The Pocket Guide to Beer E-Book

Joe Dick

• Herausgeber: Birlinn
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: Birlinn Pocket Guides
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 162

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Beschreibung

There's a whole new world of beer out there to explore, but do you know your Pilsner from your Pale Ale? Tired of your usual tipple and in need of something different? The Pocket Guide to Beer will point your taste buds in new directions. This handy, fun and informative guide takes you on a journey using the BeerTubeMap, a unique flavour map that links beers by taste and style. Covering a huge range from around the world, it includes both traditional and new-wave beers. It also includes specific recommendations for each style, as well as practical tips about buying beer, what to eat with it, and lots more besides. Its straightforward, no-nonsense style makes it a great starter guide for beer newbies whilst providing inspiration for more seasoned drinkers too.

Leseprobe

First published in 2018 by

Birlinn Limited

West Newington House

10 Newington Road

Edinburgh

EH9 1QS

www.birlinn.co.uk

Text copyright © Joe Dick and Nikki Welch 2018

Artwork copyright © Nikki Welch 2018

The WineTubeMap™ copyright © TubeMap Limited

The BeerTubeMap™ copyright © Nikki Welch

All rights reserved

The moral rights of Joe Dick and Nikki Welch to be identified as the authors of this work have been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the express written permission of the publisher.

ISBN 978 1 78027 489 8

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Designed and typeset by Mark Blackadder

BeerTubeMap artwork by Go! Bang! Creative Ltd

Printed and bound by PNB Print Ltd, Latvia

Introduction

How to use the BeerTubeMap

Icons

Starting points

Making the most of beer

1. Lager Line

2. Aromatic Line

3. Discovery Line

4. Central Line

5. Indulgence Line

6. Epicurean Line

7. Explorer Loop

How and where to buy beer

Troubleshooting

Glossary

Beer index

Acknowledgements

References

The beer world has undergone a revolution over the past twenty years, and is now more exciting than ever. The flourishing craft brewery scene is showing no sign of slowing down, which brings a fresh take on beer styles old and new, and wine shops and bars have longer and longer lists of beers available.

All this is excellent news for beer drinkers and non-beer drinkers alike. The opportunity to expand your drinking repertoire or find a beer you actually like is far greater now than ever before, whatever your preferences. But it isn’t always easy to navigate these styles and work out where to start or which direction to head in. Beer labels are pretty amazing to look at, but don’t always help point you to what they mean, and listed on a blackboard many of the names look so daunting they are often ignored.

When Joe and I embarked on this journey I already understood the principles of beer, and had an idea of what I liked, but what I couldn’t imagine was how much my beer drinking would change through the creation of the BeerTubeMap. Joe brought a deep understanding of beer styles and brewing to the process from the industry side. By tasting all the beers side by side, we discovered flavour connections beyond the accepted wisdom of the beer world and surprised ourselves with some of the flavour patterns.

Beer is naturally quite a geeky subject, and at each station of the map we’ve attempted to distil the technical reasons why each beer tastes the way it does, with some useful chat about the style. To avoid getting too technical we have created a glossary of all the geeky beer terms at the back so you can impress your friends with your beerspeak!

We hope this book and the BeerTubeMap will help you to expand your tastes as much as it did ours.

Cheers!

Nikki and Joe

It is unlikely you will read this book cover to cover. Instead, use the different sections to explore the beers on the BeerTubeMap, improve your beer tasting and get hints and tips on practical things like buying beer and food matching. Dip in and out as the mood takes you.

The beginning of the book contains some practical information on how the BeerTubeMap works and how to use it, as well as a guide to beer tasting and beer flavours. You might want to read it first to get the most out of the book.

The main section is dedicated to the BeerTubeMap and flavours on it. Read up on your favourite beers, or if you spot a station that’s close to your favourite find out more to get a sense of whether it’s for you – knowing that there is no substitute for tasting the real thing. To help understand your tastes better, look up a beer when you are drinking it to get a sense of where the flavours are coming from. The stations are organised by line, and the line colours are on the page edges to help you navigate between them easily.

The final section contains ‘how to’ guides, including buying and sourcing beer and food matching, so take a look when you’re after a bit of beer inspiration. There’s also a handy section on what to do if you get a beer that tastes wrong, which we’ve called ‘Troubleshooting’.

The BeerTubeMap is a flavour map of beer, organising styles and types of beer from around the world, traditional and new, by taste and texture rather than by geography or brewing method.

This means you can explore a wide range of beer styles just by knowing what you (or someone else) like or dislike. It is designed for everyone, whether you are a self-classified geek or completely new to beer, to inspire and assist you in your beer exploration.

The key to using this map and guide is that you explore your own tastes and preferences. Taste is a completely subjective experience and anyone who tells you what you should (or should not) like is doing you a disservice. All the beers in this book and on the BeerTubeMap have their merits; it is down to you to decide whether that beer is for you.

