When it comes to beers brewed with corn, there are a few notable options that stand out. Two popular Italian beers, Peroni and Nastro Azzuro, are both brewed using a combination of maize and barley malt. This unique blend of ingredients gives these beers a distinct flavor profile that sets them apart from other brews.
Peroni, a well-known Italian brand, has been brewing beer since 1846. Their signature lager is made using a combination of barley malt and maize, which gives it a light and crisp taste. The addition of maize adds a subtle sweetness to the beer, balancing out the bitterness of the hops and creating a well-rounded flavor.
Nastro Azzuro, another Italian beer, is also brewed with maize. This particular beer is a pale lager that is known for its smooth and refreshing taste. The use of maize in the brewing process contributes to its light body and slightly bitter finish. It's a popular choice for those looking for a refreshing beer with a touch of bitterness.
Moving away from Italy, we find KEO beer from Cyprus, which is also brewed with maize. KEO is a well-established brand in Cyprus and has been producing beer since 1951. This beer has a unique flavor profile that is characterized by its bitterness, which can be attributed to the use of maize in the brewing process. The addition of maize adds a distinct bitterness that sets KEO apart from other beers.
It's interesting to note that the use of maize in brewing is not limited to these specific beers. In fact, maize is often used as an adjunct grain in brewing to add fermentable sugars and contribute to the overall flavor profile of the beer. While barley malt is the primary grain used in most beers, the addition of maize can provide additional complexity and depth to the final product.
In my personal experience as a brewer, I have experimented with using maize in some of my own beer recipes. I have found that it can add a subtle sweetness and a slightly different mouthfeel to the beer. It's important to note that the amount of maize used in the brewing process can greatly affect the final flavor, so it's all about finding the right balance to achieve the desired taste.
To summarize, Peroni and Nastro Azzuro are Italian beers that are brewed with a combination of maize and barley malt, giving them a unique flavor profile. KEO beer from Cyprus also utilizes maize, which contributes to its characteristically bitter taste. These beers showcase the versatility of maize as an adjunct grain in brewing, adding complexity and depth to the final product.