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31. Alternative Fermentables Beer

31A. Alternative Grain Beer

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BJCP Explorer Style Profile

Official BJCP guideline sections attached for full style exploration.

Style code
31A
Category
31. Alternative Fermentables Beer
Cicerone exam alignment
Not listed in Certified or Advanced Beer Styles sections
Source
BJCP 2021 Beer Style Guidelines

Overall Impression

A base beer enhanced by or featuring the character of additional grains. The specific character depends greatly on the added grains.

Aroma

Same as base beer style. The added grain will lend a particular character, although with some grains the beer will simply seem a bit more grainy or nutty, and some may have a relatively neutral character.

Appearance

Same as base beer style, although some additional haze may be noticeable.

Flavor

Same as base beer style. The additional grain should be noticeable in flavor, although it may not be necessarily identifiable. Some grains add an additional grainy, bready, or nutty flavor, while others simply enhance the flavor of the base beer. Some grains add a dryness to the finish.

Mouthfeel

Same as the base beer, although many additional grains (e.g., oats, rye) increase body and viscosity, while some (e.g., GF grains) create a thinner beer.

Comments

The additional grain should be apparent somewhere in the sensory profile. If the alternative grain does not provide a noticeable distinguishable character to the beer, enter it as the base style. This style should not be used for styles where the alternative grain is fundamental to the style definition (e.g., Rye IPA, Oatmeal Stout, Rice- or Corn-based International Lager). Note that sake is not beer, and is not intended for this category.

Commercial Examples

Blue/Point Rastafarye Ale, Green’s Indian Pale Ale, Lakefront New Grist, New Planet Pale Ale, Rogue Morimoto Soba Ale, Voodoo Swimming Jeans

Style Attributes

specialty-beer