Unfiltered beer: history, how it is made, what is the difference, which brands to try

Unfiltered beer has a natural aroma, rich taste, a large amount of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

It is believed that such a drink calms, relaxes, strengthens the immune system and bone tissue, increases appetite, normalizes metabolism, and helps with insomnia and stress.

A true beer connoisseur should definitely try this foamy version.

The story of

In fact, “live” beer has no interesting legend. It appeared long before the invention of filtered varieties.

All types of foam were originally unfiltered, from the primitive beers of the ancient peoples to later ales, lagers and stouts.

So we can say that the “live” hop product was invented in the prehistoric period – presumably 2-3 thousand years BC. e.

How unfiltered beer is made

For the manufacture of an unfiltered drink, the same ingredients and technologies are used as for a regular lager (malt, hops, water and yeast), additional flavors may be included in the recipe.

Just like classic beer, unfiltered beer is produced by bottom or top fermentation. The difference lies only in the absence of the last stages: additional filtration and pasteurization.

It is a mistake to believe that “live” beer is not filtered at all. In this case, it would be impossible to drink because of too pronounced yeast flavor.

Unlike other types of beer, unfiltered beer goes through a single rather than multiple purification. It is usually passed through a diatomaceous earth filter, which removes the off-flavour but retains the beneficial properties and some of the yeast sediment.

Alternatively, clarification (separation) in a centrifuge can be used.

Ordinary beer is also double-cleaned with a cardboard filter, which removes the smallest particles of yeast, and pasteurized.

You can only try varieties that have not even been pre-filtered at the factory: they are not on sale.

What is the difference between filtered and unfiltered beer

1. Shelf life

   An unfiltered drink has a much shorter shelf life: no more than 2 weeks.

   While the usual can be stored for months without problems.

   In addition, the “live” product deteriorates from daylight, so it is bottled in dark bottles and kept away from sunlight.

2. Consistency

   Due to the presence of yeast sediment, the “live” beer continues to ferment and looks cloudy. Filtered is distinguished by purity and transparency.

3. Calorie content and usefulness

   “Live” drink is more high-calorie, natural and nutritious.

4. Taste

   Unfiltered beer has a richer, brighter, deeper bouquet. Filtered varieties have a light, mild, “standardized” taste.

What Brands of Unfiltered Beer Should You Try?

The best “live” beer is produced in Germany, Holland, Belgium. Popular brands:

1. Erdinger

2. Franciscan

3. Paulaner

4. Hoegaarden

5. love white

6. Dingslebener

7. Krombacher

8. Flensburg

9. Asteries

10. The deer brew

11. Leffe

Also, craft options for unfiltered beer in your city can be a pleasant surprise.

Relevance: 29.07.2019

Tags: Beer, Cider, Ale, Types of beer