Carlsberg has created a new beer, the first in the world to only use Fonio grains without any bittering hops or barley. Brewed in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery, the ancient West African grain Fonio is both drought-resistant and can thrive in poor soils. It’s been a staple ingredient in West Africa for over 5,000 years and is widely used in African cooking.
The collaboration aims to celebrate Fonio and its untapped brewing potential and ability to drive positive change in the industry.
To celebrate the launch, Carlsberg has teamed up with Adejoké Bakare of Michelin-starred restaurant, Chishuru to create a unique five-course tasting menu, to showcase the impressive pairing capabilities of Fonio beer.
The ancient West African grain Fonio has been a staple ingredient in West Africa for over 5,000 years…
Adejoké Bakare creates unique Fonio beer pairing menu at Chishuru
To celebrate this ancient grain, and pay homage to its West African roots, the pairing menu at Chishuru features a chicken wing glazed with Fonio beer and stuffed with chicken breast, spinach, uda, uziza and served with a scotch-bonnet sauce, a goat tartare served with sour cream, fonio and mushroom shitto and of course, the restaurant’s famous fonio ice cream.
Brewed in the Carlsberg Research Laboratory, the beer is said to offer aromas of apricots, white peaches, and melon. Chef Bakare describes the beer as “fruity but with a hint of bitterness.” The ABV is 7.5%.
The five-course menu will be available at Chishuru on August 6. Tickets are available to purchase fromChishuru’s website.
The unique Fonio bottle design was created by Kevin Bongang, a commercial muralist, designer and painter who was born in Cameroon, West Africa. The label features his signature style, with bold colours, swirling lines and whimsical imagery.
Zoran Gojkovic, Director of Brewing Science & Technology, Carlsberg said, “Carlsberg is constantly working to invigorate curiosity and I firmly believe that all progress in the world starts with a spark of curiosity. When Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery, approached me to discuss what we could create with fonio, the first thing I thought was why has no one made a beer that is completely fonio? Pairing this innovative brew with such a unique menu, created by an incredible chef, demonstrates the potential of this grain. Not only for the beer industry, but beyond.”
Lewes-based microbrewery Abyss has partnered with Acid House legend Richard Norris to commemorate the release of his newly released music industry memoir, Strange Things Are Happening (out now, available here), releasing a Special Edition Hazy Pale Ale. Vegan friendly and gluten-free, this 4.4% pale ale is said to embody the psychedelic spirit of Norris’ memoir. Sounds…
Greene King has launched two new beers into the premium craft sector, and is backing its brews with a massive advertising campaign. So what do they taste like? Time to drink on the job. The new brews are significant in that they call on Greene King’s 200-year heritage, albeit utilising a modern brewing twist. Flint…
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The Luxe Review 
Carlsberg has created a new beer, the first in the world to only use Fonio grains without any bittering hops or barley. Brewed in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery, the ancient West African grain Fonio is both drought-resistant and can thrive in poor soils. It’s been a staple ingredient in West Africa for over 5,000 years and is widely used in African cooking.
The collaboration aims to celebrate Fonio and its untapped brewing potential and ability to drive positive change in the industry.
To celebrate the launch, Carlsberg has teamed up with Adejoké Bakare of Michelin-starred restaurant, Chishuru to create a unique five-course tasting menu, to showcase the impressive pairing capabilities of Fonio beer.
Adejoké Bakare creates unique Fonio beer pairing menu at Chishuru
To celebrate this ancient grain, and pay homage to its West African roots, the pairing menu at Chishuru features a chicken wing glazed with Fonio beer and stuffed with chicken breast, spinach, uda, uziza and served with a scotch-bonnet sauce, a goat tartare served with sour cream, fonio and mushroom shitto and of course, the restaurant’s famous fonio ice cream.
Brewed in the Carlsberg Research Laboratory, the beer is said to offer aromas of apricots, white peaches, and melon. Chef Bakare describes the beer as “fruity but with a hint of bitterness.” The ABV is 7.5%.
The five-course menu will be available at Chishuru on August 6. Tickets are available to purchase from Chishuru’s website.
The unique Fonio bottle design was created by Kevin Bongang, a commercial muralist, designer and painter who was born in Cameroon, West Africa. The label features his signature style, with bold colours, swirling lines and whimsical imagery.
Zoran Gojkovic, Director of Brewing Science & Technology, Carlsberg said, “Carlsberg is constantly working to invigorate curiosity and I firmly believe that all progress in the world starts with a spark of curiosity. When Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery, approached me to discuss what we could create with fonio, the first thing I thought was why has no one made a beer that is completely fonio? Pairing this innovative brew with such a unique menu, created by an incredible chef, demonstrates the potential of this grain. Not only for the beer industry, but beyond.”
Abyss Brewing partners with Acid House Legend Richard Norris for psychedelic Pale Ale
Lewes-based microbrewery Abyss has partnered with Acid House legend Richard Norris to commemorate the release of his newly released music industry memoir, Strange Things Are Happening (out now, available here), releasing a Special Edition Hazy Pale Ale. Vegan friendly and gluten-free, this 4.4% pale ale is said to embody the psychedelic spirit of Norris’ memoir. Sounds…
Greene King looks to the past with Flint Eye and Level Head premium craft beers
Greene King has launched two new beers into the premium craft sector, and is backing its brews with a massive advertising campaign. So what do they taste like? Time to drink on the job. The new brews are significant in that they call on Greene King’s 200-year heritage, albeit utilising a modern brewing twist. Flint…
Estrella Galicia brings free lager to London with immersive beer culture experience
Think you know how to pull a pint? Premium Spanish beer brand Estrella Galicia would beg to differ.. The Spanish brewery has launched an interactive 360 immersive experience in London’s Outernet, at Tottenham Court Road, where visitors are invited to perfect the perfect pour. The free to enter pop up represents years of dedication to…
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