All About Beer

Mead is a distinctive alcoholic beverage made from three simple ingredients: fermented honey, water, and yeast. It holds the title of the world’s oldest known alcoholic drink, believed to have been enjoyed by humans nearly 3,000 years before wine was ever produced. Often referred to as “honey wine,” mead is similar to wine in its fermentation process, but honey replaces grapes as the sugar source. Like wine, mead can be aged for months or even years, typically boasts an alcohol content of 10-14%, and is usually sold by the bottle. With the exception of braggot meads, which contain grains, mead… Read More »

There are 2 main types of beers – Lagers and Ales. Some consider hybrids a beer type, a hybrid would contain both ales and lager beer characteristics. What differentiates them is the type of yeast and fermentation process. Lager style of beer Lager beer refers to a specific type of beer characterized by its fermentation and aging process.  Below are some key characteristics and details about lager beer. Fermentation Lager beer is fermented with bottom-fermenting yeast strains, most notably Saccharomyces pastorianus (formerly known as Saccharomyces carlsbergensis). These yeast strains work at cooler temperatures (typically between 44°F to 55°F or 7°C… Read More »

Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world and also historically the oldest. It has a rich history and culture, and it is enjoyed by people all over the world. Beer has impacted the way people unite and interact with their communities since the beginning of time. Today, beer is the third most widely consumed drink, second only to water and tea. Beer has played a significant role in human civilization. It has been a valuable food staple and a part of human life for millennia. It has been used as a symbol of friendship and has been… Read More »

Brewing is a centuries-old craft that involves the transformation of starches into beer through a series of carefully controlled processes. The ingredients, techniques, and regional traditions in brewing contribute to a vast array of beer styles, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you prefer the crispness of a lager, the boldness of an IPA, or the complexity of a Belgian ale, the world of beer offers something for every palate and preference. So, raise a glass and toast to the art and science of brewing, a global tradition that continues to evolve and innovate in the pursuit of exceptional… Read More »

Creating beer is known as brewing. A facility dedicated to brewing beer is referred to as a brewery. Beer production can also take place at home, often in a space known as a brewhouse. Companies engaged in beer production are commonly called breweries or brewing companies. When beer is made on a non-commercial scale for personal reasons, it is typically referred to as homebrewing, regardless of where it is produced. In history, domestic beer was often referred to as farmhouse ale. Primary Goal of Brewing Brewing’s goal is to convert the starch source into a sugary liquid called wort. Then… Read More »

Society and Culture In numerous societies, beer holds the distinction of being the most popular alcoholic beverage. Beer drinking is often accompanied by a variety of social traditions and activities, such as engaging in pub games like cards or darts, attending beer festivals, delving into zythology (the study of beer), embarking on pub crawls, touring breweries, participating in beer-centric tourism, or even beer rating endeavors. Drinking games like beer pong also enjoy widespread popularity. A relatively recent addition to the beer world is the profession of the beer sommelier, who educates restaurant patrons about different types of beer and their… Read More »

How Beer is Served The most prevalent method of serving beer in bars worldwide is through draught (also spelled “draft”) beer dispensed from a pressurized keg, using a lever-style dispenser and a spout. This process involves pressurizing a metal keg with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, which propels the beer to the dispensing tap or faucet. Some beers are even served with a nitrogen/carbon dioxide mixture, known for producing fine bubbles, resulting in a dense head and a creamy mouthfeel. Additionally, certain types of beer can be found in smaller, disposable kegs known as beer balls. In traditional pubs, pull levers… Read More »

Measurement Beer undergoes evaluation and analysis based on its color, strength, and bitterness. The perceived bitterness is quantified using the International Bitterness Units scale (IBU). IBU was established through collaboration between the American Society of Brewing Chemists and the European Brewery Convention.  Color The color of beer is primarily influenced by the type of malt used in its production. The most common color is a pale amber, which is achieved through the use of pale malts. Beers labeled as pale lager or pale ale are typically crafted using malt dried with coke as a fuel source. The practice of roasting… Read More »

Varieties Although various types of beer are brewed worldwide, the fundamental principles of beer brewing are universal. In traditional European brewing hubs like Germany, Belgium, England, and the Czech Republic, local beer variations have developed over time. In 1977, English writer Michael Jackson laid the foundation for categorizing beers globally in accordance with regional customs and nomenclature in his book “The World Guide To Beer.” Building upon Jackson’s work, Fred Eckhardt expanded upon beer styles in 1989 with his publication “The Essentials of Beer Style.“ Ales Top-fermented beers are typically crafted using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of top-fermenting yeast that… Read More »

Brewing Industry In the 21st century, the brewing industry has witnessed a trend of larger breweries acquiring smaller ones to achieve economies of scale. In 2002, South African Breweries made a significant move by acquiring the North American Miller Brewing Company, forming SABMiller. They became the world’s second-largest brewery, following North American Anheuser-Busch. By 2004, Belgian Interbrew stood as the third-largest brewery by volume, and Brazilian AmBev ranked fifth. Their merger resulted in the formation of InBev, now the largest brewery in the world. In 2007, SABMiller gained further ground by acquiring Royal Grolsch, the renowned Dutch premium beer brand,… Read More »

Brewing The process of crafting beer is known as brewing. Typically, a dedicated facility for producing beer is referred to as a brewery. Beer can also be concocted at home, in which case the brewing site is often called a brewhouse. Companies engaged in beer production go by the names of breweries or brewing companies. When beer is brewed on a small scale for personal use it is commonly referred to as homebrewing regardless of where the brewing takes place. The majority of homebrewed beer is indeed made in one’s own residence. In history, domestic beer was often termed farmhouse… Read More »

