Beer you're enjoying
- smithcorp
- Occasional Visitor
- Posts: 5656
- Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
- Location: Godzone
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Well, I learnt something pretty amazing on Tuesday night. I went along to the Young Henrys / Spiegelau beer glass tasting event (part of Craft Beer Week), which "looks specifically at the role that glassware plays in your enjoyment of beer."
The setup was you sat at long tables with 4 Spiegelau beer glasses in front of you, plus two standard middie glasses. The deal was you drank the beer and kept the glasses. Neat I thought - 4 glasses and a bunch of beer, worth it!
Anyway what I learnt was that the shape and nature of the beer glass makes a huge difference to the beer you drink! For each beer (and as you can see in the image, the beer glasses had quite different designs with each intended fro a style of beer - left to right is IPA, Pilsner, Wheat Beer, Lager) you poured a portion into the Spiegelau glass and a portion into the standard beer glass and compared things like bouquet, head retention, temperature and taste. The differences were remarkable. In the middy glass the heads would deteriorate quickly (and the head is important in beer because it concentrates and delivers the smells that are an essential part of taste), the beer would taste thinner and flatter compared to the same one from the Spiegelau glass, the beer would get warmer in the middy, and even the shape of the glass's rim was important, with the rounded rim of the middy glass delivering the beer to the back of your tongue, while the thinner edges of the Spiegelau glasses put the beer towards the front.
Sounds a bit like bullshit, but the difference was real! Take the IPA glass for instance - its the one with the sort of ridged stem. Apparently it was designed with the assistance of two IPA brewers in the US and the ridges act to re-aerate the beer as you tilt the glasses while drinking, and this recharges the head. IPA styles are all about lots of hops and the delicious Young Henrys Hop Ale from the Spiegelau glass was much nicer than from the middy glass and the ridges worked.
Anyway, I'm a convert. Never more beer from the bottle and I will now think more about the shape of glass I drink my beer from. Interestingly, the Spiegelau folk didn't do the hard sell - they put on a show, supplied the glasses but then left without spruiking where to get the glasses from, or even trying to sell more there. If they had them for sale, I would have bought a bunch that night!
Anyone else got contributions in this vein? And PS - Craft Beer Week is on in Sydney, there's some great events, get out there! I'll be with the family at the Peakhurst Inn on Saturday - 70 beers, plus burgers and ribs in the car park!
smith
The setup was you sat at long tables with 4 Spiegelau beer glasses in front of you, plus two standard middie glasses. The deal was you drank the beer and kept the glasses. Neat I thought - 4 glasses and a bunch of beer, worth it!
Anyway what I learnt was that the shape and nature of the beer glass makes a huge difference to the beer you drink! For each beer (and as you can see in the image, the beer glasses had quite different designs with each intended fro a style of beer - left to right is IPA, Pilsner, Wheat Beer, Lager) you poured a portion into the Spiegelau glass and a portion into the standard beer glass and compared things like bouquet, head retention, temperature and taste. The differences were remarkable. In the middy glass the heads would deteriorate quickly (and the head is important in beer because it concentrates and delivers the smells that are an essential part of taste), the beer would taste thinner and flatter compared to the same one from the Spiegelau glass, the beer would get warmer in the middy, and even the shape of the glass's rim was important, with the rounded rim of the middy glass delivering the beer to the back of your tongue, while the thinner edges of the Spiegelau glasses put the beer towards the front.
Sounds a bit like bullshit, but the difference was real! Take the IPA glass for instance - its the one with the sort of ridged stem. Apparently it was designed with the assistance of two IPA brewers in the US and the ridges act to re-aerate the beer as you tilt the glasses while drinking, and this recharges the head. IPA styles are all about lots of hops and the delicious Young Henrys Hop Ale from the Spiegelau glass was much nicer than from the middy glass and the ridges worked.
Anyway, I'm a convert. Never more beer from the bottle and I will now think more about the shape of glass I drink my beer from. Interestingly, the Spiegelau folk didn't do the hard sell - they put on a show, supplied the glasses but then left without spruiking where to get the glasses from, or even trying to sell more there. If they had them for sale, I would have bought a bunch that night!
Anyone else got contributions in this vein? And PS - Craft Beer Week is on in Sydney, there's some great events, get out there! I'll be with the family at the Peakhurst Inn on Saturday - 70 beers, plus burgers and ribs in the car park!
smith
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
- Exar Kun
- Sensible Mick
- Posts: 11330
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 4:46 pm
- Location: Canberra
Re: Beer you're enjoying
No huge surprise for me that it'd taste different. I don't drink alcohol but do drink far too much Coke and even something as simple and lowly as that tastes totally different whether it's coming out of glass or plastic or a can. Pretty cool that you got to compare them side by side.
