Eat Out / Beer Guide
Beer Guide
All you need to know about Beer while eat out
A Brief History Of Beer
Beer has a long history, one that’s longer than we’ll ever be able to trace. Residue of the first known barley beer was found in a jar at the Godin Tepe excavation site in modern day Iran, presumably sitting there since someone took his or her last sip around 3400 B.C. But chances are, the first beer had been “cracked” millennia before that. So while an exact date or time for the first chug, or keg stand, or even hiccup, is not known, what is known is that beer, like bread, developed best in farm-based, agrarian societies where there was an enough grain and time for fermentation. One thing we definitely know is that ancient man loved beer as much as -if not more -than we do: the Babylonians had about 20 recipes for beer, Egyptian Pharaohs were buried with vats of the stuff, even the workers who built the pyramids were essentially paid in beer. One of the first written recipes for beer actually comes from a poem, a 3800 year-old ode to brewing that was etched into clay tablets. Found in ancient Sumer (modern day Iraq), the “Hymn to Ninkasi” celebrates the Sumerian goddess of beer and also conveniently outlines steps for brewing (lines like “The filtering vat, which makes a pleasant sound,/ You place appropriately on a large collector vat” could give Shakespeare a run for his money). However it began, beer rapidly took hold as one of civilization’s favorite - and safest -ways to drink. Historically speaking, water wasn’t always reliably potable for most cultures, and alcoholic drinks like beer (also sanitized by the application of heat) would have been safer. Of course, the appearance of beer was changing as brewing methods evolved. Babylonians drank their beer with a straw -it was thicker, full of grain. But by the 16th Century, Germany’s “Reinheitsgebot” beer purity law had essentially removed everything but water, hops, and barley from acceptable brewing ingredients (yeast, a slight oversight, was added back to the list a few centuries later). Even hops weren’t always as ubiquitous. Ancient Egyptians would have had a beer stabilized and flavored with things like wild herbs, dates, olive oil, and meadowsweet. And for centuries, beer cultivation in Europe relied on a mixture of herbs and spices called gruit. Only around the turn of the first millennium A.D. were hops regularly finding their way to beer, with Germany exporting hops for brewing around the 13th century. Over the centuries, beer’s popularity has risen and fallen and risen again. In America, Prohibition introduced our palates to watered-down beer, a lighter flavor profile that lingers to this day, especially among mass-marketed beers. But craft beer has made serious gains in the market, yielding a historically unprecedented diversity of styles. Craft brewers are even reviving ancient recipes: in 1990, Anchor Steam’s Fritz Maytag brewed a beer using the Ninkasi poem’s recipe, and Dogfish Head’s Ancient Ales line includes beers like the “Ta Henket,” or Egyptian bread beer, which you can simply purchase and imbibe, no pyramid experience required.
Beer Types Index
Ale Beer
Here's a detailed description of ale beer, along with some examples and their origins:
Ale is a broad category of beer that is fermented using top-fermenting yeast strains at warmer temperatures. Ales generally have a range of flavors and aromas, often showcasing fruity, floral, and malty characteristics. They can vary in color, ranging from pale to dark, and in strength, from sessionable to strong. Here are some examples of ale beers along with their origins:
1. Pale Ale:
- Description: Pale ales are characterized by their pale golden to amber color, balanced maltiness, and prominent hop flavors and aromas. They can range from moderately hoppy to highly hop-forward, with varying levels of bitterness.
- Examples: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (United States), Fuller's London Pride (England), Little Creatures Pale Ale (Australia).
2. India Pale Ale (IPA):
- Description: IPAs are known for their strong hop bitterness, hop flavors, and aromas. They can vary from golden to amber in color and often feature citrus, pine, or floral notes.
- Examples: Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA (United States), BrewDog Punk IPA (Scotland), Thornbridge Jaipur IPA (England).
3. Stout:
- Description: Stouts are dark, full-bodied beers with roasted malt flavors, often accompanied by coffee, chocolate, or caramel notes. They can range from dry and bitter to sweet and creamy.
- Examples: Guinness Draught Stout (Ireland), Founders Breakfast Stout (United States), Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout (England).
4. Porter:
- Description: Porters are similar to stouts but typically less robust. They feature flavors of chocolate, toffee, caramel, and dark fruits, with a balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness.
- Examples: Fuller's London Porter (England), Anchor Porter (United States), Taddy Porter (England).
5. Belgian Ale:
- Description: Belgian ales encompass a wide range of styles, often characterized by fruity esters, spicy phenols, and unique yeast profiles. They can range from light and refreshing to strong and complex.