How it works:

Each line has its own flavour profile, and as you travel along the line this evolves. For some lines the flavour theme is quite narrow, for others there is a greater evolution, crossing styles. On all lines the flavours run from light to intense.

Each station represents a different type of beer and these are divided into the following categories: regional speciality; production method; style; or a style that brewers put their own twist on. There is a chapter with more information on each station and recommendations for specific beers available in pubs, bars or shops that are good examples if you want to find one. There is more information on how the stations are divided in the icons section (p. 10).

The intersections on the BeerTubeMap represent beers that have become classics or are cross-sections of flavour from which you could travel in a number of different directions.

Public service announcement

It is impossible to cover every beer or brewing style out there, so this is a representation of the beer world as we see it. Brewing is a creative process and each brewer will make their own version of a style of beer based on their location, ingredients, climate and preferences. The stations and descriptions refer to a classic interpretation or benchmark of each style (unless specified).

Using the map

If you already know what you like:

Find your favourite station on the map. Each station represents a style of beer: you’ll generally find it named somewhere on the beer label although it may not be the most prominent wording, e.g. American IPA, Blonde or Weissbier.

If you have a favourite beer brand check the beer index at the back of the book to see if it’s there – it will send you to the correct station on the map.

Try the stations to either side of your favourite; these will be most similar.

Continue along the line in that direction trying the next beer. Be aware that you may reach a point that is your limit for that line. If that’s the case go to the nearest intersection and try a new line.

If you are feeling adventurous:

Find a beer you are familiar with.

Head to the other end of the line that it is on, for a different take on the same flavour profile.

Or try a completely different line and pick a different beer from there. It might be worth doing this in a pub or bar where they offer you tasters!

If you are new to beer:

Head to Starting points, p. 13.

If you are buying a gift:

Find out your recipient’s favourite beer.

Select a different, more uncommon, beer from the surrounding stations.

For more suggestions head to the Having Fun with Beer at Home section (p. 128), but most importantly, get tasting!

To help you navigate the BeerTubeMap every station has an icon to denote what category of beer it represents. Most beer styles differ due to the way that they are produced and so are grouped under the ‘Production method’ icon. However, some are produced in specified geographical areas under stricter conditions and are considered ‘Regional specialities’; they tend to be very similar whichever brewery they come from. On the other hand, some other styles mean a brewer can be more creative in their production to add their ‘Twist’, and these can vary more in flavour from one brewer to another. Because of these differences, individual beers produced under each station may differ a little or a lot, and the icon should help point to which is which.

PRODUCTION METHOD

Production method is the most common type of station on the BeerTubeMap. The beers with this icon have all been produced using a similar ‘recipe’ of ingredients, grain, yeast, hops, fermentation and ageing, which means they will share flavours and texture. So, for example, a Weissbier will always use a Weissbier yeast and wheat as the grain to ensure the distinctive bubblegum flavour and frothy head. Although each brewer’s interpretation will differ these beers are not ‘Regional specialities’ (see p. 11) so can be made anywhere in the world, sometimes with local ingredients which will affect the flavour. The station page will highlight any major differences between beers produced in different countries, or variations that you might find within that specific production method.

Public service announcement

In some cases one brand, or producer, has become synonymous with the style; if this is the case both the production method and the brand (producer) are listed.

REGIONAL SPECIALITIES

Some beers are so rooted in the tradition of where they are made, and why they are made there, that they aren’t replicated by other brewers around the world. This means that they have a very defined style, flavour and texture and it is unlikely to vary much between producers. These beers speak of tradition and heritage, and have often been made in the same way for centuries. This tradition extends to the way they are served, which often includes a specific shape of glass and a traditional food accompaniment. Whilst the production doesn’t necessarily travel, the beers do and some of these names are seen on bars and shops in every corner of the world.

STYLE

Whilst most beers are easily categorised by their production method or region of origin, some of our stations are less established styles; the beers within them share a family but the flavours might have been reached by a less defined process. Take, for example, Coffee Stout: it isn’t yet an industry-wide style which has a defined recipe, instead brewers are making their own versions, in their own way. They carry the ‘Style’ icon as a recognised style of beer and you’ll find any beer with that name will have similar flavours and texture. In the main, the station name appears on the label.

TWIST

One of the exciting things about the current new wave of brewing is the creativity and influence a brewer can have over their output: brewers cannot stop themselves playing with the recipe, ingredients or method to create something unique. Which means, in a way, that all beers are open to interpretation. All very exciting! However, some production methods or styles are more open than others. The ‘Twist’ icon means that the beers within this station often have a twist on the central style or production method. This is mostly done by adding an ingredient, known in the beer world as an adjunct, like the addition of grapefruit to Gose or IPA.

It’s all well and good if you know what you like when it comes to beer. Or even if you’ve tried a few and have got a bit of an idea of what you’ve enjoyed, or have not enjoyed, for that matter. But what happens if you just don’t know where to start – or if you have not yet had a good experience? Not even a BeerTubeMap can help you out if you don’t have a starting point ... Which is why we’ve created three starting points on the map, identified by this icon to help you work out which area to explore.

