black IPA

The name "Dubhe" comes from Utah's Centennial Star, a star classified as a Red Giant. The star appears orange in colour and is found at the top end of the Big Dipper's spoon. This unique name and its intriguing origin make Dubhe stand out in the crowded craft beer market.

In terms of taste, Dubhe offers a range of flavours that will delight beer enthusiasts. The combination of roasted malts and hops creates a smooth, full-bodied taste with notes of coffee, vanilla, and pine. Some drinkers have also detected hints of molasses, roasted cacao beans, and espresso, adding to the complexity of this beer.

The appearance of Dubhe is just as impressive as its flavour. It pours a black body with a creamy foam head, resembling a porter. The aroma is a delightful blend of toasted malt and herbal, spicy hop accents. The carbonation is medium-to-full-bodied, contributing to a well-rounded mouthfeel.

Overall, Dubhe Imperial Black IPA is a unique and intriguing beer that offers a complex and layered drinking experience. With its unusual ingredients, carefully crafted flavour profile, and captivating name, it is sure to be a favourite among those who appreciate a well-made craft beer.

Wine coolers

While there are no wine coolers that are specifically marketed towards hippies, the following options may appeal to hippies due to their natural ingredients and low environmental impact.

Firstly, there is the Meewasin 80 ale, brewed by Prairie Sun Brewery in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This beer is made from the branches of spruce and pine trees and was created to help expand the Meewasin Trail in Saskatoon, with all proceeds from the beer being donated to this cause. With its earthy, herbal notes and woodsy flavours, it embodies the hippie spirit of connecting with nature.

Another option is the Hemp Ale, now known as the Humboldt Brown, brewed with hemp seeds. This beer offers a pleasant nutty flavour and a creamy texture, providing a unique drinking experience that aligns with the hippie culture's interest in natural, plant-based products.

For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness, the traditional wine cooler is an option. Wine coolers are typically made by combining wine with fruit juice and a carbonated beverage, resulting in a refreshing and fruity beverage. While commercial distributors have been selling bottled wine coolers since the early 1980s, you can also make your own at home. This allows you to choose the ingredients and control the sugar content to suit your taste preferences.

When it comes to storing your wine coolers or other beverages, a wine cooler refrigerator can be a worthwhile investment. These appliances ensure your drinks are stored at the optimal temperature and can also showcase your collection in style. For those who take their wine seriously, a wine fridge can be a great way to protect their investment and ensure their drinks are always ready to be served at the perfect temperature.

In conclusion, while there may not be specific wine coolers marketed towards hippies, the beer options mentioned above, along with the option of creating your own wine coolers, can provide a natural and refreshing drinking experience that aligns with the hippie lifestyle. Additionally, investing in a wine cooler refrigerator can help you store and serve your beverages at their best.

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