Beermaker Craig Neuzil of Pivo Brewery in Calmar, Iowa, developed the Decorah Nordic Gruit as a counter to the popular IPAs of the time. This unique beer is made without hops, using a blend of herbs such as black walnut, bay leaf, and juniper for flavor. The Decorah Nordic Gruit has received numerous accolades, including gold medals at major beer competitions like the Great American Beer Festival and the U.S. Open Beer Championship. Gruit is a traditional herbal beer style that predates the use of hops in brewing.
With the resurgence of interest in ancient brewing techniques, breweries like Rock Art Brewery in Vermont have started producing gruit beer, such as their signature Harmony brew. Gruit beer is flavored with a variety of herbs like chamomile, elderberry, and lavender, offering a unique taste profile that differs significantly from traditional hoppy beers. The allure of rare beer styles like gruit has contributed to Vermont’s reputation as a hub for innovative craft beer production.
Historically, herbal beers like gruit were popular before the widespread adoption of hops in brewing. Theories suggest that gruit fell out of favor due to its association with mind-altering effects or perceived aphrodisiac properties that conflicted with cultural norms. The introduction of hops to brewing led to the disappearance of gruit, as exemplified by the Bavarian beer purity law of 1516, which mandated that beer only be made with water, malt, and hops. However, the book “Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers,” by Stephen Harrod Buhner, reignited interest in gruit brewing in the late 20th century.
Gruit beer offers a different tasting experience compared to hop-forward beers, with herbal and botanical flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates. The blend of herbs used in gruit brewing provides a balanced and complex flavor profile, with some likening it to apple pie or tea. Breweries like Rock Art Brewery have experimented with different herb combinations to create unique gruit beers that stand out in the craft beer market.
The substitution of herbs for hops in brewing is a historical inaccuracy, as hops were initially introduced as a replacement for the traditional herb blends used in gruit. Hops became the predominant flavoring agent in beer due to their preservative qualities and bitter taste profile, which complemented the sweetness of malted barley. The resurgence of gruit brewing in the modern craft beer scene highlights a return to ancient traditions and a desire for more diverse and innovative beer styles.
Overall, the popularity of gruit beer among brewers and beer enthusiasts reflects a growing appreciation for historical brewing methods and unique flavor profiles. By rediscovering ancient beer styles like gruit, breweries can offer consumers a taste of the past while showcasing their creativity and craftsmanship. As the craft beer industry continues to evolve, innovations like gruit brewing contribute to a more diverse and exciting beer landscape for enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