Last edited by Exar Kun on Thu Oct 24, 2013 9:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
"If we can hit that bull's-eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate!"
- Vilante
- Master artist
- Posts: 9336
- Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:32 am
- Location: Sydney - Australia
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Very interesting Smiss, very interesting. I drink out of bottles all the time or just schooner glasses.
Everywhere we went in Europe they had shapes more consistent with your image though. That says something in itself.
Everywhere we went in Europe they had shapes more consistent with your image though. That says something in itself.
- norbs
- fucking right wing vegan lesbian
- Posts: 24202
- Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2004 6:01 pm
- Contact:
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Well, here I was thinking Smiss had taken another blow to the head, but after speaking to my beer Yoda (Pix), he says there is something to it. Well I'll be fucked.
We agreed that a tasting weekend on the South coast would be the go. Oysters, prawns and beers.
Who is in?
We agreed that a tasting weekend on the South coast would be the go. Oysters, prawns and beers.
Who is in?
Sarc ; my second favourite type of gasm.
- smithcorp
- Occasional Visitor
- Posts: 5656
- Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
- Location: Godzone
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Oh yeah!
-
- Master artist
- Posts: 1032
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 12:26 pm
- Contact:
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Has everyone that wanted to tried the new Little Creatures IPA?
Stuff's sending me broke, why you so good!
Stuff's sending me broke, why you so good!
Now with Added Flickr
- Vilante
- Master artist
- Posts: 9336
- Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:32 am
- Location: Sydney - Australia
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Sounds pretty good to me!!norbs wrote:Well, here I was thinking Smiss had taken another blow to the head, but after speaking to my beer Yoda (Pix), he says there is something to it. Well I'll be fucked.
We agreed that a tasting weekend on the South coast would be the go. Oysters, prawns and beers.
Who is in?
Crap, I totally forgot. Tomorrow night, we drink!9ra55h0ppaH wrote:Has everyone that wanted to tried the new Little Creatures IPA?
Stuff's sending me broke, why you so good!
- pixelboy
- Posts: 8064
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:07 pm
- Location: Shitney
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Oysters and beer with norbs? I think I've died and gone to heaven!
Speaking of heavenly drinks I've not been able to source the Little Creatures IPA since I had 5 or 6 on the house at the Taphouse. I need to extend my search radius.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Speaking of heavenly drinks I've not been able to source the Little Creatures IPA since I had 5 or 6 on the house at the Taphouse. I need to extend my search radius.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
eek
- smithcorp
- Occasional Visitor
- Posts: 5656
- Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
- Location: Godzone
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Just tried it tonight. I was having no luck finding it anywhere, so had to order a case from here: https://www.beercartel.com.au/epages/Be ... ts/956-SNG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;9ra55h0ppaH wrote:Has everyone that wanted to tried the new Little Creatures IPA?
Stuff's sending me broke, why you so good!
Next day delivery, and I agree, it is lovely, especially out of my whippy new IPA glass!
- norbs
- fucking right wing vegan lesbian
- Posts: 24202
- Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2004 6:01 pm
- Contact:
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Anyone tried this lot?
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle ... MP=soc_568" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle ... MP=soc_568" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Sarc ; my second favourite type of gasm.
- pixelboy
- Posts: 8064
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:07 pm
- Location: Shitney
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Funny you should say that.. I'm enjoying a Burleigh Brewing 28 Pale Ale..
I've had most of those on that list and they all deserve a tasting!
I've had most of those on that list and they all deserve a tasting!
eek
-
- Smooth Lubricator.
- Posts: 12070
- Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:48 pm
- Location: The wet central coast
Re: Beer you're enjoying
so what exactly is a "pale ale"?
Surprise, no sig. Now there is. Or is there?
- pixelboy
- Posts: 8064
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:07 pm
- Location: Shitney
Re: Beer you're enjoying
It's a beer brewed with ale yeast but lighter in colour (pale) and body than a traditional ale.
Recently (the past 20yrs) it has also often represented heavily hopped ales like Little Creatures.
Lagers and Pilsner use different yeast and are fermented at lower temperatures and good examples are "lagered" at just above freezing temperatures for a maturation period.
And as the Germans decreed in 17something, beer should only have three ingredients, malted barley, water and hops. At the time the role of yeast was still not fully understood.
Recently (the past 20yrs) it has also often represented heavily hopped ales like Little Creatures.
Lagers and Pilsner use different yeast and are fermented at lower temperatures and good examples are "lagered" at just above freezing temperatures for a maturation period.
