Beer Drinking: Should You Or Shouldn't You?

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for thousands of years. It is made by brewing and fermenting cereal grains with yeast, hops, and other flavouring agents. Beer is often viewed as empty calories, but it does contain some vitamins and minerals. Drinking one or two standard beers per day may have positive effects on your health, but excessive drinking can lead to various health issues.

There are many different types of beer, including ales, lagers, stouts, bitters, and wheat beer. The best way to drink beer is to serve it chilled in a glass. Beer should be poured at a 45-degree angle to create the perfect amount of foam, and it is important to choose the right glass for the specific type of beer. Beer can be paired with food in a similar way to wine, with lighter beers going well with lighter foods, and darker beers complementing heavier meals.

So, can you drink a beer? Well, that depends on various factors, including your age, health, and location. Drinking in moderation can be beneficial, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Beer and health

Beer is a popular alcoholic drink that has been consumed for thousands of years. It is made through the fermentation of grains and is usually a low-strength beverage. While beer is often associated with social gatherings and relaxation, its impact on health is a subject of ongoing scientific research. Here is some information regarding beer and health:

Positive Effects of Beer Consumption

Beer, when consumed in moderation, is associated with several potential health benefits. Firstly, moderate beer consumption may lower the risk of heart disease. Research suggests that consuming one to two beers per day can improve general heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Beer may be as effective as wine in improving heart health when consumed in comparable amounts. Additionally, moderate beer drinking is linked to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Light to moderate alcohol consumption can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes. Beer is also a source of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, folic acid, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients contribute to overall health and can have specific benefits such as improving cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart attacks. Beer also contains antioxidants, particularly in darker varieties, which can help fight free radicals and reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. Furthermore, some studies suggest that moderate beer consumption may increase bone strength, especially in men and postmenopausal women.

Negative Effects of Beer Consumption

However, excessive beer consumption can lead to several health problems. Beer, like all alcoholic drinks, has the potential for addiction and dependency. Heavy drinking, typically defined as consuming more than two drinks per day, can significantly reduce life expectancy and increase the risk of liver disease. Additionally, frequent and excessive beer consumption can lead to substantial weight gain, often referred to as a "beer belly." Beer is also high in calories, and consuming large amounts can contribute to weight gain. Lastly, beer consumption during pregnancy, while suffering from gout, insomnia, or liver-related complications is not recommended.

Moderation is Key

In conclusion, while moderate beer consumption may offer some health benefits, excessive drinking can lead to serious health issues. Therefore, it is essential to practice moderation and drink within recommended limits. The specific guidelines for moderate beer consumption vary but generally suggest one drink per day for women and one to two drinks per day for men. It is also important to spread the weekly recommended amounts of alcohol across several days and avoid heavy episodic or "binge drinking." Additionally, beer consumption is not suitable for everyone, and certain individuals, such as pregnant women and those with specific medical conditions, should abstain.

Choosing the right beer

Know the Basics: Ale or Lager

Most beers fall into one of two categories: ale or lager. This classification depends on the type of yeast used during fermentation. Understanding this basic distinction is a good starting point for choosing a beer that aligns with your taste preferences.

Consider the Occasion

Different beers suit different occasions. For example, if you're attending Oktoberfest, you might opt for a seasonal lager like Oktoberfest or Märzen, known for its clean, grainy taste. On the other hand, if you're looking for something crisp and easy to drink on a hot summer day, a pale lager could be a better choice.

Taste Preferences

Beers come in a wide range of flavours, from bitter to sweet, and finding the right one depends on your palate. India Pale Ales (IPAs) are known for their high hop content, resulting in a bitter but floral taste. If you prefer something less bitter, pale ales are generally considered more approachable. Brown ales offer a balance of malt flavours, often reminiscent of chocolate or coffee.

Adventure with Craft Beers

Craft breweries are known for their experimental and innovative approaches to beer-making, so if you're feeling adventurous, explore the diverse offerings from local craft breweries. Wheat beer, for instance, is a popular gateway beer for those new to the craft beer scene, as it tends to be light and refreshing.

Pairing with Food

Just like wine, different styles of beer can enhance your dining experience when paired appropriately. For instance, if you're enjoying a hearty steak, a stout or porter might complement the flavours well. On the other hand, if you're having a light salad or seafood dish, a crisp pilsner or a wheat beer could be a better match.

Health Considerations

While enjoying a beer, it's also important to consider your health. Beer, when consumed in moderation, has been associated with various health benefits, including improved cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease. However, excessive consumption can lead to negative consequences. Additionally, certain individuals with specific health conditions, such as pregnancy, gout, insomnia, or liver-related issues, should avoid beer consumption.

Serving temperature

When it comes to serving beer, temperature plays a crucial role in the expression of its character and flavours. While personal preference is key, serving beer at the right temperature can help highlight its individual attributes and promote maximum enjoyment.

The Science of Beer Temperature

Beer served too cold can slow the volatilisation of aromatic compounds, causing them to linger in the beer. This can dramatically change the flavour and aroma, making the beer taste thin and tasteless. Colder temperatures can also enhance bitterness, dryness, and carbonation, creating an unpleasant drinking experience. On the other hand, warm beer allows more flavours and aromas to come through, but as it approaches room temperature, the sensations from hop bitterness and carbonation can decrease, resulting in a flat-tasting experience.

