We all know the drill: on very special occasions, one might prepare a lengthy toast given in honor of a special guest. We might opt for a concise “cheers” to cut out all the fluff. Or, without words, we may even pour out a drink in memory of a loved one we’ve lost. At some point in time, we’ve all dedicated the inaugural drink of the night to someone...
The Hefeweizen is a historic style and has been satisfying beer drinkers for centuries. The style is Bavarian, and was originally brewed for Bavarian royalty. The style became more widely consumed in 1872. The pale, modernized version that we drink today came to be in the revolutionary 1960’s. What makes a Hefeweizen? The Hefeweizen is a German style of beer, literally translated as “yeast wheat.” It is a wheat beer, and...
From the barley-free beer of the First Nations to the bootlegged beer of Prohibition, American beer history is deep and rich. However, many of the beer styles we know and love today have roots outside of the United States. This summer, kick back with these 4 all-American beer styles that are perfect for summer sessioning: Blonde Ale The first Blonde Ale was brewed right here in the USA, and was a...
Any brewer or craft beer enthusiast knows, the India Pale Ale, or IPA, is a people pleaser. Consistently delicious and constantly re-imagined, the IPA remains the sweetheart of beer lovers everywhere. Let’s get to know the IPA a little better with a few interesting facts: India Pale Ale was not invented in India There is a common misconception about the IPA, perhaps because “India” is in the name. But the IPA...
For many the holidays are just an excuse to kick back and have a beer, but what about a holiday dedicated entirely to drinking beer? No, not Saint Patrick's Day - even better. We’re talkin’ National Beer Day! What is National Beer Day? National Beer Day is an American holiday celebrated across the nation each year on April 7th. How it’s celebrated is no mystery: crack open your favorite beer and...
Most beer drinkers are familiar with styles like Amber Ale, IPA, Pilsner, and Stout. These would be what we refer to as “clean” beer styles. And that is because of one ingredient - yeast! Clean beers use yeast that act a certain way and produce a specific set of flavors. Wild beers, on the other hand, use very different yeast along with a variety of other microorganisms to create...
As any good traveler knows, cultures and traditions around the world often center around the kitchen table. Regional ingredients have come to define most major cuisines worldwide, and that fact remains true when it comes to beer! Whether you enjoy drinking German pilsners, English bitters, or a hoppy American pint, the ingredients selected for beer lend a distinct character that not only defines the beer’s style but also its...