Celebrating Beer Education for the Online Beer Community

Here’s To International #IPADay

July 30th, 2011 | by Beer Brew Erika | india pale ales, ipas

Jul
30

In celebration of one of my favorite styles of craft beer, India Pale Ale, craft beer enthusiasts will unite throughout the world on August 4, 2011. This IPA grassroots movement was established to join us hopheads together via social media and in-person meet ups.

Why Do You Love IPAs?

Out of homage to IPAs, below are a few reasons why IPAs just rock:

• The bitterness instantly grabs your attention (and your taste buds)
• The distinct flavors web together for a unique experience
• IPAs pack a real punch
• Tend to possess citrusy/floral aromatic traits

I have sometimes considered IPAs to be the beer for those who like their coffee “black”. They tend to be really hoppy and bitter yet refreshing and oh so satisfying. Once your palate has graduated to these beers, there is no turning back!

One of my top picks is Dogfish’s 90 Minute IPA. What are some of your favorite IPAs?

Let’s Celebrate!

So remember on August 4th, use the hashtag #IPADay with your fellow IPA advocates.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and grab a brew with us on our Facebook Page.

Image credit: katherha

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Kosher Beers & Breweries

May 7th, 2011 | by Beer Brew Erika | beer education, beer resources, kosher beers

May
07

The recent Passover holiday lead me to research the topic of kosher beers. As a beer advocate, we not only want to learn about mainstream beer topics but also niche topics such as this. How familiar are you with kosher beers and breweries? Please leave a comment below and let us know.

Kosher Breweries

Did you know Ramapo Valley Brewery, New York is the only Kosher brewery in the United States? It is also the only brewery, along with all of their beers, to be certified Kosher for Passover. Since these beers are brewed in its own house, there is no possibility for cross contamination.

Kosher Beers List

Looking for beers that are certified Kosher? Below are a few flavored beers that are certified Kosher under the Vaad of Greater Detroit:

• All products from Matt Brewing
• All products from Saranac
• All products from Pete’s Brewing
• Brooklyn Brewery solely for products produced in Utica, NY

The Spoetzel Brewery, otherwise known as Shiner Beers, produces the following certified kosher brews (via Orthodox Vaad of Dertoit):

• Blonde
• Bohemian Black Lager
• Bock
• Frost1
• Holiday Cheer
• Smokehaus
• Kosmos Reserve
• Hefeweizen

Do you have additional Kosher beers you have discovered and want to add to the list? Leave your comments below.

Image Credit: brostad

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The Trick to Preserving Your Brews Longer

April 17th, 2011 | by Beer Brew Erika | beer education

Apr
17

Previously we discussed the average beer shelf life and the difference of such when refrigerated versus at room temperature. In a newly released study by the Technical University of Munich, researchers advised the trick to preserving brews longer is to avoid the breakdown of chemicals found in hops. This breakdown within the beer creates the formation of stale tasting compounds. The study goes on to explain:

“… For the first time, quantitative LC−MS/MS profiling of 56 hop-derived sensometabolites contributing to the bitter taste of beer revealed a comprehensive insight into the transformation of individual bitter compounds during storage of beer…. The present study offers the scientific basis for a knowledge-based extension of the shelf life of the desirable beer’s bitter taste and the delay of the onset of the less preferred harsh bitter aftertaste by controlling the initial pH value of the beer …”

In layman’s terms, the easiest way to attempt this preservation is by keeping your beers cool/refrigerated. We’ve all experienced the unfortunate bitter stale beer of which can be quite disappointing; so, store your brews wisely.

Have you discovered any other beer preservation tips?

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Ever Wonder About the Calories In a Beer?

April 10th, 2011 | by Beer Brew Erika | beer education, beer nutrition, brooklyn brewery, ipas, rogue brewery

Apr
10

So, you may find this ironic but I am not only a beer lover but a fitness fanatic. I know, I told you it was ironic. Naturally the thought of calorie consumption with beer kind of scares me. But for my fellow beer lovers who not only want to enjoy healthy living but balance it out with a delicious craft beer every once in a while, below are a few brews to be conscious about. Please note, I am not discouraging you from these beers by any means, but simply bringing nutrition contents to light.