General Guidelines for Serving Beer

While there is no one-size-fits-all temperature for serving beer, some general guidelines can help you serve beer at its optimal temperature:

• Mass-market light lagers, such as Coors and Budweiser, are best served between 35-40°F (2-4°C). These beers have a low ABV and do not produce more flavour when served warmer.
• Czech and German Pilsners, Munich Helles, wheat beers, and Kölsch are best served between 40-45°F (4-7°C). These beers can be served slightly warmer but still chilled, as they are not bursting with flavour.
• IPAs, American pale ales, porters, and most stouts are best served between 45-50°F (7-10°C). Serving these beers too cold can diminish their flavour potential.
• Belgian ales, sour ales, Bocks, English bitters, English milds, and Scottish ales are best served between 50-55°F (10-13°C). These beers tend to be full-bodied and benefit from being served slightly warmer.
• Strong beers, such as barley wines, imperial stouts, Belgian strong ales, and Doppelbocks, are best served between 55-60°F (13-16°C). A warmer temperature allows all the flavours and notes to unlock.

Additional Tips for Serving Beer

• Avoid using frosted mugs, as they can pick up undesirable odours from the freezer and interfere with proper foam formation.
• Choose the right glassware—for easy-drinking beers meant to be served cold, a larger glass is fine if you plan to consume it quickly. For a more paced consumption, a half-litre/pint glass is better to prevent the beer from getting too warm.
• Serve beer a few degrees colder than the target temperature to accommodate for warming from the glass and the drinker's hands.
• If a beer is served too cold, simply hold the glass between your hands and swirl it gently to bring it up to the desired temperature.
• Strong beers are best served in smaller, stemmed glassware to prevent them from getting too warm if sipped slowly.

Pairing beer with food

Drinking beer in moderation can be good for you. Beer has been shown to have several health benefits, such as improving cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart attacks, and containing antioxidants. Beer can also be paired with food to enhance the drinking and dining experience.

There are a few guidelines to follow when pairing beer with food. Firstly, contrast. Pick a beer or dish with a dominant flavour, like sweet, rich, or oily. For instance, oysters and stout make a good contrast pairing because the strong, briny flavour of oysters can stand up to the rich texture and chocolatey notes of the stout.

Secondly, complementing flavours is another simple way to make a delicious pairing. Match rich foods with heavy and rich-flavoured beers, like stouts or porters. Conversely, light-tasting salads and fish go well with light beers, and wheat beers complement fruit tarts.

Thirdly, beer can serve as a palate cleanser. This approach is suitable for dishes with bold or intense flavours, such as spicy cuisine or rich fried foods. A light beer can help wash down the heat of spicy dishes, and fatty foods like French fries can balance out the bitterness of an IPA.

Finally, it is important to avoid overpowering flavours. Medium and dark beers, for example, have rich and powerful flavours that can overwhelm certain types of food.

Different styles of beer also go well with certain foods. Light lagers, for instance, are crisp and refreshing, making them ideal for pairing with spicy dishes. Wheat beers, with their smooth texture and light carbonation, are versatile and can be paired with many foods, especially when brewers add citrus or other fruity flavours. India pale ales (IPAs), with their bitter flavour, complement steak, barbecue, and Mexican food. Amber ales, with their strong malt flavours and notes of sweet caramel, go well with pizza, fried food, and smoked pork. Dark lagers, with their nutty flavour and slight hint of sweetness, are a good match for pizza, burgers, and hearty stews. Brown ales, with hints of chocolate and coffee, pair well with sausage, sushi, and fish. Porters, with their rich roasted flavour and notes of chocolate, caramel, and coffee, are ideal for seafood, coffee-flavoured desserts, and game meats. Finally, stouts, with their black colour and hints of chocolate and coffee, are the perfect pairing for chocolate desserts.

Pouring technique

The perfect beer pour consists of the same few steps, no matter whether you're pouring from a tap, nitro tap, bottle, or can.

Firstly, use a clean glass. Any remnants of other types of alcohol or even dish soap will change how the beer tastes and cause foam to develop.

Next, tilt the glass 45 degrees. This will allow the beer to slide down the edge of the glass and prevent too much foam from forming. Aim the opening of the bottle or can at the side of the glass near the middle and pour. Pouring into the centre of the glass will help you avoid splashback or overpouring.

When the glass is half to two-thirds full, level it and pour until full. This will achieve the proper amount of foam—between half an inch and one and a half inches.

If you're pouring a Guinness, there are a few unique steps to follow. Use a glass designed specifically for Guinness and tilt it 45 degrees. Slowly tilt the glass while pouring and end the pour when the glass is three-quarters full, not when it's level. Let the beer rest before drinking; it should show off the deep black colour that is synonymous with Guinness.

If you're pouring a nitro beer, pour at a 45-degree angle until the glass is two-thirds full. Wait for the foam to dissipate, then fill the now-level glass to the top. The added settling period will allow excess foam to disappear and ensure you get the most beer with the silkiest texture.

Frequently asked questions