A Beer Before Parting: A Toast To Friendship

Drinking a beer is a common way to relax and socialize, but it's important to be mindful of the potential risks involved. Alcohol consumption can have negative health effects, and drinking on an empty stomach can worsen these side effects and bring them on faster. It's recommended to eat something before drinking and to alternate alcoholic drinks with water. Spacing out drinks and drinking slowly can also help to prevent intoxication. While there are many theories about drinking orders and hangovers, the amount and type of alcohol consumed are more significant factors. No amount of alcohol is completely safe, and excessive drinking can lead to health, relationship, and financial problems. It's essential to drink responsibly, be aware of personal limits, and know when to say no.

What to eat before drinking beer

Eating before drinking beer or any alcoholic beverage is important as it can have a huge impact on how you feel during and after drinking. Eating slows the rate at which your body absorbs alcohol, making you feel less intoxicated and balancing your electrolytes. It is important to eat the right foods, as eating the wrong foods can promote dehydration, bloating, and acid reflux.

• Avocados are rich in healthy fats, which take a long time to digest, slowing down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. They are also a good source of potassium, an electrolyte that is often decreased when drinking alcohol.
• Bananas are high in potassium, which can help prevent electrolyte imbalances caused by drinking alcohol. They are also made up of about 75% water, which can help keep you hydrated.
• Beets have been found to have a positive effect on liver function in several studies. They are believed to help the liver process and protect it from damage.
• Eggs are an excellent source of protein and contain cysteine, an amino acid that helps break down the toxins in alcohol that cause hangovers.
• Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids associated with a multitude of health benefits. Salmon is also high in protein, which may help slow the absorption of alcohol.
• Greek yogurt offers a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Protein is digested slowly and can minimize the effects of alcohol by slowing its absorption.
• Oats are a great source of fiber and protein, which can help you feel full and ease the effects of alcohol. Oats have also been found to improve liver function and protect against alcohol-induced liver damage.
• Pickles are great for combating dehydration, as they are rich in electrolytes, which help rehydrate the body and prevent hangover headaches.
• Hummus is rich in carbohydrates, vitamin B6, and protein, which can help you stay full for longer and prevent binge eating. It also contains amino acids that can help prevent nauseating hangover symptoms.
• Sweet potatoes are a great source of potassium and complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs take longer to break down, reducing the effects of alcohol on your body. They can also help balance electrolyte levels.

The history of beer

Beer is one of the oldest human-produced drinks, with the earliest archaeological evidence of fermentation consisting of 13,000-year-old residues of a beer found in the Raqefet Cave in the Carmel Mountains near Haifa in northern Israel. Beer is believed to have emerged alongside the development of cereal agriculture some 12,000 years ago, with the earliest alcoholic beverage possibly brewed around 7000 BCE in China.

The first barley beer was likely born in the Middle East, with hard evidence of beer production in ancient Mesopotamia dating back about 5,000 years to the Sumerians of ancient Iraq. The Sumerians are also credited with the oldest surviving beer recipe, which was discovered inscribed on a 3,900-year-old Sumerian poem honouring Ninkasi, the patron goddess of brewing. The poem describes the production of beer from barley bread.

Beer was also consumed in ancient Egypt, where it was considered healthier than water and was drunk by everyone from pharaohs to peasants. Beer was often used as compensation for labour, with workers on the Nile being paid for their work in beer and workers at the Giza plateau receiving beer rations three times a day.

The ancient Greeks and Romans brought beer to Europe, although it was not initially popular as wine was considered a gift from the gods. However, the Romans brewed beer quite early, as evidenced by discoveries in the tomb of a beer brewer in ancient Treveris (modern-day Trier). During the Middle Ages, beer was mostly produced in monasteries across Europe, where monks could drink up to five litres of beer per day.

Around 1000 CE, people started using hops in the brewing process, which refined its taste and gave us the beer we know today. The first commercial breweries emerged in the 13th century in Germany, England, and Austria.

