SA beer made from melted Antarctic sea ice cores
Who would have thought that the key ingredient in a unique beer brewed in South Australia comes from the icy depths of the Antarctic? This fascinating and captivating brew is crafted using melted Antarctic sea ice cores, giving it a truly special flavor.
You may be wondering how this process even works. Well, let me tell you. Scientists and brewers work together to collect ice cores from the Antarctic, which are then transported to the brewery. Once there, the ice is melted and purified, ensuring a clean and safe base for the beer production.
Once the ice has been transformed into water, it becomes the foundation of this one-of-a-kind brew. The brewers use the melted ice to create a crisp and refreshing beer that captures the essence of the Antarctic. It’s like tasting the pure, untouched beauty of the icy continent in every sip.
Imagine savoring a pint of beer that not only quenches your thirst but also sparks your curiosity about the world around you. With this unique brew, you can do just that. It’s a beer that tells a story, a story of exploration and adventure, all encapsulated in a delicious beverage.
So, why go to such great lengths to create a beer from melted Antarctic sea ice cores? Well, apart from the sheer novelty of it all, it’s about more than just the taste. This beer acts as a reminder of our planet’s fragility and the importance of preserving and protecting our natural wonders, like the Antarctic.
By choosing to enjoy a pint of this extraordinary beer, you are not only treating your taste buds but also contributing to a bigger cause. You become part of a movement that raises awareness about climate change and the need to take action. It’s a small gesture that can make a big impact.
In conclusion, this South Australian beer made from melted Antarctic sea ice cores is not your ordinary brew. It’s a beverage that transcends boundaries, inviting you to embark on a sensory journey to one of the most pristine and awe-inspiring places on Earth. So, why settle for a regular pint when you can have an experience like no other? Cheers to that!
Sir Ernest Shackleton’s incredible expeditions to Antarctica have captivated the hearts and minds of adventure-seekers for years. His stories are filled with bravery and extraordinary accomplishments in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Today, we continue to be fascinated by Shackleton’s remarkable feats. In fact, just last year, a group of scientists embarked on a daring mission to locate the Endurance, the ship that Shackleton and his crew tragically lost in the frozen waters of the Weddell Sea in 1915.
The lineup of beers available for tasting is quite diverse.
One individual who drew inspiration from Shackleton’s remarkable leadership and adventures is Stephen Peel, the founder of Shackleton Brewing Company. Originally from Cape Town, Stephen was lucky to have the opportunity to travel to the icy continent during his studies at the University of Cape Town. He joined the SANAP expedition, a three-month mission with the dual purpose of conducting climate change and oceanography research and assisting with the operations at the South African research base, SANAE IV.
Stephen’s brewing journey began as a hobby during his time as a student. However, his passion and expertise grew over time, transforming his pastime into a full-fledged profession. The adventures he experienced in Antarctica served as the catalyst for his brand.
Hey there! Guess what? The Shackleton Brewing Company is located in Salt River, and they make some awesome craft beers, like the Kölsch. Now, this isn’t your ordinary beer – it’s a light and easy-drinking hybrid that’s somewhere between a lager and a light ale. I recently had the chance to try it at their taproom in Salt River, and let me tell you, it was fantastic!
But that’s not all. They also have a pale ale that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavors. The brew master told me that it’s made with dark fruity hops, which gives it a unique and delicious taste. And here’s something that really surprised me – they even have a rooibos iced tea infused with vodka on the menu. Trust me, it’s absolutely delightful!
The food here is absolutely delicious. But let me tell you about the real star of the show – The Icebreaker. It’s a special edition beer made with water from the melted ice cores of Antarctica. Talk about a unique project that combines science and sustainability!
To make The Icebreaker, we collected discarded ice cores from the UCT laboratories in Antarctica. The scientists there didn’t need them anymore, so we quickly grabbed them and brought them to our brewery, just a few kilometers away.
After melting the ice, we immediately sent the water for testing. We knew it needed some treatment, but we were surprised by how salty the cores actually were. It was quite a challenge to balance the flavors with the extra salinity, but our team of experts managed to create something truly special.
I used a special process called reverse osmosis to treat the water and make it the perfect quality for the Kölsch recipe. Before adding the organic malt, I carefully tested the water and added various salts and minerals to enhance the flavor.
Wouldn’t it be cool to say you’ve tried beer made from meltwater from Antarctica? Well, now you can.
This amazing German-style lager hybrid has a beautiful clear golden color. It comes in a fancy 750ml champagne bottle, wrapped in delicate tissue paper with a nautical design. And guess what? It even comes in a wooden box, along with a bottle of pure Antarctic ice water.
To give it an extra kick, I dry-hopped it with Smaragd Hops. This gives the beer a unique flavor profile, with just the right amount of bitterness and a refreshing, spicy hop taste. And the best part? It’s clean, crisp, and incredibly refreshing.
I’m excited to share with you an incredible project called The Icebreaker beer. This beer is not only delicious, but it also represents science and sustainability. Isn’t that amazing? And here’s the best part: when you buy The Icebreaker, 10 percent of the sales are donated to the UCT’s SEAmester Programme, thanks to the generous folks at Shackleton Brewing Company. Now, let me tell you a bit more about this fantastic program.
The SEAmester Programme, run by the Department of Science and Technology, is all about introducing postgraduate students to the fascinating world of marine science. It’s an applied and cross-disciplinary field, which means students get to explore various aspects of marine science while doing hands-on research aboard the SA Agulhas II. How cool is that?
Now, if you’re wondering how you can get your hands on The Icebreaker, it’s super easy. Just visit shackletonbc.co.za, where you can find more information about this awesome beer and even place an order. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
So, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to a tasty beer and support a great cause. Remember, when you choose The Icebreaker, you’re not just enjoying a refreshing beverage – you’re also contributing to the future of marine science. Cheers!
Images: Elise Kirsten