- Examples: Duvel (Belgium), Chimay Tripel (Belgium), Orval (Belgium).
6. Wheat Beer:
- Description: Wheat beers are made with a significant proportion of wheat in the grain bill, resulting in a light and refreshing character. They often exhibit flavors of banana, clove, and citrus.
- Examples: Schneider Weisse Original (Germany), Hoegaarden Witbier (Belgium), Allagash White (United States).
These examples provide a snapshot of the diverse world of ale beers. It's worth noting that many breweries around the world produce their own interpretations and variations of these styles, adding their unique twists and flavors. Exploring different breweries and regions can lead to the discovery of even more delicious and distinctive ale beers.
Lager Beer
Here's a detailed description of lager beer, along with some examples and their origins:
Lager is a type of beer that is fermented and conditioned at lower temperatures using bottom-fermenting yeast strains. Lagers are known for their clean, crisp, and refreshing character, with a focus on malt flavors and a balanced hop bitterness. Here are some examples of lager beers along with their origins:
1. Pilsner:
- Description: Pilsners are pale, golden lagers that originated in Pilsen, Czech Republic. They are characterized by a clean, crisp taste, a moderate hop bitterness, and a delicate balance between malt sweetness and hop flavors.
- Examples: Pilsner Urquell (Czech Republic), Bitburger Premium Pils (Germany), Sierra Nevada Summerfest (United States).
2. Helles:
- Description: Helles is a German-style lager known for its pale golden color, smooth maltiness, and low to moderate hop bitterness. It showcases a clean, balanced flavor profile with a slightly sweet and bready malt character.
- Examples: Augustiner Helles (Germany), Weihenstephaner Original (Germany), Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier (Germany).
3. Bock:
- Description: Bocks are stronger, maltier lagers that originated in Germany. They come in various styles such as Maibock, Doppelbock, and Eisbock. Bocks feature rich caramel and toasty malt flavors with little to moderate hop bitterness.
- Examples: Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock (Germany), Spaten Optimator (Germany), Samuel Adams Winter Lager (United States).
4. Märzen/Oktoberfest:
- Description: Märzen or Oktoberfest beers have their origins in Bavaria, Germany. They are medium to full-bodied lagers with a rich, malty character, toasty flavors, and a clean, dry finish. They are traditionally brewed for the Oktoberfest celebration.
- Examples: Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen (Germany), Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen (Germany), Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest (United States collaboration).
5. Vienna Lager:
- Description: Vienna Lager originated in Vienna, Austria, and is amber in color with a medium body. It showcases a balanced malt sweetness, toasted biscuit flavors, and a moderate hop bitterness. It has a clean, crisp finish.
- Examples: Negra Modelo (Mexico), Dos Equis Amber Lager (Mexico), Great Lakes Eliot Ness (United States).
6. Dunkel:
- Description: Dunkel is a dark lager known for its rich malt flavors, including notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. It has a smooth and clean taste with moderate to low hop bitterness.
- Examples: Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel (Germany), Hofbräu Dunkel (Germany), Tegernseer Dunkel (Germany).
These examples represent the diverse range of lager beers available. It's important to note that breweries around the world have embraced lager brewing, creating their interpretations and variations of these traditional styles. Exploring different lagers can be an exciting journey to discover the nuanced flavors and characteristics of this popular beer type.
Wheat Beer
Here's a detailed description of wheat beer, along with some examples and their origins:
Wheat beer, also known as Weissbier or Witbier, is a beer style that is brewed with a significant proportion of wheat in addition to malted barley. Wheat beers are typically light and refreshing, with a hazy appearance and a characteristic fruity, spicy, and sometimes tangy flavor profile. Here are some examples of wheat beers along with their origins:
1. German Hefeweizen:
- Description: German Hefeweizen is a pale, cloudy beer known for its prominent flavors of banana and clove, which are derived from the yeast used during fermentation. It has a medium body and a refreshing, effervescent character.
- Examples: Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier (Germany), Schneider Weisse Original (Germany), Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier (Germany).
2. Belgian Witbier:
- Description: Belgian Witbier is a light, citrusy wheat beer brewed with the addition of spices like coriander and orange peel. It has a hazy appearance and a refreshing, tart flavor profile with a hint of spiciness.
- Examples: Hoegaarden Witbier (Belgium), Blue Moon Belgian White (United States), St. Bernardus Wit (Belgium).
3. American Wheat Beer:
- Description: American Wheat Beer is an American take on the wheat beer style, often incorporating a more pronounced hop presence compared to its European counterparts. It can range from light and crisp to more hop-forward and citrusy.