In the 19th century, Bavarian brewers stole the secrets of pale malting technology from the British, which they used to take over the world of brewing. In 1841, the first light amber beers emerged from the Spaten Brewery in Munich, and in 1843, the Bavarian brewer Josef Groll produced the first golden lager beer, the pilsner, in the city of Plzen in Bohemia.

Today, the brewing industry is a global business, consisting of several dominant multinational companies and thousands of smaller producers ranging from brewpubs to regional breweries.

How to brew beer at home

Brewing beer at home is easier than you think. It requires just a handful of affordable equipment and special ingredients, and it's a great way to learn a new skill while impressing your friends!

There are three major phases in the brewing process: wort making, fermentation, and packaging. Wort making is the step that requires the most work from the brewer, as you make a perfect solution for brewer's yeast to turn into tasty beer. During wort making, fermentable sugars from malt are combined with the flavour and antioxidant properties of hops. The next step is fermentation, where a special type of yeast bred to ferment wort converts sugar into carbon dioxide (CO2) and ethyl alcohol (ethanol) to make beer. The final step of brewing is packaging. In most cases, homemade beer will go into bottles but can also go into large bottles called growlers or kegs for serving on draft.

Ingredients

Before beginning the brewing process, you must first understand the four key ingredients necessary to brew a batch of beer: water, fermentable sugar, hops, and yeast. Each ingredient is integral to the recipe and must be cooked in a certain way to yield a successful batch of brew.

• Water: Water makes up 90% of the brew, so using tasty water makes a big difference. If the tap water at your house tastes good to you, then it is fine to use for beer brewing. If you don't like the way your tap water tastes, then you can use bottled or distilled water instead. If you use tap water, boil it first to evaporate the chlorine and other chemicals that may interfere with the brewing process. Let the water cool before using.
• Fermented Sugar: Malted barley is the ingredient commonly used to fill the sugar quota in a homebrew recipe. Some brewers will substitute a percentage of corn, rice, wheat, or other grains to add a lighter flavour to the beer. Beginning brewers should purchase a ready-to-use form of malted barley called malt syrup or malt extract, rather than attempting to malt the grain from scratch, as it is a very complex and temperamental process.
• Hops: Hops are cone-like flowers found on a hop vine. They lend a bitter flavour to beer that balances out sweetness. Hops also inhibit spoilage and help keep the "head" (the frothy top when a beer is poured) around longer.
• Yeast: Do not use bread yeast for beer brewing! Beer yeast is cultivated especially for use in brewing. Beer brewing essentially boils down to mixing a mash of malted grain (often barley) with hops and then fermenting it with lager or ale yeasts. There are two broad categories of beer yeast: ale and lager. The yeast you choose helps determine the brew you end up with. Lagers are light, crisp, and golden; ales are darker and more alcoholic.

Brewing Process

Gather your brewing equipment

You will need a fermenter, an airlock, a beer recipe kit, or the individual ingredients.

Sanitize

Your success will rely on how clean your equipment is. Anything that comes in contact with your beer after the boil process should be sanitized.

Steep Grains

Fill your 5-gallon brew kettle with 2.5 gallons of water. As you heat your water, steep your grains for 20 minutes, or until your water reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit. When you remove your grains, let the water drip out of the grain bag and into the kettle. Do not squeeze your grain bag, as you don't want to extract tannins, which may give your beer unwanted flavours.

Bring the kettle to a boil

Once your kettle comes to a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and add malt extracts. Once the extract is dissolved, return to a boil. Hops will now be added at various intervals. Be careful not to boil over when hops are added. Refer to your exact recipe as to when you need to add hops to your boil.

Cool the wort

You now have wort (or sugar water). Cool your wort as quickly as possible. This can be done in one of two ways: an ice bath or a wort chiller.

Pour the wort into the fermenter

Pour the cooled wort into the fermenter. Some brew kettles even have a valve for easy transportation from your kettle to your fermenter. Add water to bring the level to 5 gallons.

Aerate the wort

Aerate the wort by splashing it around in its container. Yeast need oxygen, and splashing your wort will help.

