Unfiltered beer: history, how it is made, what is the difference, what brands to try

Unfiltered beer: history, how it is made, what is the difference, what brands to try

Unfiltered beer has a natural flavor, rich taste, and a large amount of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

It is believed that this drink is good for calming, relaxing, strengthening the immune system and bone tissue, increasing appetite, normalizing metabolism, and helping with insomnia and stress.

A true beer connoisseur should definitely try this version of foamy beer.

History of appearance

In fact, "live" beer has no interesting legend. It appeared long before the invention of filtered beers.

All types of foamy beers were originally unfiltered, starting with the primitive beer of ancient peoples and ending with later ales, lagers and stouts.

Therefore, we can say that the "live" intoxicating product was invented in prehistory - probably 2-3 thousand years BC. э.

How unfiltered beer is made

The same ingredients and technologies are used to make unfiltered beverages as for regular lager (malt, hops, water and yeast), and flavoring additives may be added to the recipe.

Just like classic beer, unfiltered beer is produced using bottom or top fermentation methods. The only difference is the absence of the last stages: additional filtration and pasteurization.

It is a mistake to believe that "live" beer is not filtered at all. In this case, it would be impossible to drink it because of the overly pronounced yeast flavor.

Unlike other types of beer, unfiltered beer undergoes a single, not multiple, purification. Usually it is passed through a diatomaceous earth filter, which eliminates the unpleasant aftertaste, but retains the beneficial properties and part of the yeast sediment.

As an alternative, clarification (separation) in a centrifuge can be used.

Ordinary beer undergoes a double purification with a cardboard filter that removes the smallest particles of yeast fungi, and pasteurization.

You can try varieties that have not even been pre-filtered only at the brewery: they are not on sale.

What is the difference between filtered and unfiltered beer?

  1. Shelf life

    An unfiltered drink has a much shorter shelf life: no more than 2 weeks.

    While regular beer can be stored for months without any problems.

    In addition, the "live" product is spoiled by daylight, so it is bottled in dark bottles and kept away from sunlight.

  2. Consistency

    Due to the presence of yeast sediment, "live" beer continues to ferment and has a cloudy appearance. Filtered beer is characterized by purity and transparency.

  3. Calorie content and health benefits

    "Live" drink is more caloric, natural and nutritious.

  4. Taste

    Unfiltered beer has a richer, brighter, deeper bouquet. Filtered varieties have a light, slightly pronounced, "standardized" taste.

What unfiltered beer brands are worth trying

Brands of unfiltered beer

The best "live" beer is produced in Germany, Holland, and Belgium. Popular brands:

  1. Erdinger

  2. Franziskaner

  3. Paulaner

  4. Hoegaarden

  5. Liebenweiss

  6. Dingslebener

  7. Krombacher

  8. Flensburger

  9. Asterie

  10. Der Hirschbrau

  11. Leffe

You may also be pleasantly surprised by the craft unfiltered beer options in your city.

Update: 29.07.2019

Category: Beer, Cider, Ale

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