The Art Of Drinking Beer: A Beginner's Guide

There are many ways to drink beer, and the method you choose depends on your personal preference. Drinking beer from a bottle is a popular choice as it keeps the beer fresh and carbonated, and it's easy to take on the go. However, bottles can be difficult to hold, especially when they're cold and wet, and the narrow opening restricts airflow, impacting the taste and aroma. Drinking beer from a can has become increasingly popular, especially with the rise of craft beer, as cans are less fragile and great for outdoor activities. However, some people find that the metallic taste affects the overall flavour, and drinking from a can limits your ability to appreciate the colour and clarity of the beer. Finally, drinking beer from a glass allows you to fully appreciate the colour, clarity, aroma, and flavour, and you can control the temperature of the beer. Different types of glasses are used for different beers, such as a tulip glass for Belgian-style beers and a pint glass for English-style ales and lagers. However, glasses can be fragile and difficult to transport. Ultimately, there is no wrong way to drink beer, and you should choose the method that suits your preferences and the situation.

Beer glassware

The glass you choose to drink your beer from can elevate your experience. Different glasses can affect the chemistry and taste of the beer. Here are some of the most common beer glasses:

• Glass mugs are good for IPAs, red, black, brown, and blonde American ales, pilsners, English stouts, smoked beers, witbiers, and American and English porters.
• Pint glasses are good for American ales, IPAs, pale ales, English bitters and mild English ales, cream ales, dark lagers, and stouts.
• Goblets are good for Belgian IPAs and strong, dark ales, quadruples, and tripels.
• Pilsner glasses are good for Vienna and Japanese lagers, Euro darks and strong lagers, American malt liquors, pale and red lagers, and doppelbocks.
• Weizen glasses are good for dark and pale wheat ales, and all "weizens".

Beer temperature

When it comes to drinking beer, temperature is important. While you may think that colder is better, this isn't always the case. Like fine wines, different styles of beer are best enjoyed at different temperatures.

Most beers cannot reveal their full range of flavours if served too cold. The nuances of hops aroma don't come through, yeast esters are suppressed, and the drinker cannot smell or taste all the compounds meant to be experienced. Excessively cold temperatures can mask flavours and enhance a beer's bitterness, dryness, and carbonation.

As a general rule, light-bodied, lower-alcohol beers taste better served cold, while full-bodied, higher-alcohol brews benefit from being served a bit warmer.

• Mass-produced, light lagers: 34–40°F (1–4°C)
• Czech and German Pilsners, Munich Helles, wheat beers, and Kölsch: 41–45°F (4–7°C)
• IPAs, American pale ales, porters, and most stouts: 45–50°F (7–10°C)
• Most Belgian ales, including saisons, sour ales, bocks, English bitters, and milds: 50–55°F (10–13°C)
• Strong, rich ales such as barley wine, imperial stouts, Belgian strong ales, and Doppelbocks: 55–60°F (13–16°C)

It's worth noting that these are just guidelines, and most restaurants don't have separate refrigerators for all their beers. If you want to try certain beers a little warmer, you can simply let them sit for a few minutes after ordering.

Beer pouring technique

The way you pour your beer can have a significant impact on its taste and aroma. Here are some tips to help you pour the perfect beer:

• Choose the right glass: Different glasses can affect the chemistry and taste of your beer. Glass mugs are good for IPAs, pint glasses for American ales, goblets for Belgian IPAs, pilsner glasses for Vienna lagers, and Weizen glasses for dark and pale wheat ales.
• Clean your beer glass: Use hot water and a clean sponge to scrub your glass beforehand. This will remove any oils or grime that may interfere with the true flavour of your beer.
• Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle: When you begin pouring, tilt the glass to this angle and pour the beer down the side. This will help create the perfect amount of "head" or foam, which is important for getting the true flavours of the beer.
• Level out the glass when it's half full: As you pour, slowly straighten the glass so that by the time it's half full, you're pouring straight into it. This minimises carbonation and gives you the perfect amount of head.
• Pour slowly: This will help you control the amount of head and avoid over-foaming.
• Enjoy your beer at the right temperature: Store your beer between 50–60 °F (10–16 °C) to maintain its lifespan. Generally, the lower the alcohol content, the colder your beer should be.

Beer tasting technique

Beer is a drink that can be enjoyed in many different ways, and there is no one "right" way to drink it. However, if you want to get the best possible taste from your beer, here is a technique you can follow:

Choosing the Right Beer

First, choose a beer that suits your taste. There are many different types of beers available, including ales, lagers, stouts, bitters, and wheat beers. Each type has its own unique flavour profile, so it's important to find one that you enjoy.

Glassware

Once you have your beer, it's time to think about what you will drink it from. Drinking from a glass is generally recommended, as it allows you to appreciate the colour, clarity, aroma, and flavour of the beer. Different types of beers are best suited to different types of glasses, which can affect the chemistry and taste of the beer. For example, a tulip glass is ideal for drinking Belgian-style beers, while a pint glass is commonly used for English-style ales and lagers.

Temperature

The temperature at which you drink your beer also makes a difference. Most beers should be kept around 50–60 °F (10–16 °C). Stronger beers, such as barley wines and dark ales, are best enjoyed just below room temperature, while standard ales should be at "cellar temperature" (around 50–55 °F or 10–13 °C). Lighter beers, such as lagers and wheat beers, should be served at a refrigerated temperature of 45–50 °F (7–10 °C).

Pouring

When pouring your beer, start by tilting your glass at a 45-degree angle and pouring the beer down the side. When you reach halfway, level out the glass and finish pouring straight down. This will help you achieve the perfect amount of "head" or foam, which is important for getting the true flavours of the beer.

Observing

Before you take your first sip, take a moment to observe the beer. What colour is it? Is it clear or opaque? What does the head look like? Swirl the beer gently and take a sniff to appreciate the aroma. Does it smell earthy, sour, sweet, woody, chocolatey, or fruity?

Tasting

Finally, it's time to taste your beer. Take a few small, thoughtful sips and let the beer linger on your tongue to pick up on the flavours and sensations. Pay attention to how it feels in your mouth and how it changes as it warms. Then, swallow and repeat to see how the flavours develop.

Beer drinking speed

The speed at which you drink your beer is entirely up to you and can depend on a variety of factors. These include the type of beer, the ABV, the temperature, the glassware, the setting, and whether you are eating or drinking on an empty stomach.

Some people prefer to drink their beer slowly, savouring the flavour and aroma. This is especially true for stronger beers with more flavour, such as imperial stouts or Belgian quadruples. These beers might take an hour or more to finish. Drinking beer slowly allows you to appreciate the nuances of the beer as it warms up and the flavours develop.

Other people prefer to drink their beer quickly, but not so fast that they are chugging it. This is often the case for lighter beers such as low ABV lagers, pilsners, or American ales. These beers might be finished in 5-10 minutes.

The setting can also influence your drinking speed. For example, if you are drinking at a bar with friends, you might drink faster than if you are drinking alone at home. The type of glassware can also play a role, as beer drunk from a pint glass might be consumed faster than beer from a tulip glass or goblet.

Additionally, the temperature of the beer can impact your drinking speed. Colder beers might be consumed more quickly, especially on a hot day, while beers served at room temperature or slightly chilled might be sipped and savoured.

Finally, drinking speed can depend on whether you are eating or drinking on an empty stomach. If you are drinking beer with a meal, you might take your time and savour both the food and the beer. On the other hand, if you are drinking on an empty stomach, you might drink faster, especially if you are trying to catch a buzz.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to drink beer. The most important thing is to enjoy your beer and drink responsibly.

Frequently asked questions