Brewer creates beer from his beard

A brewer in Oregon has created a beer that uses the yeast found in his beard.

John “more hops” Maier

John Maier of Rogue Ales Brewery Company in Newport, Oregon and the company president, Brett Joyce, were apparently looking for a new source of yeast for their brews when a lab technician swabbed Maier’s beard as a joke.

Having found it to be a viable yeast source (Maier hasn’t shaved his beard since 1978 apparently) they set about cultivating more of the yeast for wider use.

Both men regard it as a beer for those who like to be “grossed out”.

“You’re really not drinking a beard,” Joyce said. “You’re drinking a great beer that happens to have yeast that comes from a beard.”

Maier, who has won many awards for his beers, is equally stoical, merely saying it is no surprise that there are yeast cells in his hair as, “yeast is everywhere”.

“Hey, why not look for a different place that might have some magic yeast in it,” Joyce suggested.

For now the beer is being “refined” and needs a name but it should be available from next year. Asked how it tasted, Maier said, “like it’s got some spices in it”.