If you walk into the beer section at your local grocery or liquor store, you’ll immediately be barraged with both subtle and not-so-subtle marketing invariably attempting to scream “pick me!”. Packaging and displays will feature a carefully selected combination of words, colors, and designs with the end goal of attracting your consumer dollars. While honesty […]
Beer So Fine You Can See Through It
Before hazy beer roused itself into the spotlight of suds, there was a long era of clear beer. A glass of crystalline pilsner was the perfect window to a sunny afternoon on the patio. Clarity and quality were often seen hand in hand, with several exceptions for brews made dark or with wheat. Clear beer […]
5 Things You Should Know About Das Reinheitsgebot
If your German is rusty, fear not. I’m gonna break this down for you into tiny little pretzel bites. I must admit, I’ve been putting off this post for well over a year for fear that I’d butcher the most pure and sacred law that has carried German lagerbier as as we know it into […]
DIY Beer Off Flavor Kit
As a preface, I’d like to make it well known the off flavor spikes suggested in this post are in no way a substitute for the professionally produced off flavor spikes used in tasting exams for the Cicerone Certification Program, Beer Judge Certification Program, or other beer related organization. I highly recommend purchasing the recommended […]
Dark Affinities – Beer & Food Pairing
The recent spring snowfall in Salt Lake City that blanketed the area from peak to valley in one last (I hope) dumping of snow inspired me to give some of my favorite dark beers one last hurrah before the lighter colored pilsners and blonde ales of summer take their place. What better way to celebrate […]
Guinness Blonde Blondies with Jameson Caramel Drizzle
Though I consider most holidays to be drinking holidays, I can’t think of one more appropriate for an equal celebration of beer and whiskey than Saint Patrick’s Day. And if you had half a lucky horseshoe for a brain, you’d know neither of those are naturally green. Please pardon my purist nature when I say […]