Ever notice how some beers get stuck in your head, so much so that you’re still thinking about them many years later?
While doing plant research in Peru in 2010, I had such a beer. Though I was in Peru for the research of medicinal plants, I couldn’t help but try any Peruvian beer that I could find (this was before Peru’s craft beer scene took off, unfortunately). Pilsen, Cusqueña, Cristal, Arequipeña… such beers were everywhere.
But one I really wanted to find was chicha de jora, a traditional corn beer. And in a Cuzco bar with low lighting and a low ceiling to match, I finally found it! Served in a smaller glass, the liquid (and the foam) was a surprising color- pinkish purple! This surprisingly colorful beer had a fruity nose to match, high effervescence, and a distinctly crisp and refreshing taste with maybe a slight hint of tartness from the fermentation. When I asked, I was assured that the fruitiness and color both came from one ingredient, maiz morado, Peru’s purple corn.
I’d never had anything like it, and the thought of that chicha has stayed with me over the last thirteen years. And finally, the chance to revisit this unique libation has occurred – no Delta flight required!
Mayta’s Peruvian Purple Corn Cream Ale
5.4% ABV • 13 IBU
Done in collaboration with Mayta’s Peruvian Cuisine, and using genuine and gorgeous maiz morado in conjunction with Maryland-grown malts, this cream ale is unlike any Milkhouse has ever made. This naturally beautiful red purple color beer is topped with a tempting pinkish head. On the nose, sweet notes of ground maiz and fruit dominate over subtle hints of spice. Delicately hopped with Maryland-grown hops, so as not to overwhelm the star of the show, maiz morado.
The flavor is deliciously crisp, clean, slightly fruity and made to pair well with food- especially the amazing menu at Mayta’s Peruvian Kitchen!
This beer should be available on draft at Mayta’s Peruvian Cuisine starting in January, and a very limited amount of this batch will be sold at Milkhouse’s tasting room (while supplies last).