For starters, it’s a bit of a catch-all term for various styles of beer. “Blonde ale” generally refers to beer in the cream ale and kölsch realm. It is also used interchangeably with golden ale and summer ale.

(more…)

An IPA is an India Pale Ale. By definition, it is simply an overly hopped pale ale. That’s because hops have preservative oils that kept the brew fresh on the voyage from England to British colonies in India in the 18th century (when beer was not produced there).

(more…)

In this case, “barleywine” manages to be both a helpful description and a tricky misnomer.

Let’s start with what it gets wrong. Barleywine is not wine. It is a beer made from sugars extracted from grains. So why in the world is it called a wine? Because of its strength and complexity that are similar to that of wine. (more…)

You may think you’re pretty good at drinking beer. You may even think you’re great at it. But could you be even better? Is there room for improvement in a seemingly flawless experience? (more…)

Beware the Ides of Märzen

In the 16th Century, a Bavarian law prohibited brewing beer from April 14th to September 28th. This was in place because most brewery equipment was made from wood at that time and would pose a fire risk during the hot summer months. (more…)

When it comes to beer, we should all be glass half full people – especially if we’re enjoying it from the appropriate glassware. Because this not only improves the overall presentation but can enhance a beer’s color, aroma and taste. (more…)

Though these are all part of the wheat beer family and brewed with a large portion of wheat, that’s where most of the similarities end. (more…)