In this episode we connect with Raphaël, the passionate founder of Maison Kalao in Senegal, to explore the unique world of Fonio—a traditional West African grain that is gaining popularity in the brewing industry. Raphaël shares his journey from discovering Fonio during a trip to eastern Senegal to experimenting with it in his beers, making Maison Kalao the only brewery in Senegal using this ancient grain.
Fonio, often overlooked, is a small, sesame-like grain that adds a distinct flavor and smooth body to beer, with subtle notes of nuts and a buttery biscuit finish. Raphaël discusses the challenges and rewards of working with this grain, including sourcing high-quality Fonio from local farmers and perfecting the brewing process, which was initially inspired by the work of Brooklyn Brewery in the U.S.
We also dive into Raphaël's broader vision for Maison Kalao, including plans for expansion, collaborations with breweries in France and other African countries, and the potential for growing hops in Central Africa. As Maison Kalao continues to innovate with African ingredients like Fonio, Manioc, and sweet potatoes, Raphaël's mission is to highlight the rich, untapped potential of African cereals and bring them to a global audience.
This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of tradition and innovation in brewing, as well as the future of African craft beer. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode!