Have you ever experienced a beer of nobility? Doesn’t it sound awesome? You may have already had the pleasure of enjoying a few of them.
There are a few hops that are known as noble hops, but unfortunately, they aren’t regal or aristocratic. The term “noble hop” actually comes from a 1980s marketing reference for select hops grown in the continental Europe. I brew with some of the noble hops quite often — especially in lagers and tripels. They are low in bitterness and offer light spicy/floral aromas.
There is a balance between malt and hops that affects the flavor experience of beer. All beers have hops, but you may not really taste them. IPAs and other hop-forward beer styles are meant to spotlight hops with hop flavor, aroma and bitterness. Other styles use the hop bitterness to balance the malt, sparing you from imbibing a dull — and very malty — sweet liquid. Vicious Fishes Brewery in Angier has quite a tasty Pilsner with their Octo Pils. Refreshingly clean and crisp, this Bohemian Pilsner has a light malt character that is slightly sweet and robust in flavor.
This style of beer pairs really well with seafood and shellfish. Vicious Fishes offers Vicious Fish and Chips featuring fish dipped in batter made with the Pilsner. This is a great example of a beer that complements the food — a light beer with the light flavors of the fish. The two balance each other and is a win-win for your palate!
Vicious Fishes has three locations to enjoy in the Triangle: The Brewery in Angier, the Apex Taproom and Biergarten, and the Fuquay NC Tap & Kitchen. At the Fuquay location you can enjoy not just the beer and food pairing above, but a lot more you can discover for yourself.
- Rhythm and Clues
- Road Trip to Pinehurst Leads to More Than Golf
- A View of North Carolina’s Historic Lighthouses
- The Arts Shine in Downtown Sanford
- Nonprofit Spotlight: Chinese American Friendship Association
- Big Little Gardens
- Small Business Spotlight: Campbell Road Nursery
- Garden Adventurer: A Tale of Two Pretties
- Worth the Drive: Saxapahaw General Store
- Liquid Assets: Octo Pils from Vicious Fishes Brewery
- Liquid Assets: Grateful Dead from Mellow Mushroom
- Liquid Assets: 3 Day Vacay!
