How to enjoy 30 flavors of beer
By Reggie Aspiras
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THIRTY bottles of beer on the wall, take one down, pass it around. If it were up to Raj Sadhwani of Booze Online, it will still be 30 bottles of beer on the wall.
Why 30? Because he has 30 kinds of beer from all over the world, which his company imports and distributes. Recently, he opened his very first outlet called The Distillery, a liquor store that focuses on single malts and imported beers with a tasting lounge at the second floor.
According to Raj, “It is a mini bar that seats twenty, with a focused selection of drinks, mainly beer and single malt.” It also conducts tasting sessions and beer appreciation courses from time to time.
Since I am clueless when it comes to beer, I asked him all these questions. As it turns out, it isn’t just a drink that gives the drinker a belly, but so much more.
As each beer has its own character, it commands our respect, heightened senses, discriminating palates and good judgment to truly enjoy the goodness that goes into every bottle of brew.
Types of beer
“Beer is commonly categorized into two main types. One is the globally popular pale lager. Lager uses a special yeast that ferments best at cooler temperatures. The second is the more regionally distinct ale, which usually uses another type of yeast that ferments best at warmer temperatures. Ales are further categorized into other varieties such as pale, stout and brown. Then there are the fruit beers.”
How can you tell if the beer you are having is good?
You know a beer is good when it has a good aroma, a good flavor and a good finish.
As you are enjoying the beer, its character seems to develop and the drinker notices new flavors and finds constant interest. A good beer delivers the style it promises on the label.
How’s beer best enjoyed?
The glass. “Beer is consumed out of a variety of vessels, such as glasses, beer steins, mugs, pewter tankards, bottles or cans. Some drinkers consider that the type of vessel influences their enjoyment of the beer. In Europe, particularly Belgium, breweries offer branded glassware specifically for their own beers.
“At the Distillery, we serve Hoegaarden, Chimay, Becks, Leffe, Stella Artois and Duvel in their intended glassware, giving you the ultimate beer-drinkers’ experience with every sip.”
Pouring. “The pouring process has an influence on a beer’s presentation. The rate of flow from the serving vessel, tilt of the glass, and position of the pour all influence the end result.
“We even have beer such as Boddingtons and Kilkenny which we sell in cans that have a widget (nitrogen ball) inside, which, when you open and pour the beer, aids in the release of carbonation, giving the beer drinker maximum enjoyment of the beer as though it came from a draught tap.”
Temperature. “Our beers remain at temperatures of 12-14 degrees to give you a refreshing beer drink without forgetting or masking the flavors of the beer which usually may happen if the beer becomes too cold. Do not freeze.”
Beer notes
Like wine, are there tasting notes for beer as well?
“Just like wine, beer too has its own tasting notes depending on the beer. Some are smoky while others have distinct fruity flavors.”
If you know nothing about beer or are a beer aficionado-wannabe, are there starter beers that you can easily appreciate?
“You should always begin your experience starting with the lightest in color such as Beck’s or Corona. Lighter beers are more refreshing with higher tone flavors such as citrus. I believe that the darker the beer is, the more complex the flavors and aromas are. If you are trying five to six different kinds, it is best to progress from light to dark. After Corona, you may want to try Hoegaarden, a wheat beer which is less filtered and retains some sedimentation giving it a cloudy, milky look. I would also suggest Samuel Adams, a Boston Lager, which has a strong smooth finish that is slightly bitter with hints of caramel and slight citrus notes. Then go for Leffe Blonde, a Belgian Pale ale that is extraordinary in quality. This beer is rich and full-bodied, dry, fruity, lightly spiced and creamy. It also has a sweet finish, being slightly stronger at 6.6% alcohol volume. You may also try Chimay Blue, a Trappist ale that is very fragrant with a rosy, flowery type of aroma. Chimay Blue is at nine-percent alcoholic volume. It has a light but pleasant taste of roasted malt. There are many other beers one may experience. All you need is a ready palate.”
The Distillery is located at Unit 108, Forbeswood Heights Condominium, Forbes Town Center, Rizal Drive cor. Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Call 856-9014.
E-mail the author at raspiras@inquirer.com.ph
Tags: beverages, christmas, lifestyle & leisure
