There are more than a few notable ingredients that some (not all and not most) craft breweries in California showcase in their brews. Admiral Maltingd grows and dries malt for one (and it’s dang good, had it in a few home brews and served in their taproom). But also, the entire west coast is well known for growing hops. We have quite a few growers in California that have their product used across the world, but especially in the products that many craft breweries here make.
Further, there are a large number of styles of beers that are fruited and California produces a great deal of the fruit found across our country and state.
Adjuncts are also produced in some places (some traditional beers utilize juniper and spruce, but there are a great many more things grown that get used in a beer that isn’t the Pilsner or Vienna Lager that most people think of when they think of Beer).
After having it in New Orleans, I find a little in the brew (10-15% of total weight of grounds) takes me back to that very lovely trip. Additionally I read that chicory is good for those with diabetes… and then stumbled upon something that blew my mind which is just how many different names and varieties exist that humans cultivate and eat regularly. Wild endive, radicchio, frisée, puntarelle, Belgian endive, and escarole are just the most popular. It’s also a prebiotic as I’ve been told.
I understand there’s social stigma around chicory in coffee because many considered it something only poor people used to stretch their coffee. I went into it blind of any history or context and found it enjoyable, so I’ve involved it in my coffee routines frequently. But everyone’s tastes are their own.
I do not understand it as a pure coffee replacement. A 100% chicory brew was not enjoyable for me personally.