All About Beer
by Barbara Miller
Prohibitionists and other
conservatives have long viewed beer as the devil's brew. Beer itself isn't
so bad; it's people that have given it a bad rap. When used in a
controlled, social setting, beer is nothing more than a cold, refreshing
break time treat.
Rich History There is evidence
that beer has been around almost along as history itself. Pre-historic man
is said to have created beer before learning that grains could also be
used to produce another dietary staple called "bread". Noah is said to
have stocked his ark with beer. Ancient Babylonian clay tables revealing
recipes for beer date back to 4300 BC.
Social Acceptance Clearly,
beer has always been in important element in social gatherings. It's a
staple at sport arenas, card games and dart matches. Problems can arise,
however, when beer drinkers indulge privately or believe they can drink
away their troubles. Of course, binge drinking or drinking in excess also
brews trouble.
Worldwide Acclaim Beer is
consumed all over the world. North America, South America, Asia and Europe
all have rich beer histories. Breweries can be found in Mongolia, many
African countries, and Middle East countries including Iraq and Syria.
Virtually anywhere a thirsty traveler stops to rest, a cold pint can
easily be found. Many beers of the world are imported and readily
available to North American beer drinkers looking to explore new flavors.
Rating Systems Some avid beer
drinkers actually rate the beers they consume, tally the scores and post
their comments on Internet websites to determine the world's most popular
brews. Beer drinkers in America can correspond online with their Russian
counterparts and swap bottles of beer through the mail. Others drink a
variety of beers to keep and collect the bottles and caps. Pubs sometimes
host beer clubs, awarding plaques or personalized steins to those who have
purchased and quaffed every brand of beer on the menu.
Glass or Cans? Some beer
drinkers prefer to quaff from a proper pint glass, and others downright
refuse to drink from a bottle or can. Drinking from a glass or stein helps
to release the aromas of the beer, so the drinker is able to appreciate
more than just the taste of the brew. Pouring beer into a vessel also
allows a head to form on the beer, an important element for many beer
drinkers. Similar to wine and spirits, there are specific glasses
available for different types of beer. Many brewers produce glassware
intended for use with their own brand of beer.
Temperature The ideal beer
temperature varies depending on a number of factors. More experienced beer
drinkers will tell you that a warmer temperature enhances the flavor,
while colder temperatures inhibit the senses of the tongue and throat.
Subtle nuances are weakened, and the main flavor is downright destroyed by
low temperatures. On the other hand, those who work hard and play hard
expect an ice-cold beer, served in a frosty mug. Irish beer drinkers
insist that a pint of Irish Guinness is best served at room temperature.
Pouring The way beer is poured
has influence over the presentation of beer. The flow rate from the tap,
position of the pour and the tilting of the glass all affect the outcome.
How the beer is poured determines the size and longevity of the head, and
the turbulence of the pour affects how the carbonization is released. More
heavily carbonated beers, such as German pilsners, need time to settle
before they're served. Many barkeeps will serve the beer with remaining
yeast at the bottom of the glass to add extra color and flavor.
Served warm or cold, from a
bottle or glass, beer is an important part of society from Montana to
Mongolia. And sometimes, even those so-called little old ladies will
gather to enjoy a pint with their mates.
About the Author
Barbara Miller enjoys
writing for several well-known web sites, on
food shopping
and recreational
drinks issues.
HOME >
FOOD
|
