Drinking Chicha is the most interesting beer experience I ever had.
Two summers ago I lived in Peru for the summer (their winter). One of my favorite things to do was to go to remote villages where there were very few or no tourists. One day I was at an open air market and saw this big vat of cream colored liquid with a heavy layer of foam on top. There must have been 6 or 8 Peruvian standing there slowing drinking this mystery brew. I curiously asked what it was and they told me it was a corn beer called Chicha.
I think my dad and I were the only two tourists there and here I am standing in front of a group of locals with their heritage beer directly in front of me. All the Chicha drinkers are standing there with this look on their face of, 'is the gringo grande really going to drink this?' At this point I have to have a drink of Chicha.
The man cleans a glass for me and fills is up to the top with Chicha. I bring the drink up to my lips and look around at all the eyes looking right at me. I tell myself, "this is for America" and downed the Chicha.
Surprising it was not bad. I remember it being a little bitter and having a lighter taste than an IPA.
Here is clip from Discovery Channel on how they make Chicha.
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