Glitter beer, also known as edible glitter beer, is a unique and visually appealing beverage that has gained popularity in recent years. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on what exactly glitter beer is and how it is made.
First and foremost, it's important to clarify that glitter beer is not brewed with actual glitter. Instead, brewers add a food-grade, FDA-approved dust to the kegs as they are filled with beer. This dust is made from a combination of sugar, maltodextrin, and mica-based pearlescent pigments, which give the beer its shimmering appearance.
The process of making glitter beer starts with brewing a regular batch of beer using traditional ingredients such as water, malt, hops, and yeast. Once the beer has completed the fermentation process and is ready to be kegged, brewers can choose to add the edible glitter dust to enhance its visual appeal.
The glitter dust comes in various colors, allowing brewers to experiment and create a wide range of vibrant, sparkling beers. It is important to note that the glitter itself is tasteless and odorless, so it does not affect the flavor or aroma of the beer.
To incorporate the glitter into the beer, brewers carefully sprinkle or dust the desired amount of glitter powder into the keg as it is being filled. The carbonation and movement of the beer within the keg help distribute the glitter particles evenly throughout the liquid, creating a mesmerizing effect when poured into a glass.
It's worth mentioning that glitter beer is purely a visual enhancement and does not alter the beer's taste or texture. It is simply a fun and creative way for brewers to add an extra touch of excitement to their products, especially for special occasions or events where presentation and aesthetics play a significant role.
While glitter beer has gained popularity in the craft beer scene, opinions about it are divided. Some beer enthusiasts appreciate the visual allure and novelty factor that glitter beer brings to the table, while others argue that it distracts from the beer's true essence and craftsmanship.
Glitter beer is not brewed with actual glitter but rather with a food-grade, FDA-approved dust that adds shimmer and sparkle to the beer. It is a purely visual enhancement that does not affect the beer's taste or aroma. Whether you appreciate glitter beer as a fun and eye-catching beverage or prefer to focus solely on the beer itself, it certainly adds a touch of whimsy and creativity to the brewing world.