Red Ale
Q: What makes Red Ale a unique beer category?
A: Red Ale is known for its deep, reddish-brown color and its malty, slightly sweet flavor. What sets it apart from other beer styles is its use of roasted barley or caramel malt, which gives it the distinct color and flavor profile. Red Ale also has a moderate hop presence, which balances out the sweetness and adds a subtle bitterness.
Some popular examples of Red Ale include Smithwick’s Irish Red, Killian’s Irish Red, and Fat Tire Amber Ale.
K?lsch
Q: What is K?lsch and where does it come from?
A: K?lsch is a German beer style that originates from the city of Cologne (K?ln). It is a pale, light-bodied beer that is top-fermented like an ale, but then undergoes a cold conditioning period like a lager. This results in a clean, crisp beer with a slight fruitiness and a subtle hop presence.
K?lsch is traditionally served in small, cylindrical glasses called stangen and is often enjoyed during warm weather.
Some well-known K?lsch brands include Reissdorf and Früh K?lsch.
Stout
Q: What are some defining characteristics of Stout beer?
A: Stout beer is a dark, rich beer that is often associated with the flavors of coffee and chocolate. It is typically made with roasted barley and has a higher degree of bitterness than other beer styles. Stouts can be either dry or sweet, and there are several subcategories of Stout, including Irish Dry Stout, Foreign Extra Stout, and Imperial Stout.
Some popular Stouts include Guinness Draught, Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout, and Founders Breakfast Stout.
India Pale Ale (IPA)
Q: What distinguishes India Pale Ale from other beer styles?
A: India Pale Ale, or IPA, is a hop-forward beer style that originated in England in the 18th century. It was originally brewed to survive the long journey to India, where British soldiers and officials were stationed. The high hops content acted as a natural preservative in the beer, allowing it to survive the long voyage.
Modern IPAs are characterized by their high hop bitterness, which can range from citrusy and floral to piney and resinous. There are several subcategories of IPA, including American IPA, English IPA, and New England IPA. IPAs are also known for their high alcohol content and are often enjoyed by hopheads who love the intense bitterness.
Some well-known IPAs include Sierra Nevada Torpedo, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, and Lagunitas IPA.
Lambic
Q: What is Lambic and why is it special?
A: Lambic is a beer style that originates from the Brussels area of Belgium. It is made using a specific blend of yeast and bacteria that gives it a unique flavor and aroma. Lambic is also fermented in oak barrels, which can impart additional flavors and contribute to its complex character.
Lambic is known for its tart, sour taste, which is the result of the wild yeast strains used in the brewing process. It is often enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with fruit or cheese to balance out the sourness.
One of the most well-known Lambic styles is the fruit lambic, which is brewed with fruit such as cherries, raspberries, or peaches. Some popular Lambic brands include Cantillon Gueuze, Lindemans Framboise, and Boon Kriek.
