New Belgium Brewing Co. Brewer Cody Reif Talks Juicy Watermelon

We spoke with New Belgium Brewing Co. Brewer Cody Reif about Juicy Watermelon.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)? 
I like that this recipe has a very natural watermelon flavor. It’s not like a Jolly Rancher (not that there’s anything wrong with Jolly Ranchers). The juice we use is from the pacific northwest. It’s from a vendor we’ve worked with for years on other fruits and they have a stellar reputation. I’m also proud of how we used a bit of restraint with this beer. I wanted it to be refreshing and not overwhelming.

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
While I do think this beer would be particularly delicious on an island, I don’t think I could pass up drinking Orval for the rest of my life.

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Watermelon blends perfectly with light lime in this sessionable ale.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
This idea for this beer started at a barbeque. My buddy Shane had this watermelon, lime, mint salad. It was so good on a hot day and I thought the flavors might play in a beer. Ultimately the mint was cut, which was a bittersweet development, but in the end was the right move. From there it was just a matter of finding the right ingredients and prototyping to get the levels right. It was a surprisingly quick process.

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Num Tok, it’s a Thai beef salad with shallots, mint and chilli lime dressing. I never would have ordered it on my own but a Thai friend of mine recommended it and now it’s one of my favorites. It has both complimentary and contrasting flavors with Juicy Watermelon. The light acidity works well with the savory beef. A little spice from the chillies is quenched by beer. Best of all, the mint comes back into play and completes the original concept.