And as the Germans decreed in 17something, beer should only have three ingredients, malted barley, water and hops. At the time the role of yeast was still not fully understood.
eek
-
- Smooth Lubricator.
- Posts: 12070
- Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:48 pm
- Location: The wet central coast
Re: Beer you're enjoying
alright, thanks, I'll just have to try one at some point, I guess.
Surprise, no sig. Now there is. Or is there?
- smithcorp
- Occasional Visitor
- Posts: 5656
- Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
- Location: Godzone
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Necro!
I just had a bottle of Stone IPA - lovely! Highly recommended. I got 18 bottles of assorted IPAs for Fathers Day and have been working through them. I rank this one at 3 or 4.
http://www.stonebrewing.com/ipa/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I just had a bottle of Stone IPA - lovely! Highly recommended. I got 18 bottles of assorted IPAs for Fathers Day and have been working through them. I rank this one at 3 or 4.
http://www.stonebrewing.com/ipa/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- pixelboy
- Posts: 8064
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:07 pm
- Location: Shitney
Re: Beer you're enjoying
mmmm IPA's...
I just went through a case of the latest Hop Thief.. very tasty but not as good as previous years..
http://www.jamessquire.com.au/beer/jame ... /hop-thief" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I just went through a case of the latest Hop Thief.. very tasty but not as good as previous years..
http://www.jamessquire.com.au/beer/jame ... /hop-thief" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
eek
-
- Posts: 243
- Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:25 pm
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Hawthorn Pale Ale is excellent. Not an IPA, but it's a very nice beer.
-
- Smooth Lubricator.
- Posts: 12070
- Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:48 pm
- Location: The wet central coast
Re: Beer you're enjoying
I love hope thief. But the latest I'm enjoying is the Beez Neez.
Surprise, no sig. Now there is. Or is there?
- DexterPunk
- Busted ARSE
- Posts: 15218
- Joined: Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:18 pm
- Location: SE Suburbs, Melbourne
- Contact:
Beer you're enjoying
Loving my Hawthorn Pilsner of late.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
- Midget Wanker
- Posts: 5349
- Joined: Sat Jan 08, 2005 1:44 pm
- Location: In a glass case of emotion
- Contact:
Re: Beer you're enjoying
This is me. This is the entire reason I have to train 25hrs a week
http://www.goatbeer.com.au/the-beer/steam-ale/
http://www.goatbeer.com.au/the-beer/steam-ale/
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
- Dr. Pain
- Posts: 7431
- Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2005 4:17 pm
- Location: Benalla, Victoria
Re: Beer you're enjoying
I was enjoying some ice cold Corona's but I cant have another for 12 weeks now. But at end of that time I will buy one and enjoy it
Minister for Religious Genocide.
- Vilante
- Master artist
- Posts: 9336
- Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:32 am
- Location: Sydney - Australia
Re: Beer you're enjoying
mofodoobs wrote:Hawthorn Pale Ale is excellent. Not an IPA, but it's a very nice beer.
I don't think I've tried either of those. Will rectify that.c.j wrote:This is me. This is the entire reason I have to train 25hrs a week
http://www.goatbeer.com.au/the-beer/steam-ale/
-
- Smooth Lubricator.
- Posts: 12070
- Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:48 pm
- Location: The wet central coast
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Grolsch swing top. Bloody good.
Apparently you need to buy the swing top to get the real deal - the regular bottles are made here.
Apparently you need to buy the swing top to get the real deal - the regular bottles are made here.
Surprise, no sig. Now there is. Or is there?
- Cursed
- Posts: 1445
- Joined: Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:46 am
Re: Beer you're enjoying
Lord Nelson Brewery Three Sheets.
It's been probably 15 years or more since I occasionally visited the pub and imbibed many a pint of this stuff before staggering to the other end of the city for some Chinese. It's not exactly the same, but all the essential flavours were instantly recognisable to me.
It's been probably 15 years or more since I occasionally visited the pub and imbibed many a pint of this stuff before staggering to the other end of the city for some Chinese. It's not exactly the same, but all the essential flavours were instantly recognisable to me.
- pixelboy
- Posts: 8064
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:07 pm
- Location: Shitney
Re: Beer you're enjoying
It's good stuff the Three Sheets.
I'm enjoying Little Creatures Rogers at the moment as a daily drinker with lower alcohol but still a good malt colour and taste! I alternate that and Atomic Pale Ale.
I'm enjoying Little Creatures Rogers at the moment as a daily drinker with lower alcohol but still a good malt colour and taste! I alternate that and Atomic Pale Ale.
eek