- Examples: Sierra Nevada Kellerweis (United States), Bell's Oberon (United States), Boulevard Wheat (United States).
4. Dunkelweizen:
- Description: Dunkelweizen is a darker version of wheat beer that exhibits flavors of caramel, chocolate, and dark fruits along with the characteristic banana and clove notes. It has a richer, maltier profile compared to Hefeweizen.
- Examples: Franziskaner Dunkelweizen (Germany), Weihenstephaner Dunkelweiss (Germany), Ayinger Ur-Weisse (Germany).
5. Weizenbock:
- Description: Weizenbock is a stronger and maltier version of wheat beer, often with complex flavors of dark fruits, spices, and a rich malt backbone. It combines the characteristics of wheat beer with the strength and complexity of a bock beer.
- Examples: Schneider Weisse Aventinus (Germany), Weihenstephaner Vitus (Germany), Ayinger Weizenbock (Germany).
These examples represent some of the most well-known wheat beer styles and their origins. However, it's worth noting that breweries around the world have also created their own interpretations and variations of wheat beers, incorporating unique flavors and regional influences. Exploring different wheat beers can be a delightful experience as you discover the diverse range of aromas and flavors that this style has to offer.
Sour Beer
Here's a detailed description of sour beer, along with some examples and their origins:
Sour beer is a type of beer that is characterized by its tart, acidic taste. It differs from traditional beer styles, such as lagers and ales, which tend to have a more balanced or bitter flavor profile. Sour beer gets its distinctive taste from the presence of certain types of bacteria or wild yeast strains during the fermentation process.
There are several types of sour beers, each with its unique characteristics and origins.
Here are some of the most notable types:
1. Lambic:
- Description: Lambic is a spontaneously fermented Belgian beer style. It is made with a large portion of unmalted wheat and aged hops. Lambic undergoes open-air fermentation, where wild yeast and bacteria from the environment inoculate the beer. It has a dry, tart, and often funky flavor profile with complex notes of citrus, barnyard, and oak.
- Example: Cantillon Gueuze (Origin: Brussels, Belgium)
2. Gueuze:
- Description: Gueuze is a blend of young and aged lambic beers. The young lambic is mixed with older lambic, typically aged for one to three years. This blend is then bottle-conditioned, resulting in a highly carbonated beer with a balanced acidity. Gueuze has a dry, champagne-like character with complex flavors of fruit, earthiness, and oak.
- Example: 3 Fonteinen Oude Gueuze (Origin: Beersel, Belgium)
3. Flanders Red Ale:
- Description: Flanders Red Ale is a Belgian beer style known for its deep red color and complex flavors. It is aged in oak barrels, which contributes to its unique characteristics. Flanders Red Ale exhibits a malt-forward profile with a moderate to high level of acidity, often resembling red wine. It offers flavors of tart cherry, plum, red currant, and a subtle oak presence.
- Example: Rodenbach Grand Cru (Origin: Roeselare, Belgium)
4. Berliner Weisse:
- Description: Berliner Weisse is a German wheat beer style known for its refreshing, tart, and effervescent qualities. It is typically low in alcohol and highly carbonated. Berliner Weisse undergoes a lactic acid fermentation, resulting in a clean and sharp sourness. It has a light body and often exhibits flavors of lemon, green apple, and a wheaty backbone.
- Example: Bayerischer Bahnhof Berliner Style Weisse (Origin: Leipzig, Germany)
5. American Wild Ale:
- Description: American Wild Ales are sour beers produced by American craft breweries, drawing inspiration from traditional Belgian styles. They are often fermented with a combination of wild yeast and bacteria, such as Brettanomyces and Lactobacillus. American Wild Ales can vary widely in flavor and complexity, ranging from intensely sour and funky to more subtle and nuanced profiles.
- Example: Allagash Coolship Resurgam (Origin: Portland, Maine, USA)
These examples represent popular breweries and their sour beer offerings within each style. However, there are many more breweries worldwide producing excellent sour beers, and exploring local or regional breweries can provide a broader range of options and unique flavor experiences.
Speciality Beers
Specialty beers encompass a wide range of unique and experimental styles that deviate from traditional beer categories. Here's a detailed description of some specialty beer types, along with examples and their origins:
1. Barrel-Aged Beers:
- Description: Barrel-aged beers are aged in wooden barrels, typically oak, which imparts unique flavors and characteristics to the beer. The barrels may have previously contained spirits like bourbon, whiskey, or wine. Barrel aging adds complexity, depth, and often notes of vanilla, coconut, and caramel to the beer.
