Beer is just Beer….. Right?

by Sara Marrs, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Athens County Economic Development Council

I attended my first 2010 Ohio Brew Week event last night, Sparbock keg tapping at Jackie Os. The pub was full of brew-goers eager to taste the craft brews that will be offered all week at many of the drinking establishments in Athens. I was really excited to be among the group of people who were there tasting, scoring, and talking about the beers. As I listened to the folks at the tables around me, I realized that there is an entirely different jargon that I was previously unaware of when discussing beer and its flavors. It was really entertaining to hear statements like; this one is really hoppy, that one has a sweet nose but a bitter finish, perfect balance.
I have to say, I am a person who knows what she likes. I never really thought beyond that when drinking my beer. I was introduced to a different perspective last night. So, here is a little of what I learned;

*IPA – An ale brewed in England for British troops stationed in India in the 18th century. It was brewed very strong to survive a voyage that could take as long as six months. Highly hopped.

*Nose – The bouquet or the act of smelling the bouquet of a beer.

*Spice – Natural aromatics added to beer to enhance its taste. Several Belgian beers contain spices.

*Tannic – An astringent sensation that makes beer appear dry in the mouth. This sensation is often characteristic of very bitter beers.

*Balance – The proportion of malt to hops in a beer. Brewers strive for a seamless balance of the two.

*Body – The density of a beer. The amount of mouthfeel experienced by the drinker.

*Esters – Fruity flavors, such as grapefruit, banana, and peach, produced by the yeast during fermentation. Ale yeasts are known for the production of esters.

So last night I sampled several of the locally brewed beers. I found many to have good balance. The BB Black Betty was tannic in my opinion. My favorites were the Raz Wheat and the Paw Paw Ales which both had a pleasant nose, and an abundance of esters.

Be sure not to miss out on this uniquely Athens experience. I promise you will not regret it!
Ohio Brew Week

posted in: arts, athens, athens county, balance, beer, brew week, brewers, drinking, economic development, entertainment, entrepreneur, events, family, food, fun, music, people, quality of life, specialty foods, unique, uptown

July 13, 2010

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