Beer is one of the world’s oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic beverages. It ranks as the third most popular drink globally, trailing only potable water and tea. It is crafted through the brewing and fermentation of starches. These starches are primarily sourced from cereal grains, with malted barley being the most common choice. Wheat, maize (corn), rice, and oats also find their way into the mix. During the brewing process, the fermentation of starch sugars within the wort gives rise to ethanol and carbonation, giving birth to beer’s distinctive character. Hops are a prevalent addition to modern beer, contributing… Read More »

Beer has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. From its origins in ancient Mesopotamia to its current status as one of the world’s most popular alcoholic beverages, beer has played an important role in human culture and society. Here are some interesting historical facts about beer: That the word beer comes from the latin word bibere. Makes sense since bibere means to drink. In the Czech Republic there is a beer company named Budweiser that was founded in 1895. They hold the trademark to the Budweiser name throughout Europe except in the UK and Spain… Read More »

Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world, and its consumption varies widely by country and region. Here are some interesting facts about beer consumption around the world: Beer is the third most consumed drink in the world. Water is the first and tea is the second most consumed drink in the world. Yearly, worldwide 50 billion gallons of beer is drank. For comparison only 6.2 billions gallons of wine is drank annually world wide. Czech Republic drinks the most beer per capita consuming over 48 gallons per person annually. Beer is cheaper than bottled water… Read More »

Beer has been a popular beverage for thousands of years, and while it is often viewed as empty calories, it contains some minerals and vitamins that can provide health benefits. Here are some of the potential medical benefits of beer, according to scientific research: Studies have shown that moderate consumption of beer may reduce your risk of kidney stones. By as much as 40%. On the other hand, extreme consumption puts you at great risk of developing kidney stones. Drinking less than 24 ounces of beer per day may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Your risk could be reduced… Read More »

In the world of college parties and backyard gatherings, there is a revered ritual known as Beer Pong—a sport elevated by the clang of ping pong balls, the cheers of friends, and the mingling scents of victory and beer. Welcome to Beer Pong Day, where Solo cups are raised high in celebration! Beer Pong Day Beginnings Legend has it that Beer Pong Day, unofficially celebrated on the first Saturday of May, originated from beer-loving college students eager to kick off summer. Whether it was impromptu gatherings or organized tournaments, the tradition quickly spread nationwide, fueled by tales of epic showdowns…. Read More »

Hey beer enthusiasts! Did you know May 1st is not just about Maypoles and celebrations? It is also National Rotate Your Beer Day! Yup, a whole day dedicated to giving every beer in your fridge it’s time to shine. Let us dive into what this day is all about and how to join the frothy festivities. National Rotate Your Beer Day, initiated by Superior Beverage group in 2019, aims to ensure you enjoy your beer at its freshest. By rotating your beers—placing older ones upfront and newer ones at the back—you are savoring them in their prime. Beer’s perishable nature… Read More »

Ale is a type of beer brewed using a warm fermentation method, resulting in a sweet, full-bodied, and fruity taste. Historically, the term referred to a drink brewed without hops. As with most beers, ale typically has a bittering agent to balance the malt and function as a preservative. Ale is a general category of beer, you will find sub-categories like brown ales or pale ales. This is the oldest style of beer, which dates back to antiquity. American Amber Ale A contemporary craft beer style originating in the 1980s as a delightful variation of the pale ale, as classified… Read More »

Lager is a beer style brewed and conditioned at low temperatures, resulting in a clean and crisp taste. Lagers can range in color from pale to amber to dark. The most popular style is pale lager, which is the most widely consumed and commercially available beer worldwide. Amber Lager Amber Lager is known for its medium body and caramel-like malt character. It has a richer color than pale lagers, often appearing amber or copper. With a lower alcohol content around 5% ABV, Amber Lagers offer a toasty, caramel, and toffee flavor profile. American Lager Also known as North American Lager,… Read More »

More Than Just a Pint in Hand The clinking of glasses, the frothy foam, and the laughter shared over a pint – it is a scene that plays out in pubs, bars, and backyards across the nation. But have you ever wondered how this age-old beverage came to have its very own day of celebration? Well, pour yourself a cold one, and let us dive into the frothy history and unexpected festivities surrounding National Beer Day! The Roots of National Beer Day While many of us might associate beer with ancient civilizations and medieval taverns, National Beer Day has a… Read More »

Alpena, with its modest population of just over 10,000, might be small, but it still has a nice offering of breweries and cideries. While Alpena may boast fewer breweries, wineries, and cideries than larger cities, don’t overlook the chance to savor these local delights. As a charming hub in Northeast Michigan, Alpena makes for an excellent starting point to uncover the region’s hoppy brews, flavorful wines, and crisp ciders. Breweries Austin Brothers Beer Company: A family-owned brewery offering a diverse range of craft beers, including seasonal and specialty brews. Great place to stop for lunch, dinner or a late-night snack…. Read More »

Some styles of beer can be brewed in either an ale or lager style. Flavor, aroma, ABV are all affected by the brewing process. These beers offer diverse options for beer enthusiasts. Malt Liquor A category of widely available beer known for its elevated alcohol content, particularly linked to North America. From a legal standpoint, it typically encompasses any alcoholic beverage containing 5% or more alcohol by volume, with malted barley as a key ingredient.  It is important to note that the perception and regulation of malt liquor can vary by region, and the term may have different connotations in… Read More »