Add yeast

Dry yeast is the easiest, as you don't have to prepare it beforehand. Sanitize the yeast pack and scissors, cut the corner off the yeast pack, and pour the yeast into the fermenter.

Seal your fermenter and store in a dark, cool place

Seal your fermenter, add a fermentation airlock, and store in a dark cool place. Ales should stay at 68 degrees Fahrenheit to ferment properly.

Bottle your beer

After fermentation is complete, it's time to bottle your beer. Cleanse everything: bottles, bottle filler, bottle caps, bottling bucket, and any transfer hoses used. Boil your priming sugar in 16 oz of water. After it cools, add it directly to the bottling bucket. Transfer your beer by siphoning it out of your fermenter and into your bottling bucket. Leave as much sediment in the fermenter as possible. Fill the bottles. Cap the bottles with caps and a bottle capper.

Store the bottles

Store the bottles at room temperature for roughly two weeks. This gives your beer time to carbonate.

Beer and travel

Brewery Tours and Tastings:

One of the most popular ways to explore beer and travel is to visit breweries and go on guided tours. Many breweries offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into the art of brewing, often including tastings of their latest creations. From small craft breweries to large-scale operations, these tours provide an insight into the local beer culture and a chance to sample unique brews.

Beercation Destinations:

For a dedicated beer-themed vacation, consider beercation destinations. These are places known for their vibrant craft beer scenes, offering a variety of breweries, beer gardens, and beer-centric events. From the Pacific Northwest to California's Golden Chain Highway, and even international destinations like Fairbanks, Alaska, you can find dedicated beer trails and routes to explore.

AirbnBeers and Beer Accommodations:

For a unique travel experience, look for accommodations that cater specifically to beer enthusiasts. Some breweries offer on-site hotels, inns, or camping facilities, providing a convenient base for your beercation. Alternatively, platforms like Airbnb might offer quirky stays with beer-themed amenities or easy access to notable breweries.

Beer and Scenery Pairings:

Combine your love of beer with a passion for the outdoors. Seek out scenic destinations that offer both breathtaking views and exceptional local brews. For example, the Hudson Valley, just north of New York City, boasts a stretch of breweries alongside natural wonders like the Hudson Highlands State Park Reserve and the Catskill Mountains. Enjoy a refreshing beer after a day of hiking or sightseeing.

Beer Festivals and Events:

Time your travels with beer festivals and special events. These gatherings offer a chance to sample a wide variety of beers, meet fellow enthusiasts, and immerse yourself in the local beer culture. From the Beers With(out) Beards Festival in Brooklyn to the Buckeye state's beer offerings in Ohio, there's always something brewing.

When planning your beer-themed travels, remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver or use alternative means of transportation. Cheers to creating unforgettable beer-and-travel memories!

Beer and food pairings

Firstly, consider the dominant flavours and aromas of the beer. Is it hoppy, bitter, malty, sweet, nutty, fruity, or something else? Then, think about how these flavours could be complemented or contrasted with food. For example, a beer with strong hoppy flavours might be complemented by a dish with citrus notes, like an aromatic Thai green curry or a Thai noodle dish. On the other hand, a contrasting pairing might see a hoppy beer matched with a fatty dish like roasted quail, or oily fish like salmon or mackerel, to cut through the fat with bitterness.

Another approach is to consider the weight and texture of the beer. Light lagers, for instance, are crisp and refreshing, making them a good match for spicy dishes, burgers, and salads. Wheat beers are also light and smooth, and their citrusy or fruity notes go well with spicy foods, fruity desserts, and Buffalo wings. Amber ales have a medium body and malty flavours, so they pair well with grilled meats, pepperoni pizza, and tomato-based dishes. Dark lagers, on the other hand, are hearty and have nutty flavours, so they are a good match for pizzas, burgers, and stews.

For something a little stronger, stouts and porters are top-fermented beers with dry finishes. Their deep, dark, roasted flavours go well with rich, chocolatey desserts, flavour-packed Mexican food, and shellfish like oysters and mussels.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment! Beer is a versatile drink, and there are endless possibilities for pairings, so get creative and find your new favourite combination.

Frequently asked questions