Sahti

Sahti is a distinctive Finnish beer that has been enjoyed for centuries. Crafted from a combination of malted and unmalted grains such as barley, rye, and oats, it is notable for being flavored with juniper instead of hops and is top-fermented. This beer possesses a unique taste, often compared to bananas, which is attributed to the use of baking yeast. Sahti is typically cloudy with low carbonation and features a balanced bitterness derived from juniper branches.

Historically a farmhouse ale, sahti is now available in commercial versions with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 8%. Its characteristics can vary by Finnish region, with Häme being one of the renowned areas for sahti production. Notably, it has Protected Geographical Status in Europe. Sahti has also garnered interest from breweries in the United States, with companies such as Dogfish Head, New Belgium, and Samuel Adams brewing their own sahti-style beers.

The traditional brewing process of sahti is quite distinctive. It involves a long step infusion mash, filtration through a trough-shaped tun known as a "kuurna" and fermentation without boiling. This method can result in a beer with a shorter shelf life due to the minimal use of hops and the potential for bacterial contamination.

Several commercial brands of sahti exist, both within and outside of Finland. In Finland, popular brands include Mufloni Sahti, Finlandia Sahti, and Stadin Sahti. Internationally, sahti-style beers such as Sah'tea from Dogfish Head Brewery and Norse Legend from Samuel Adams can be found.

Modern craft beer versions of sahti may adjust the traditional style by incorporating more hops, different yeast strains, or increasing carbonation. Despite these variations, sahti remains a unique and culturally significant beer, deeply rooted in Finnish brewing traditions.