Ginger Beard Beer: Where To Buy And Try

Ginger beer is a drink with a strong, spicy, and aromatic flavour, often served chilled or over ice. It is made by fermenting and brewing ginger with water and sugar, and it can be consumed on its own or as a cocktail mixer. While traditional ginger beer was alcoholic, most commercial ginger beers today are non-alcoholic. However, some brands do offer alcoholic varieties, and it is also possible to make your own alcoholic ginger beer at home. Popular brands include Fever Tree, Bundaberg, Fentiman's, Gosling's, and Barritt's, and they can be purchased from retailers like Amazon. One specific variety, Ginger Beard by Wychwood Brewery, is also available for purchase.

Wychwood Ginger Beard beer is no longer being produced

The beer was traditionally crafted, with a natural flavour enhanced by the infusion of root ginger, giving it an earthy taste. It was also noted for its surprising sweetness, with some comparing it to soda or ginger ale. The carbonation was described as low to moderate, and it was considered a good accompaniment to pizzas, Mexican food, and hamburgers.

Despite some mixed reviews, with some drinkers finding it too sweet, others enjoyed its unique flavour and spiciness. Unfortunately, as it is no longer in production, you may have to search for remaining stock or explore alternative ginger beers.

If you are a fan of ginger, there are likely similar beers on the market that can offer a spicy kick and a unique taste experience. You may want to look for craft beers or explore other breweries that specialise in unique or spicy flavours. While the Wychwood Ginger Beard beer may be difficult to find now, there are surely other options to satisfy your craving for a ginger-infused brew.

Ginger beer is a non-alcoholic drink

Ginger beer is a sweetened, carbonated drink that is usually non-alcoholic. However, the answer to whether ginger beer is alcoholic or not is not straightforward. While modern ginger beer is typically non-alcoholic, traditional ginger beer was originally produced by the natural fermentation of ginger spice, yeast, and sugar, resulting in a mildly alcoholic drink.

In the past, ginger beer could be as alcoholic as beer or wine, with an ABV of around 11%. However, during the prohibition era, the production of alcoholic ginger beer declined, and it is no longer as widely consumed. Today, most commercial ginger beers are carbonated with pressurized carbon dioxide and are not brewed using fermentation. These drinks are typically classified as soft drinks and have less than 0.5% ABV, which is the legal limit for a beverage to be considered a soft drink.

Some non-alcoholic ginger beers are made by brewing and then heating the mixture to reduce the alcohol content to below 0.5% ABV. Additionally, some ginger beers may be labelled as "alcoholic ginger beer" to distinguish them from non-alcoholic varieties. These drinks are usually brewed using traditional methods and may have a stronger flavour and higher alcohol content.

Overall, while ginger beer can be alcoholic, it is more commonly found as a non-alcoholic soft drink with a spicy and robust flavour, often enjoyed on its own or mixed in cocktails.

Popular brands of ginger beer

Ginger beer is a carbonated drink that is typically non-alcoholic and spiced. It is made by fermenting a mixture of ginger, sugar, and water with yeast. While it is similar to a root beer soft drink, it is not to be confused with ginger ale, which tends to be less spicy and more of a soft drink. Ginger beer has a robust and sometimes spicy flavour and can be enjoyed on its own or used in cocktails like the Dark'n Stormy or a Moscow Mule.

Maine Root Ginger Brew

This soda company, based in Maine, is committed to using sustainable and organic ingredients. Their ginger blend provides a strong wash of spice with a simple blend of organic, Fair Trade Certified ingredients. It is one of the spicier ginger beers on the market and can be purchased in person at Whole Foods or from other online retailers.

Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer

Goslings is a classic ginger beer, perhaps best known as the essential ingredient for a Dark 'n Stormy cocktail. It has a bit of bite and spice and is considered to have the right amount of zing and flavour for most drinkers. It is also more affordable than other ginger beers. However, it is made with high fructose corn syrup, which may be a con for some consumers.

Reed's Extra Craft Ginger Beer

This Jamaican-style blend has plenty of cane sugar to balance out the ginger. It is rated as "medium heat" and is a good option for those who want a little extra kick in their Moscow Mule. It is widely available and can be found at Trader Joe's, Target, Amazon, and Walmart.

