Weird beer is something that can’t be avoided. For as long as there are brewmasters, there will be brewmasters that get bored one day and say “I wonder if I can make beer out of…”
But it’s one thing to say, make a beer out of vaginal yeast (still not sure if that is real or not) as a novelty, and an entirely different thing to make a weird beer that is actually good.
So without further ado, here are a few weird beers that may seem insane at first, but will actually surprise you with how drinkable they actually are.
Stedji Brewery: Hvalur 2 (Iceland)
Weird ingredient: Let’s get this out of the way right now, it’s whale testicles. But not just any whale testicle, sheep dung-smoked whale testicles from a Fin-whale.
Taste: I was handed this beer after some friends went to Iceland. I wasn’t told about the weird factor until about half-way through, and to be honest I could taste a little odd saltiness to the ale. But the reality is, even after knowing what was in it, I still finished the bottle.
Verdict: Once you’re past the “ick” factor, a well made amber ale.
Wynkoop Brewing: Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout (Colorado)
Weird ingredient: So you read the first and said “man those Icelander’s are nuts! We’d never drink anything like that in North America.” Well you’re right; we don’t have whale testicles, we’ve got bull testicles, 25 pounds of them to be exact.
Taste: This is a bold stout. Exceptionally viscous with a rich brown/black color, a balanced mouthfeel and deep flavors of chocolate, espresso and nuts (no pun intended).
Verdict: Apparently testicles are good for beer, this is one of their best seasonal releases.
Right Brain Brewery: Mangalista Pig Porter (Michigan)
Weird ingredient: Moving on from testicles, next up is pig. This porter is brewed with real smoked pig heads and bones.
Taste: This beer legitimately put Right Brain on the map. Honestly it tastes exactly as advertised, it’s like drinking smoked pork or liquefied bacon.
Verdict: Fan of bacon? You’ll be a fan of this beer.
Tofino Brewing: Kelp Stout (British Columbia)
Weird ingredient: Stepping away from animal parts for the moment, this stout is brewed with fresh kelp from the Pacific Ocean.
Taste: Apparently stouts and porters are forgiving with weird ingredients. Notes of chestnut, chocolate and of course salt are present, making it a very umami like beer.
Verdict: A strong salty stout that will make you think of the sea.
Mamma Mia Pizza Beer: Seefurth Brewing (Illinois)
Weird ingredient: According to the Seefurth’s, who started as homebrewers, it’s an entire margarita pizza put into a beer.
Taste: This should come as no surprise but it tastes exactly like pizza. Notes of oregano, basil, tomato and garlic are heavily present.
Verdict: It’s a beer that is a pizza, man if it isn’t an amazing time to be alive. Just don’t drink more than one.
Ale/Sessions 