It is said: “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, when life is a bitch, beer is a must”. But who says we need a reason or an occasion to drink beer? Beer is welcome anytime (except before driving), but the choice of beer depends on the season, time and place, that’s also the reason behind breweries producing seasonal beers. Here’s a list of the right beer for different occasions / seasons:
1. Know the brew:
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Ale: These are normally light-bodied or medium-bodied and known for their fruity smell and taste and also lighter in colour. While a number of breweries in India serve different kinds of ales, bottled ale is not common in India. Ales like the Belgian Ale, Brown Ale, India Pale Ale, etc.are good for a summer get together, maybe on the beaches of Goa.
Lager: Lager is available almost throughout the world. Usually amber or gold in colour and has a very natural aroma. Not too fizzy, this is good for the good times, like weddings and festivities. Kingfisher, Budweiser, Heineken etc. are some that are available in India.
Stout: Made from roasted barley or roasted malt, water, yeast and hops. It’s darker in colour. It contains 5 % more alcohol as compared to the ales, lager and wheat and also tastes dry and smells almost like haystack. Guinness is available in India and it’s perfect for those cold and lazy winter afternoons, relaxing with a book.
2. Know the glasses for beer:
If you thought there were different kinds of glasses only for different type of wines, you’ll be surprised that there are special glasses, designed for different types of beer too. The tall and slender glasses are normally for Pilsner or the Blond Ale, while the wide brimmed glasses that look more like goblets are used for Trappist beers or the Belgian strong Ale, while a Belgian Dark Ale calls for a snifter, a Tulip glass is fit for Imperial Stout or Belgian Pale Ale. The right glass to use for a Vienna lager is a flute, while a Stange is perfect for a Rye Beer. Some beer manufactures even mention the proper glass ware to be used on the bottle labels. Next time before you chug that beer, remember to check the label. However, my personal favourite is the heavy, large and sturdy beer mug, as you can clunk them together without the fear of it breaking into pieces and also it holds a whole lot more of beer!
3. Beer sins you should not commit:
Always drink your beer in small sips to enjoy the flavour.
Never store beer bottles lying down, it should always be stored standing up.
High fat cheese, meats and smoked food goes best with beer.
While pouring your beer, always pour it into the centre and hold your glass at an angle of 45 –degree
If you have been drinking chilled beer then you’ve been drinking it wrong. Beer should be taken out of the fridge around 10 minutes before you drink them to enjoy the aromas and the flavour.
HFT wishes you a hic #WorldBeerDay.
