India Pale Ale (IPA) has an almost cult-like following among its fans and although popular around the world, IPA is especially appreciated in the United States where sales have doubled every couple of years during the present decade. Since 2001, India Pale Ale has been the most-entered category at the world’s biggest beer competition, the Great American Beer Festival, culminating in 252 IPA entries in 2013. In the world of craft beer, India Pale Ale is at the forefront, and it might come as a surprise to find out that IPA didn’t originate in the USA or India.
Continue Reading…From the beginning of British colonisation of Australia in the late 1700s, beer was already playing a significant role in the development of this fledgling nation. Within a few short years of settlement by British ex-pats, early governors and their convict charges the first hops were successfully grown and the first Australian pubs opened. The taste for beer and the varieties available have grown steadily in the ensuing years, and the favourably warm climate and outdoor lifestyle of Australia lends itself to the reputation of an Australian people who enjoy an ice-cold beer at the end of a hard-working day. In Australia, beer drinking has been an evolution rather than a revolution, with favourite brands steadfastly promoted by their loyal customers.
Continue Reading…If you ask the regular Joe which country has the best beer, they may answer Belgium, Ireland or Germany. Close enough, but the correct answer we’re looking for is Czech Republic.
Continue Reading…In a country where sake is so well known, it might be surprising to find that beer is by far the most popular alcoholic beverage in Japan. Originally introduced by the Dutch in the 17th century, beer has become a Japanese favourite, and since the early 19th century when local brewing began, the product has evolved with characteristics that are distinctly Japanese. Within a few generations of initial brewing, beer had become readily accessible throughout Japan and a huge range of beers are now available even at local convenience stores.
Continue Reading…The Irish are well known for their love of Guinness and other stout beers that are thick, dark and frothy. Further investigation reveals that stout is only part of the Irish beer culture, accounting for one third of beer consumption on the Emerald Isle. Lager is the overwhelming favourite among Irish beer drinkers, resulting in around 60% of all production, while ale takes 6% of the market share. Irish beer, especially Guinness, has become incorporated as part of Irish folklore alongside the shamrock (clover), leprechauns and traditional music celebrations. The number of Irish breweries has dropped significantly during the past century, although microbreweries are on the rise and some of the world’s most iconic beer brands are still in production.
Continue Reading…Drinking and eating are the two major ways we provide nourishment to our bodies. All foodstuffs and drinks, including even water, are best served when they are at their peak of flavour and nutritional value. Different products diminish in quality over time, influenced by various factors, and beer is no exception. Not everyone knows how to store beer properly, how long it will keep in premium condition, or if it is safe to drink a beer that has been shelved for an extended period of time. So if you have discovered a treasure-trove of long-forgotten beer in your garage or basement, this article will shed some much-needed amber light on the subject.
Continue Reading…If you visit a bakery or restaurant for any period of time, you will encounter customers enquiring about gluten-free items. Many of us might feel inclined to dismiss their request as yet another faddish trend or health-kick based on new-age propaganda, but in actuality gluten intolerance is a very real occurrence that is especially felt by those suffering from celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. Some people even avoid drinking beer due to fear of gluten, and might prefer alternative alcoholic beverages. So what is gluten, and is beer gluten-free?
Continue Reading…Nowadays, it seems that every go-to bar and local brewery has craft beer offerings. Indeed, the craft beer scene is in its prime – in Australia, it’s the only segment in the beer market that’s still continuously growing despite the decline in beer and alcohol consumption.
Draught, or draft beer, with its crisp taste and pleasant foamy head has long been considered as the freshest option for beer enthusiasts.
Generally considered to be the optimal method of showcasing the art of brewery, here are some salient facts you need to know about what makes draft beer ahead of the pack:
Continue Reading…If you’ve been scanning beer brands and varieties, you may have noted quite a few sporting the word “dry” on the label.
Cap off the night with a new kind of buzz. Alcohol-free beer is the right kind of drink to make the most out of each festive moment, without the hassle of hangovers and the like.