Beer Appreciation

Beer.  What is it after all?

Simply put, Beer is a beverage made with malted cereal grains (which could include barley, wheat, rye, corn or rice), hops and water that is fermented by adding yeast.  Alcohol is created by yeast which consumes oxygen and sugar and produces alcohol, carbon dioxide and heat.  Alcohol levels can range from 2% Alcohol By Volume to a whopping 15%  ABV for Barley Wines.

Categorizing Beer can sometimes be difficult for most of us.  There are two main types of beer: Ales & Lagers

Ales

• Are fermented at warmer temperatures for 3-4 days
• Are said to be top fermenting (yeast rises to the top)
• Generally have fruitier aromas and more robust flavours
• Should be served warmer (anywhere from 7C to 14C)
• Should be served in open mouthed glasses to allow the aromas to be appreciated more readily
• Should be served with more full flavoured foods

Lagers

• Are fermented at cooler temperatures for 7-10 days
• Are said to be bottom fermenting (yeast drops to bottom)
• Generally are lighter and more thirst quenching
• Should be served colder (anywhere from 2C to 7C)
• Should be served in tall, narrower glasses to concentrate the aromas at the top
• Should be served with lighter tasting foods

Within these two main types, you can find at least 65 different beer styles.  It is the individual brewer or brewery which decides how each of these styles will be interpreted.  While brewing is both art and science, it is the creativity of each brewer which brings life to beer.