Fever Tree Ginger Beer

Fever Tree's ginger beer offers a surprising amount of spice and is considered a good mixer for rum cocktails. It is made with ginger from the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cochin, India, and does not contain any artificial sweeteners. It can be purchased at major retailers like Walmart, Meijer, Amazon, Target, and local liquor stores.

Q Ginger Beer

Q Ginger Beer is a small can that packs a lot of flavour. It is sweetened with agave and includes extracts of cardamom, orange, lime, chili pepper, and coriander, resulting in a bright and piquant taste. Its smaller size is perfect for mixing a single drink or for those who want a smaller portion. It can be found on Amazon, Target, Thrive Market, Walmart, and more.

Crabbie's Ginger Beer

Crabbie's is an alcoholic ginger beer from Scotland, making it a good option for those who want an alcoholic beverage. It is sweet without a fiery ending and has a rich flavour of caramel and ginger spice. The bottle claims that the ginger is steeped for up to six weeks, adding to the overall flavour. It can be found on Drizly and Total Wine.

Ginger beer cocktails

Ginger beer is a popular mixer for cocktails, adding a fizzy flair to drinks of all kinds. It's also perfect for mocktails! Here are some cocktail ideas that use ginger beer:

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is the most popular of all ginger beer cocktails. It's a classic cocktail that was born in the 1940s and is part of a family of cocktails called a buck, which are made with liquor, ginger ale or ginger beer, and citrus juice. It's bubbly, zingy, and bold, and you can make it with just three ingredients in three minutes.

Ingredients:

• Vodka
• Lime juice
• Ginger beer

Dark and Stormy

Just three ingredients make up this classic, refreshing highball drink: rich, earthy dark rum with vanilla and brown sugar notes, spicy ginger beer, and a tangy lime wedge.

Ingredients:

• Dark rum
• Ginger beer
• Lime wedge

El Diablo

This cocktail flies under the radar, but it's well worth a try. Bold berries, zingy lime, and spicy ginger complement the bite of the tequila in a way that’s indescribable.

Ingredients:

• Tequila reposado
• Crème de cassis
• Lime juice
• Ginger beer

Whiskey Highball

This two-ingredient cocktail originated around the turn of the 20th century and it’s still popular today. It's an easy way to enjoy the flavours in a sip of whiskey. This drink has two variations: one with soda water for whiskey lovers, and one with ginger beer for a more balanced drink.

Ingredients:

• Whiskey
• Ginger beer

Pimm's Cup

This popular British mixed drink is all about bubbly soda and fruity-flavoured gin. It’s so tasty that it’s dangerously easy to sip at lightning speed. It’s also great for entertaining as it only requires a few ingredients and no cocktail shaker.

Ingredients:

• Cucumber slices
• Pimm's No 1
• Ginger beer

Mexican Mule

This tequila-based version of the classic mule is bold, bubbly, and ready to spice up your next gathering. The bite of the tequila combines with spicy ginger and zingy lime, making it impossible not to take another sip.

Ingredients:

• Tequila
• Lime juice
• Ginger beer

Floradora

This beautifully pink drink was inspired by a Broadway show by the same name and dates back to the early 1900s. Raspberry syrup pairs beautifully with lime, gin, and the spicy kick of ginger beer.

Ingredients:

• Gin
• Raspberry syrup (or Chambord)
• Lime juice
• Ginger beer

Gin Gin Mule

Considered a modern classic, this cocktail is a mashup of the Moscow mule and the minty Mojito. The bubbly ginger beer and lime of a mule are balanced by the mint and sweetness of a mojito.

Ingredients:

• Gin
• Lime
• Ginger beer
• Mint
• Simple syrup

Kentucky Mule

One of the most fun ways to drink bourbon is with ginger beer! This cocktail swaps the classic vodka in a Moscow Mule for bourbon. It’s bubbly, bright, and bold, with zingy lime and a spicy whiskey finish.

