Focus Friday: 5 Minutes with Brian Callan – Hüfi Beer

Today, on Focus Friday we talk to Brian Callan, Marketing Manager of Comans Wholesale, to find out more about their new low calorie and gluten free beer – Hüfi.

1. Can you tell us about Hüfi?

Hüfi is a new low calorie and gluten-free beer that we’ve just launched in Ireland. It’s a cool, clear and refreshing lager with a distinctive crisp taste.

2. What was the inspiration for Hüfi and how would you say it is best enjoyed?

Hüfi is inspired by and named after the Hüfi Glacier, which is located in the Swiss Alps and measures over 7km long.

It’s the perfect light beer for both women and men who are calorie conscious as it contains just 140 calories. How it’s best enjoyed? It’s best served ice cold and enjoyed among friends, especially as we approach those warm summer evenings when we can get those BBQs out!

3. A low calorie beer is all well and good, but how did you manage to create a low calorie beer that tastes as good as it’s calorie-filled counterpart?

 

We worked hard with the brewery to develop a product which was low in calories, Gluten free, yet had a great distinctive flavour, while maintaining the 4.2% ABV. Our packaging was also designed to reflect this.

4. Who do you see as the typical Hüfi drinker? 

 

I would say both men and women who like a lighter option beer. Just as there are more and more female beer drinkers now, equally there are an increasing number of men who are calorie conscious. It’s also great for those who are intolerant to gluten – normally the gluten free options are quite expensive or hard to find. Hüfi is available nationwide in Supervalu, Tesco, Spar and in all good off licensees priced at €1.90 and on special promotion at 6 for €10.00 in Dunnes Stores.

5. What foods would you pair Hüfi with? 

 

Given the light nature of Hüfi, it goes well with lighter foods such as grilled chicken or salmon. For something a bit bolder, a homemade beef burger with gluten free burger buns and a crisp side salad would work nicely.

6. We love cooking with beer; what dishes does Hüfi specifically work in?  

Definitely a beer battered fish dish with homemade chunky chips…

Hüfi’s Gluten Free Beer Battered Fish and Chips

Serves 4

Crispy batter, tender white fish and chunky chips. If you are gluten or wheat intolerant, fish and chips are back on the menu with this delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

• 4-5 large floury potatoes
• 2l sunflower oil, for frying
• 230g gluten free plain flour mix (without guar or xanthum gum), plus extra for dusting
• 1½ tsp gluten free baking powder
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes, plus extra for seasoning
• 375ml Hüfi gluten free beer
• 4 boneless & skinned white fish fillets (cod, hake or haddock)

 Method:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Peel potatoes, if you wish, and cut into thick chips or wedges. Par boil in boiling water until just tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and leave to steam dry in a colander.
2. Fill a large pot or deep fat fryer with oil and heat over high heat. Preheat oven to 140°C/120°C fan/gas 1. Line a large baking tray with kitchen paper towel.
3. While oil is heating, whisk together flour, baking powder and 1 tsp salt in a large shallow bowl or dish. Slowly add the beer and whisk until batter is smooth. Set aside until needed.
4. To check if oil is ready, drop a small bit of batter in the oil. Oil is ready if batter sizzles and turns crisp immediately.
5. Carefully add half of the potatoes to the oil and fry until they are golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and leave to drain on tray lined with paper towel. Fry the remaining chips until golden and then leave to drain on the same tray. Keep warm in the oven while you cook the fish.
6. Dust fish fillets all over with a bit of gluten free flour. Give batter a quick stir, then dip fish fillet in the batter, allow excess batter to drip off. Holding one end, carefully lower battered fish into the oil, be careful not to splash any hot oil on yourself. Repeat for all fillets. Fry fish for about 6-8 minutes depending on thickness, until golden and crisp. If your pot is not very large, it’s best to do two fillets at a time.
7. Carefully remove fish from oil with a large slotted spoon and leave to drain on paper towel for 1-2 minutes. Serve while hot with chunky chips, season liberally with sea salt and serve with wedges of lemon and any of your favourite accompaniments.