svarta malin

Although the Smögenbryggar’n brewery describes its Svarta Malin as a classic stout and the brew certainly looks like one at first glance, we wouldn’t necessarily use this name for this beer. However, our reluctance cannot be attributed to the appearance or the taste; it is the list of ingredients that raises questions. In addition to the various malts and East Kent Goldings and Northern Brewer hops, it also says sea salt, but that’s not that unusual considering traditional beer styles like Gose. What is extremely unconventional, however, are the mussel shells, which are also mentioned.

Fortunately, this mystery can be solved quite easily. The mussels are not used for their texture or taste, instead they are used to change the pH of the water. The Smögenbryggar´n brews with surface spring water that flows through granite and is unusually soft. In order to be able to use this water for brewing, the pH value must be adjusted beforehand and this is where the mussels are used.

Despite the mussel shells it contains, Svarta Malin brings a traditional stout aroma to the table: strong roasted aromas, fine dark chocolate, freshly brewed coffee, mild hints of licorice and a hint of sea salt. We admire the clever use of shells and are happy if this beer creates even more awareness of the sea and its valuable resources worth protecting.