When it comes to beers that incorporate orange peel, there are several options available. One popular choice is pale ales, which can benefit from the addition of sweet orange peel to enhance their citrusy character. By adding the orange peel to the wort during the last 5 minutes of the boil, you can infuse the beer with a rich orange aroma that complements the hop flavors.
Belgian beers also often feature orange peel as an ingredient, particularly in styles like Witbier or Belgian Tripel. The addition of orange peel adds a refreshing and zesty twist to these already flavorful brews. The combination of the spicy Belgian yeast and the citrus notes from the orange peel can create a harmonious and complex flavor profile.
Wheat beers, such as Hefeweizen or American Wheat, can also benefit from the addition of orange peel. The bright and fruity flavors of the orange peel can complement the wheat beer's natural banana and clove characteristics, creating a refreshing and well-balanced brew.
If you want to take it a step further, you can even add orange peel to a beer that already uses citrusy and juicy hops. For example, our Cascade Single Hop IPA or New England IPA can be enhanced with the addition of orange peel. This combination can create a burst of citrus flavors and aromas that tantalize the taste buds.
Personally, I have experimented with adding orange peel to a variety of beers, and I have found it adds a delightful twist to the overall flavor profile. For instance, I once brewed a Belgian Witbier and used freshly grated sweet orange peel during the boil. The result was a beer with a bright and zesty orange aroma that perfectly complemented the spicy and fruity yeast character. It was a hit among my friends and a beer I continue to brew to this day.
There are numerous beer styles that can incorporate orange peel for added complexity and flavor. Whether it's in pale ales, Belgians, wheat beers, or even hop-forward IPAs, the addition of orange peel can elevate the overall drinking experience by bringing out delightful citrus notes. So don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with orange peel in your next homebrew!
