“Aluton” – Ossetian beer of thick consistency, brewed according to ancient technologies. In terms of strength and taste, the low-alcohol drink is close to kvass. The brand is produced by a small brewery in Vladikavkaz, which belongs to the individual entrepreneur Dzampaeva M.R. “Aluton” is considered a local gastronomic attraction; guests of the capital of North Ossetia buy it with pleasure.
History of Ossetian beer
Ossetian beer is an indispensable attribute of weddings, holidays and religious ceremonies in the republic. Its appearance is associated with a beautiful legend that exists among the people. Once a hunter saw a dove that was pecking at barley grains, a hop cone, and then fell down and stopped moving. The man returned home and told his wife about the incident. She listened and brewed a wort of barley and hops, from which a fragrant intoxicating drink was obtained.
Home-made aluton is widespread throughout Ossetia. Usually they begin to cook it in copper cauldrons over live fire a few days before the onset of the holiday. An indispensable snack is Ossetian pies. A cup with a drink is allowed in a circle after the prayer, which must be recited by the eldest in the family.
In Russia, aluton became famous thanks to Prince Potemkin. The nobleman liked the original taste of beer so much that he ordered to establish its production in St. Petersburg. Although the brewers followed the recipe exactly, they ended up with a drink that was far from the original. The craftsmen achieved success only when all the ingredients were delivered from the North Caucasus.
Beer “Aluton” is made from wheat and barley malt, mixed in certain proportions. Pre-grains undergo heat treatment. Melt water gives the best result. Yeast and hops are added to the wort boiled over low heat and left to ferment for 3-5 days. At the end, the liquid is filtered and sugar is added. The result is an almost black drink with a strength of 1,2%.
Interesting Facts
The custom does not forbid men to brew beer, but in North Ossetia women traditionally do this, as it is believed that malt does not like men’s hands.
Every year, Vladikavkaz hosts the festival of Ossetian beer, where masters of the North Caucasus and other regions of Russia present their drinks. The organizer and sponsor of the event is the brewing company Bavaria.
Characteristics of Aluton beer, 1,2%
It is difficult to call “Aluton” a classic beer due to its low strength and production technology. According to the manufacturer, it is a low-alcohol fermentation drink that quenches thirst and refreshes in the heat. The taste is unusual and full-bodied, with pronounced malt and hop notes. There is a coffee aftertaste at the finish.
It is quite difficult to establish a large industrial production of the drink due to the short shelf life – only 20 days. After the permissible time has elapsed, the liquid foams strongly and becomes unusable. The product is poured into plastic bottles with a capacity of 1,5 liters.
