The Unique Taste of Huck It Beer Explained
From raspberry-flavored beer to regional beers such as Huck It Beer; a huckleberry beer made with berries typically grown in Northwest America, fruit-infused beer has been rising in popularity in recent years. Beers made with huckleberry like the Huck It Beer from Big Sky Brewing have a sweet and fruity twist, making them a favorite for countless beer lovers.
In this blog, we will discuss how the unique taste of Huck It Beer comes about. Let’s dive in, shall we?
The Origin of Huck It Beer
Huckleberry is an important fruit in Montana, used in a wide range of cooking and skin products. Huckleberries are small and round, typically blue, purple, or red. They look similar to blueberries but have a more tart kick. This incredibly versatile fruit is used to make jams, pickles, sauces, and even soaps. Now, let’s explore the story of how Huck It Beer originated.
The Huckleberry Influence
Huckleberries are more than just a fruit to Montana residents, they are a symbol of the connection between the land and its residents. These berries are almost impossible to grow domestically since they require specific high-altitude conditions to thrive. This means that huckleberries are available only during the harvesting season (July-September).
Huckleberry picking has become an annual tradition, and both Montana residents and people from neighboring states flock to the Montana mountains to gather berries and enjoy the mild summers. Because of the berries' unwillingness to be domesticated as well as its wide popularity, the huckleberry has become a symbol of the Montana wilderness.
Big Sky Brewing’s mission to make locally inspired beers led them to this iconic berry, fusing their tried and true brewing methods with the delicate flavors of the huckleberry. This collaboration birthed the Huck It Beer, a craft beer that is infused with the beauty of the Montana wilderness and its history. The beer’s tart and sweet notes make it perfect for the summer and early autumn, reflecting the season when wild huckleberries ripen in the wild.
Both Montana residents and people all across the country appreciate this brew, as the beer’s complex flavor profile is enjoyable even without an understanding of the berry’s significance.
Big Sky Brewing Company’s Story
Initially founded in 1995 in Missoula, Montana, Big Sky Brewing is the largest brewery in Montana. It was initially formed as a ‘draft-only’ brewery, meaning they didn’t make or serve bottled beer. As business boomed, they moved out of Missoula in 2002 to support their transition to producing bottled beers. Big Sky Brewing is a cornerstone of the Montana craft beer scene, exporting its beers to 24 states and producing up to 47000 barrels a year. Their innovative and local-inspired brews such as their Moose Drool Brown Ale and Trout Slayer have earned them countless awards.
The Brewing Process of Huck It Beer
The brewing process of Huck It Beer, like any other Big Sky Brewing creation, begins with carefully choosing the perfect ingredients. The prime ingredient in Huck It Beer, the huckleberry, is sourced straight from the Montana wilderness, in mountainous forests. Picked fresh off the bush, the sweet, slightly sour taste of the fresh berries is complemented smoothly by the malt and hops. The beer ranks a 10 on the IBU scale (International Bitterness Unit), and the overall taste profile of the beer is light and fruity. Incorporating huckleberries into the beer is a tricky process, as a careful balance between the flavors of the base beer and the fruity notes of the berries needs to be maintained.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect
The Huck It Beer is a lovely pale shade of amber. The huckleberries also create a violet hue that darkens the beer slightly. The complex flavor profile of Huckleberry beer reveals itself when you bring the glass to your nose. A burst of fruity sweetness emanating from the ripe huckleberries used in the brewing, followed by a whirling combination of malt sweetness and light hops creates a delightfully sweet and fruity aroma overall.
When you take the first sip of the beer, you may be surprised at the initial burst of fruitiness and a slight floral tinge. The flavors of the huckleberry subside and give way to the gentle and familiar mild bitterness and sweetness of the beer, creating a refreshing experience. It has a smooth, slightly creamy texture and medium carbonation making each sip more delightful than the next. The aftertaste is slightly sweet and lingers briefly, leaving behind a pleasant reminder of huckleberry.
Pairing Huck It Beer with Food
The complex and unique flavor profile of Huck It Beer—that sweet and sour kick—makes it compatible with a wide range of dishes. One dish that pairs beautifully with this beer is grilled meats, especially those with a smoky flavor. The sweetness of the beer draws out the smokiness of the meat and compliments its savory flavors. Similarly, Huck It Beer is a great pair with smoked cheese. The beer washes down the creamy texture of the cheese and refreshes your palate for the next bite, all the while introducing a delicious huckleberry-flavored aftertaste. If you aren’t a fan of sweet and savory combinations, you can pair huckleberry beer with fruity desserts like fruit-flavored cakes, cobblers, and puddings.
You can also make a charcuterie board with Huck It Beer. An aged white cheddar and a creamy, mild brie are perfect to bring out the contrast between the buttery smoothness of the cheese and the bright, refreshing taste of the beer. Other popular charcuterie items you can include in this board are crackers, salami, olives, grapes, or hummus with carrots or celery sticks. You can even create a Montana-themed charcuterie board with items such as bison jerky or local beef slices and sausages. If you have more of a sweet tooth, you can include huckleberries, either fresh or preserved, or other fruits and jams to accompany bread.
Where to Find and Purchase Huck It Beer
If you’re a beer enthusiast or simply curious about Huck It Beer, you can purchase this beer through several online retailers that specialize in craft beers. Although Big Sky Brewing is unable to deliver to certain Southern and Eastern American states, you can have a taste of this unique beer without driving to Montana by shopping from retailers like The Epicurean Trader which offers free nationwide delivery. If you enjoy seasonal craft beers, make sure to check out Big Sky Brewing’s summer special beers, such as the Mango Shake a Day and Summer Honey Seasonal Ale.
Try the Huck It Beer from Epicurean Traders!
The Huck It Beer is a drink that stands out from the crowd, not only because of its flavor but because of its history. This crisp and delicious ale contains the essence of the Montana wilderness and its famed berry, canned and ready to deliver to your doorstep. Huck It Beer is the perfect drink for everyone, whether you’re a curious beer fanatic, someone who typically cringes at the bitter taste of most beers, or a Montana native missing home. Ready to give it a try? Buy this beer now at The Epicurean Trader to get a taste.
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