Would-be-wasted apples upcycled into tasty autumn treat – Apple Cinnamon Ale

If you’re a big fan of apple pie or apple cinnamon then you may want to check out this batch of Apple Cinnamon flavored ale from Kanagawa’s original craft beer brewery Sankt Gallen.

The beer makes use of "wounded" apples from Nagano Prefecture’s Ina City. The description of "wounded apples" includes fruits that have been left scratched by branches in the wind, fruits covered in bruises due to falls, fruits that vary in color and shape, and fruits that have suffered damage or deformity due to typhoons.

According to those in the apple farming industry, these wounded apples account for at least one-third of the total annual yield. Taking these "unsellable" fruits and finding other uses for them can effectively lead to a reduction of food loss, which in turn helps the region contribute to the achievement of the global SDGs (sustainable Development Goals).

Approximately 500 apples are used in one batch, and the company estimates that they could use between 2500 to 3000 apples in one season.

As the seasons change, the brewery will make use of different apple varieties, such as Tsugaru in September, Jonagold and Shinano Sweet in October and Fuji apples in November. This means that the flavor will stay fresh and new as the months progress.

The process of making Sankt Gallen Apple Cinnamon Ale is more like that of producing sweets than brewing beer. The first step in the procedure is to turn approximately 500 ‘wounded’ apples into baked apples. For this step, Sankt Gallen has rented out an oven from a bakery in Atsugi City.

The day after the apples have been baked, the brewing process can begin.

The familiar taste of apple pie comes down to the combination of the baked apples and the beer base, which this time is an amber beer. This base is characterised by a lightly charred malt that is described as tasting like the sweet and savory flavors of caramel sauce.

Not only seasonal in flavor, the Sankt Gallen Cinnamon Ale will also be available for grabs with a Halloween limited edition label until the end of October.

Sankt Gallen Apple Cinnamon Ale

Suggested price (tax included): 506 yen per bottle

Capacity: 330ml

Alcohol Content: 5%

Expiry: Can be refrigerated for up to 90 days

Available from: Sankt Gallen online store, as well as liquor stores, supermarkets and other official liquor websites that are partnered with Sankt Gallen.

Available from: Sept 24. *The drink will be available through fall and winter only.

*In Japan, alcoholic beverages that are made with less than 67% malt are classified as Happoshu, and if made with under 50% malt are subject to Happoshu tax, which is lower than the tax of beer. Because Sankt Gallen Apple Cinnamon Ale is made with less than 67% malt it technically falls into the category of Happoshu, but because it uses more than 50% malt it is subject to the same tax as beer.

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