Damask Rose

The portrait

Rose De Damas was a delicate Pale Ale enriched with an infusion of Damask roses , ancient roses renowned for their captivating fragrance and their use in perfumery and oriental cuisine. This springtime creation offered a taste experience that was both floral and refreshing.

As one taster put it: "Light bitterness, lovely floral notes." The Damask rose contributed subtle, fragrant notes without overpowering the Pale Ale's profile, creating a delicate balance between the floral aromas and the malty character of the base beer. The result was an elegant, slightly shy beer ("shy," according to one comment), one that demanded attention and a gentle touch.

With its 5% alcohol content, this Pale Ale remained accessible and thirst-quenching, perfect for sunny late afternoons and contemplative moments on the terrace.

The story

The Damask rose (Rosa damascena) is one of the oldest and most fragrant roses in the world, cultivated for millennia in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, from which it takes its name. Traditionally used in perfumery and in oriental cuisine (notably for rose water and Turkish delight), it possesses a complex fragrance, both delicate and intense.

By choosing to infuse this noble rose into a Pale Ale, La Nébuleuse created a bridge between brewing tradition and millennia-old botanical heritage. This beer was part of an emerging trend in craft beer: the use of floral ingredients to create sophisticated and unusual aromatic profiles , sometimes more reminiscent of perfumery than traditional brewing.

Food and beer pairings

Such a delicate beer called for refined dishes: Middle Eastern cuisine (mezze, hummus, falafels), oriental pastries with floral waters, strawberry salad and edible flowers, or fresh goat cheese garnished with honey and rose petals.

The floral notes also made it an interesting candidate for pairing with light desserts : rosewater panna cotta, rose and lychee macarons, or a simple pistachio rose Turkish delight.

Its spring-like character made it perfect to accompany a Sunday brunch or an elegant afternoon tea on the terrace.

The final word

La Rose De Damas remains a memorable, delicate floral experiment, a beer that dared to borrow from the world of oriental perfumery. This ephemeral creation from spring 2018 testifies to La Nébuleuse's desire to explore unexpected aromatic territories. For those fortunate enough to have tasted it, it still evokes the intoxicating scents of Damascus gardens and the gentle warmth of sun-drenched late afternoons.

Cheers! 🍻

The recipe