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.

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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.

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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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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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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?

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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?

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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!

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The Lager style of beer is brewed/stored at low temperatures and was first developed by German brewers. The name Lager derives from the type of beer aging, called “lagering” which is a bottom fermenting yeast method.

After World War II, the pale style lager began growing in popularity throughout Europe. Today it is still the most consumed and available style of beer worldwide.

Because there are so many varieties of Lager beers, you are probably exposed to many more than you realize.

Examples of Lagers you may be familiar with include:

• Bock
• Dark Lager/Dunkel
• Maibock/Pale Bock
• Pale Lagers
• Amber Lagers
• Pilsner

What is your favorite type of lager and why?

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Nowadays known as an intensely hopped beer, India Pale Ales or IPAs, were first developed in England during the late 1700’s. During a time of many long ocean voyages from the British Empire to India, people of the era knew they needed a beer that could withstand the long periods of time at sea. Utilizing the natural preservatives of hops, less residual sugars and higher alcohol contents, IPAs were born.

Many find India Pale Ales to be a very strong and hoppy style of Pale Ale beers. Although, you can find a variety of IPAs now ranging from different alcohol levels to varying degrees of hop intensity. IPAs tend to be my favorite style of beer due to its boldness. The flavor profile of an IPA is intense and unforgettable.

Do you find IPAs to be too strong for your taste buds?

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Based in the beautiful city of San Francisco, Anchor Brewing is known for its classical brewing style. Considered almost “handmade” with a reverence for ancient brewing methods, this brewery explains, “Steam derives its unusual name from the 19th century when “steam” seems to have been a nickname for beer brewed on the West Coast of America.”

Saving the brewery from bankruptcy in 1965, Fritz Maytag was on the forefront of revolutionizing microbreweries. Otherwise known as the great-grandson of the Maytag Appliance Company’s Founder, he is also a James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

Two well-known brews of Anchor Brewing include Liberty Ale and Anchor Steam. Utilizing their bottom-fermenting yeast technique, enjoy this Bay Area brew!

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