Ingredients:

• Bourbon whiskey
• Lime
• Ginger beer

Irish Mule

This spin on the classic Moscow Mule is bubbly and light, with a spicy Irish whiskey finish. It’s a good introduction to whiskey and a fun way to make any party more enjoyable.

Ingredients:

• Irish whiskey
• Lime
• Ginger beer

Cider Mule

This seasonal spin on the Moscow Mule is even more fun than the original. It pairs apples and ginger in a bubbly, effervescent mix that looks perfectly cozy nestled in a copper mug.

Ingredients:

• Dark rum
• Apple cider
• Ginger beer
• Lime wedge

How to make alcoholic ginger beer at home

Ingredients:

You will need the following ingredients to make your own alcoholic ginger beer:

• Fresh ginger root
• Sugar (white granulated or turbinado)
• Lemon/limes (optional)
• Jalapeño or chilli peppers (optional)
• Champagne yeast or wine yeast
• Clean soda bottles or glass carboy
• Other equipment: pot, food processor or grater, strainer, funnel, measuring cups and spoons, kitchen towel, rubber band, airlock, and tubing

Step 1: Prepare the Ginger Beer "Plant"

This step involves creating a "plant" or starter culture for your ginger beer by mixing warm water, yeast, and other ingredients. Here's how:

• In a medium bowl, combine 2.5 cups of warm, filtered water (not too hot, as it can kill the yeast) with 1.5 teaspoons of champagne yeast. Stir until dissolved.
• (Optional) Add the juice of one lemon, a sliced jalapeño or chilli pepper for extra spice, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir to combine.
• Pour the mixture into a glass jar large enough to accommodate the liquid comfortably with some extra space.
• Cover the jar with a clean, dry kitchen towel and secure it with a rubber band.
• Place the jar in the warmest area of your house, such as near a heater or a heating vent.

Step 2: Feed Your Ginger Beer Daily

For the next week, you'll need to "feed" your ginger beer culture daily to help the fermentation process:

• Ensure the bottle is slightly warm to the touch; yeast will hibernate if it's too cold or die if it's too hot.
• Remove the towel and add 1 tablespoon each of grated ginger and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
• Replace the towel and return the jar to a warm place.
• Repeat this process every day for a week, treating your ginger beer like a neighbour's dog that you've promised to dog-sit!

Step 3: Bottle Your Ginger Beer

After about a week, you'll start to see small bubbles floating to the surface, indicating that fermentation is underway. Now it's time to bottle your brew:

• Estimate how many plastic soda bottles or glass carboys you'll need to hold your ginger beer. It's recommended to use plastic bottles to avoid the risk of glass exploding due to carbonation.
• Boil enough water to fill the bottles three-quarters of the way full and allow it to cool.
• Dissolve enough sugar in the water to make it very sweet, similar to the sweetness of soda.
• Using cheesecloth, strain the ginger beer plant into a large measuring cup or bowl.
• Using a funnel, add about 1 cup of the plant liquid to each clean, dry bottle. You can adjust the amount depending on your desired strength.
• Add the sweetened water to the bottles until they are three-quarters full, then stir with a chopstick to combine.
• Tightly seal the bottles with their caps and return them to a warm place.

Step 4: Carbonate and Age Your Ginger Beer

At this stage, your ginger beer is still developing its carbonation and flavour:

• Squeeze the bottles once a day to test their carbonation. After a few days, they should be hard to compress.
• When the bottles become impossible to compress, slowly start to unscrew the caps just enough to release the carbonation. Do this whenever you notice the bottles are no longer compressible.
• After about a week and a half to two weeks, the yeast will have consumed most of the sugar in the bottle, and your ginger beer will be ready to taste!
• Open one bottle to perform a taste test. Add more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
• Serve your homemade alcoholic ginger beer ice-cold with citrus garnishes. Enjoy your spicy, boozy creation!

Tips and Variations:

• Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or other spices to create unique flavour profiles.
• If you desire a sweeter ginger beer, you can back-sweeten it with non-fermentable sweeteners like erythritol or stevia.
• To gauge the alcohol content of your brew, consider investing in a hydrometer, which can provide a more precise measurement.
• Always use proper sanitation practices when handling brewing equipment and bottles to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of your beverage.

Frequently asked questions