Ideally, try the three beers consecutively and pick out the one whose flavours you prefer, then explore the stations closest to it. It may not be love at first sip; if it isn’t, pick the most palatable one and then explore beers that are a couple of stations away.

Kölsch (see p. 27 for more information)

Kölsch sits at the meeting point of lager and ale, so it’s a great starting point if you want more than a lager but not quite an ale. Lagers have got a bit of a reputation for bland, fizzy pints in sports bars, but there’s a whole world of difference out there, so try this and you might change your mind. Kölsch has been around in Germany for a long time but it has recently become a regular feature in bars and shops around the UK so you’ll find it relatively easily.

Start here ...

... if you want something light and refreshing.

Where next?

After more of the same? Travel the Lager Line and try Helles and Kellerbier for more refreshing but tasty light beers.

Want something a bit punchier? Head south on the Aromatic Line towards Pale Ales and IPAs.

Want something a bit more robust? Change onto the Central Line for the maltier ales and bitters.

American IPA (see p. 45 for more information)

It would be hard not to include American IPA as a starting point, partly because it is almost impossible to avoid! It is not a shy beer, and has a dominant, bitter hop character that ranges from green and herbaceous to grapefruit peel and a refreshing bitterness. Quality can be variable and there are a lot of one-dimensional, commercial versions out there so it’s worth looking at the ‘Beers to look out for’ section on the American IPA station to see the recommended breweries.

Start here ...

... if you like it pithy, and don’t want to trawl the shops and bars to find your beer.

Where next?

Want something a bit lighter? Head north towards the less hoppy pale ales and lagers.

Love that aromatic hit? Head south towards the Belgian and wheat beers or east towards Double IPA for more hop action.

Want something with more oomph? Head west on the Discovery Line towards Amber Ale and Red Ale.

Porter (see p. 94 for more information)

Porter is a big jump from the other two starting point beers, so it may feel like a step too far – don’t let that put you off though. Porter is a rich, robust beer with layers of chocolate and coffee flavours. It isn’t one to drink all night, but its full body and dark flavours can be very moreish and a nice change if you’re not a fan of lighter beer styles.

Start here ...

... if you want a more intense glass of beer.

Where next?

Find Porter a bit too much? Head east on the Central Line, there are a number of beers that share the dark, savoury flavours of Porter but are lighter in texture.

Want something sweeter? If you’ve got a sweet tooth take the one-way loop at the bottom of the Indulgence Line and try the Milk Stout and Coffee Stout, both of which have a touch of the ‘gourmand’ about them. Or head west for the sweeter but powerful Scotch Ale and Barley Wine.

Want something more intense? Head south to Imperial Stout for even more roasted coffee intensity.

Public service announcement

Pronunciation is not specified in the main for these stations as you mostly say what you see. Many of them have Germanic origin and contain vowels wearing umlauts; it is worth noting that these have a slightly squashed sound, for example, the ‘ö’ in Kölsch is more like an ‘uh’ than an ‘oh’ sound, and the ‘ä’ in Märzen is closer to an ‘eh’ than an ‘ah’ sound. Most Ws are pronounced like a ‘v’, and ‘ei’ is pronounced like ‘eye’, so for example Weissbier sounds like ‘vice-beer’. Any ‘ch’ sounds are soft, as in the Scottish word ‘loch’. However, you don’t need to adopt a foreign accent, people will understand you!

As the beer world continues to expand and the choice increases, it is easy to become a bit overwhelmed and end up shopping within the confines of one style or one brand. The BeerTubeMap is designed to help open up the options, without too much geeky beer chat. Whether you’re after a beer to impress over dinner, something to sip on the sofa or give as a gift, there are plenty of options out there, all you need to know is what your starting point on the map is.

The BeerTubeMap encourages you to take a step back from the cult of novelty that has taken over the beer world and explore your flavour preferences, as well as why you might switch your beer depending on the occasion, the time of day or night and what you’re eating. Despite its humble roots there is quite a lot of beer snobbery and one-upmanship out there, especially when it comes to the ‘newest’ edition or brewery on the block. Ticking off all of the Double IPAs from a cult brewery is all well and good, but do you actually like what you’re drinking?

You don’t need to take it too seriously either, just take a moment to think about what you do (and don’t) like about the beer you’re drinking so you can start to make some more deliberate moves. If you’re keen to develop your tastes it helps to sample two or more beers side by side; this helps you pick out the differences between them and gives you some contrast. Take your time to pick out the aromas, flavours and textures you like; to begin with all beer tastes like ‘beer’, but you’ll soon start to find more depth and flavour.

Modern brewing and artistic licence

Without the severe restrictions on production methods that the whisky and wine industries face, creativity and experimentation run wild in the beer world. Although this book is based on styles, new beers are constantly being produced which don’t sit comfortably within any pre-existing style guidelines, and some can eventually break away to become entire style categories of their own. The rules are totally fluid, and nothing is off-limits.