In no particular order:

Rogue Brewery Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout (per 12 fl oz)
201 calories
13.2g carbohydrates
6% alcohol

Hoegaarden
176 calories
13g carbohydrates
4.9% alcohol

Sierra Nevada Extra IPA
236 calories
20.6g carbohydrates
7.2% alcohol

Brooklyn Brown Ale
205 calories
15g carbohydrates
5.6% alcohol

Leffe Blonde Beer
200 calories
17g carbohydrates
6.6% alcohol

Redhook ESB Original Ale
179 calories
14.2g carbohydrates
5.8% alcohol

Eek – yes, some of these beers are a bit of a shock considering you typically have more than one beer at a time. Are you interested in learning more about the pros and cons of beer nutrition? Go ahead and leave your comment below.

Image credit: thefoodgroup

This information comes from “Drink This Not That” by David Zinczenko with Matt Goulding.

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Farewell to Brew Masters?

April 1st, 2011 | by Beer Brew Erika | beer resources, dogfish head brewery

Apr
01

Unfortunately, I have been reading many sources that are reporting Brew Masters is officially cancelled. This Discovery Channel series only ran for one season and may not be returning for a second. The show’s host Sam Calagione, Founder of Dogfish Head Brewery, documented his travels around the world in search of exotic beer ingredients and ancient brewing techniques.

Aside from the additional success that this Delaware brewery gained from the show, Brew Masters has also significantly influenced the craft beer community. The show highlighted unique and eclectic brews which stirred the curiosity of many viewers. It has given specialty beers a spotlight in the industry while creating a buzz about Dogfish Head Brewery (no pun intended).

Brew Masters will truly be missed if cancelled.

Did you enjoy the show?

Image credit: creativedc

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Whole Foods: Crafting a New Market

March 29th, 2011 | by Beer Brew Erika | craft beers, latest beer news

Mar
29

Whole Foods recently announced their new test within the craft beer market. In several stores across the nation, they are now opening up in-house bars that will actually serve craft beers. If the test results in a successful turn out, they plan to roll-out the concept to additional markets.

Whole Foods features many organic and local brews so this additional exposure will be beneficial for the craft beer makers they showcase. We always hear about “wine tastings” within the industry, but hopefully this will help boost the desire for “beer tastings,” considering the reach Whole Foods has. With over 302 locations across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom – if this pilot program gains momentum, grocery shopping just became a little bit more exciting, and perhaps interesting?

Image credit: enahmanson

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I’m Sorry Stout Beer Lovers…

March 26th, 2011 | by Beer Brew Erika | beer education, beer resources, history of beer, porter beers, stout beers

Mar
26

So I will admit – Stout Beers are not my favorite. I haven’t even really had a Stout brew that I could say I kind of enjoyed. Nevertheless, we should still educate ourselves about this popular style of beer. And no worries, I will not have a bias opinion just because it’s not my top pick. Who knows, perhaps one day I will meet that perfect Stout.

What is the Stout About?

Also referred to as a strong version of a Porter, Stout beers are dark and possess strong malt or barley characteristics. Originally created via a blend of pale and brown ale along with well-matured ale, this style of beer was first sold in London during the 1700’s. Today, there are many popular variations of Stouts including: Oatmeal, Imperial, American, Milk, Chocolate and Coffee. Did you know you can even get a Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout?

Looking for Stout Brands?

OK – so you want to try this dark goodness but need some Stout brands to get started with? Many of us are familiar with the typical Stouts (i.e. Guinness), but maybe you want to try something new? Below are a few Stouts you may not hear of often, but may want to give a taste. Beware though, I haven’t tried all of them, so don’t take this as a list of my recommendations:

• Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
• Coopers Extra Stout
• Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout
• Royal Extra Stout
• Shipyard Blue Fin Stout
• St. Peter’s Cream Stout
• Stoudt’s Fat Dog Imperial Oatmeal Stout
• Avery Mephistopheles
• Bell’s Cherry Stout
• Anderson Valley Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout

Maybe one of you Stout Beer lovers out there can change my mind? What is the ultimate Stout that you feel will change my opinion? And yes, I’ll admit if you are right. Cheers!

Image Credit: adombrowski

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