- Example: Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout (Origin: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA)
2. Fruit Beers:
- Description: Fruit beers are brewed with the addition of fruits, either during fermentation or aging, to impart flavors and aromas. They can range from subtle fruit infusions to bold, fruit-forward profiles. Fruits commonly used include berries, cherries, peaches, and citrus fruits.
- Example: New Glarus Raspberry Tart (Origin: New Glarus, Wisconsin, USA)
3. Smoked Beers:
- Description: Smoked beers are brewed using malt that has been dried or kilned over an open flame, resulting in a smoky flavor and aroma reminiscent of smoked meats or campfires. The intensity of smokiness can vary from subtle to robust.
- Example: Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen (Origin: Bamberg, Germany)
4. Belgian Tripel:
- Description: Belgian Tripel is a strong pale ale with a complex flavor profile. It is characterized by a golden color, high alcohol content, and a balance between malt sweetness and spicy yeast-driven flavors. Belgian Tripels often exhibit fruity esters, clove-like phenols, and a dry finish.
- Example: Westmalle Tripel (Origin: Westmalle, Belgium)
5. Imperial Stout:
- Description: Imperial Stout, also known as Russian Imperial Stout, is a dark and robust beer style characterized by a high alcohol content and intense roasted malt flavors. It often features notes of chocolate, coffee, dark fruits, and a full-bodied mouthfeel.
- Example: Founders KBS (Origin: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA)
6. Sour IPAs:
- Description: Sour IPAs combine the tartness of sour beers with the hop-forward characteristics of India Pale Ales (IPAs). These beers showcase a balance of sourness and hop bitterness, often with fruity hop flavors layered on top of the tart base.
- Example: Cascade Brewing Sour IPA (Origin: Portland, Oregon, USA)
These examples represent popular specialty beer styles and specific beers within each category. However, the world of specialty beers is vast and ever-evolving, with countless breweries pushing the boundaries of creativity. Exploring local and craft breweries will reveal a wealth of unique and experimental specialty beers to enjoy.
Craft Beer
Craft beer is a term used to describe beer produced by independent breweries that focus on quality, innovation, and traditional brewing methods. Craft breweries often prioritize using high-quality ingredients and experimenting with diverse flavors.
Here's a detailed description of some craft beer types, along with examples and their origins:
1. India Pale Ale (IPA):
- Description: IPA is a hop-forward beer style characterized by a prominent hop bitterness, floral or citrusy hop flavors, and a moderate to high alcohol content. It can range from classic, balanced IPAs to more intense and hop-forward variants such as Double IPA (DIPA) or Hazy IPA.
- Example: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (Origin: Chico, California, USA)
2. American Pale Ale (APA):
- Description: APA is a lighter and more approachable version of IPA. It features a balance between hop bitterness, hop flavors, and a malt backbone. American hops often contribute citrus, pine, or resinous characteristics to APAs.
- Example: Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale (Origin: Bend, Oregon, USA)
3. Belgian Witbier:
- Description: Belgian Witbier, also known as White Ale, is a refreshing wheat beer brewed with a significant portion of unmalted wheat. It is known for its hazy appearance, light body, and flavors of orange peel, coriander, and other spices. It often has a slightly tart and citrusy profile.
- Example: Hoegaarden Witbier (Origin: Hoegaarden, Belgium)
4. Porter:
- Description: Porter is a dark, malt-forward beer style with flavors of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee. It can vary in strength and sweetness, ranging from robust and full-bodied to lighter and more drinkable versions.
- Example: Fuller's London Porter (Origin: London, England)
5. Stout:
- Description: Stout is a dark beer style with a rich, roasted malt character, often accompanied by flavors of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. It has a fuller body and can range from dry and bitter to sweet and creamy.
- Example: Guinness Draught Stout (Origin: Dublin, Ireland)
6. Saison:
- Description: Saison, also known as Farmhouse Ale, is a Belgian-style beer that originated as a refreshing brew for farm workers. It has a pale to golden color, a dry and spicy profile, fruity esters, and sometimes a touch of tartness. Saisons can be highly carbonated and exhibit a wide range of flavors and aromas.
- Example: Saison Dupont (Origin: Tourpes, Belgium)
These examples represent some popular craft beer styles and specific beers within each category. Craft breweries worldwide offer an extensive selection of styles and interpretations, each with its own unique flavor profile and characteristics. Exploring local craft breweries and their offerings will provide a broader experience of the diverse craft beer landscape.