The Fine Art of Serving Beer At It
Perhaps the following 15 leading questions will help you find
the romance in serving beer at social functions
Beer generally is thought of as a tavern drinkWhile wines
are considered epicureanHow can a host or hostess find romance
in serving beer?
As usual such conclusions are in fact without baseBeer
throughout the centuries has been for everybodyA recent survey
revealed that there is only a slight variation in beer consumption
between the higher and lower income groups.
Beer is not solely a man's drink. This same survey shows that
two out of every three men enjoy beer and so do 40of the women.
Here are a few things you should know if you want to serve a
perfect glass of beer at its elegant best.
1. What qualities should I look for
in beer?
You should first judge beer for its
clarity and brilliance; then by its color
which may vary from palest gold to deep
est mahogany depending upon the type
of the beer. Next, note the aroma. It
should be slightly "hoppy" with a cool,
clean fragrance. There should also be a
faint smell of yeast.
Beer should be lively. The bubbles, like
the bubbles in Champagne, should be
small and fine. Small bubbles are a sign
of skillful and careful brewing.
Next, observe the head. It should be
thick like whipped cream not soapsudsy.
Good beer should have body and a taste
that is pleasantly wholesome with an
after taste that is not sharp or clinging.
2. How does imported beer com
pare with domestic beer?
European imported beers are brewed
by a different formula using more in
gredients, different types of hops and
yeast. Imported beers generally are fuller
bodied with heavier alcoholic content and
aged for three months in the vats, there
by obtaining a smoothness, with less
carbonation, more character, and aroma.
Domestically brewed beers are lighter
in character and taste, while heavier
carbonated. They are often served at
6. What is Lager Beer?
Lager is a term used to denote a beer
which has been aged in vats after the^
brewing process. It should be bright and
sparkling. Brewed from sprouted barley
that is roasted, which becomes malt, and
generally combined with a cereal, brewers
yeast, hops and water.
7. How does Lager differ from Ale?
Ale is more aromatic and fuller bodied
due to more solids used in the brewing.
Ale usually tastes more bitter and heavier
than beer. Ale is fermented faster at
higher temperatures and the yeast remains
at the top of the brew rather than resting
at the bottom; this is known as top
fermentation.
8. What is the right way to pour
beer?
lower temperatures. Alcoholic content of
imported beers is 5-6% by volume while
domestic beers are lower.
3. Does beer improve with age?
Not after it leaves the brewery in
barrels or bottles. Beer is a perishable
product even when it is pasteurized.
Under the most ideal conditions it is
probably past perfection after six months.
If it is exposed to the direct rays of the
sun, it will be affected in minutes.
4. What kind of food goes best with
beer, and how can I use it in
cooking?
Beer will blend with all food except
sweets and those dishes made with heavy
cream sauces, wines or brandies.
When used in cooking beer will en
hance the character and flavor of many
dishes such as, soups, pancakes, fritters,
sea food, and cheese dishes.
5. Will beer effect the diet of a
person who wishes to lose
weight?
Many doctors now include beer in
weight reduction diets because beer is
satisfying and filling. It makes a strict
diet more acceptable. An 8 oz, glass of
beer contains approximately the same
amount of calories as a 6 oz. glass of
orange juice.
Never slide the beer easily down the
side of a slanted glass. The best tech
nique: Place the neck of the bottle over
the edge of the wetted glass then tilt the
bottle up so the beer gurgles into the
glass and a fine dense head rises up. Lower
the bottle so the beer flows more slowly
until the foam reaches the top of the
glass.
9. At what temperature should beer
be served?
A temperature of 45° to 50° F is
ideal. At this temperature beer retain*"
its character and aroma. When beer geto^-
too cold it will develop a chill hase and
becomes cloudy. This indicates some of N
