Back to Styles

Experimental Beer

Style Stats

Original Gravity

1.076 — 1.120

Final Gravity

1.016 — 1.020

ABV

7.0% — 11.0%

IBU

7 — 15

Color

4 °L —
22 °L

Impression

Varies, but should be a unique experience.

Appearance

Varies.

Flavor

Varies.

Aroma

Varies.

Mouthfeel

Varies.

Comments

This style is the ultimate in creativity, since it cannot represent a well-known commercial beer (otherwise it would be a clone beer) and cannot fit into any other existing Specialty-Type style (including those within this major category).

History

A traditional production method that is rarely used by major breweries, and usually only with specialty products. Quite popular with modern American craft breweries looking for new, distinctive products. Oak cask and barrels are traditional, although other woods can be used.

Ingredients

Varies with base style. Aged in wooden casks or barrels previously used to store alcohol (e.g., whiskey, bourbon, port, sherry, Madeira, wine, etc). Fuller-bodied, higher-gravity base styles often are used since they can best stand up to the additional flavors, although experimentation is encouraged.

Comparison

Like a fruit, herb, spice, or wood beer, but sour and/or funky.