Craft Beer Secrets: Reserve Beer's Unique Distinction

Sapporo Reserve Beer is a premium lager from the Japanese beer pioneer. It is a full-bodied, all-malt beer with a complex flavour profile. It is harder to find than Sapporo Premium, especially in restaurants and bars. It is an international pale lager, with malted barley as the only grain used, making it a more robust beer. It has a golden-yellow colour, moderate intensity, a supple texture, and a dry finish. It can be compared to Kirin Ichiban, another all-malt lager from a major Japanese brewery.

Steel Reserve, on the other hand, is an American lager brand with a high alcohol content, typically containing 8.1% ABV. It is also known as Triple Export Malt Liquor or High Gravity Lager, and is sold in various bottle and can sizes. It received a gold medal in the 'American-Style Premium Lager or Specialty Lager' category at the World Beer Cup in 2012.

Reserve beers may have a higher alcohol content

Reserve beers are often associated with higher alcohol content. While the alcohol content of beers varies, reserve beers tend to have a higher ABV (alcohol by volume). This means that a higher alcohol content will affect you more than a lower alcohol content beer.

For example, Steel Reserve 211 High Gravity, an American Malt Liquor-style beer, has an ABV of 8.1%, which is significantly higher than the average beer. Similarly, Molson XXX, a Canadian Malt Liquor, has an ABV of 7.3%. These beers are considered "high-gravity lagers," indicating a higher alcohol content.

Sapporo Reserve Beer, a premium lager from Japan, is another example of a reserve beer with a relatively high alcohol content. While the exact ABV is not always listed, it is described as a full-bodied all-malt beer with intense complexity. The tasting notes for Sapporo Reserve include toasted malt, blueberry, Meyer lemon, wet concrete, and saline, indicating a more robust and complex flavour profile that may contribute to a perceived higher alcohol content.

It's important to note that the alcohol content of beer is just one factor to consider when choosing a beverage. Beer enthusiasts also consider taste, ingredients, brewing methods, and origin. Additionally, different countries and states may have varying regulations regarding alcohol content and labelling, so it's always a good idea to check the label or refer to resources for specific information.

Reserve beers are often harder to find

There are a few reasons why reserve beers like Sapporo Reserve can be harder to find. One factor is production volume. Reserve beers may be produced in smaller batches or limited editions, making them less readily available than beers produced in larger quantities. Additionally, the distribution channels for reserve beers can vary. They may be distributed primarily through specific retailers or channels, such as online stores, specialty beer shops, or particular geographic regions, making them less accessible to consumers who don't have access to those channels.

Another factor contributing to the difficulty in finding reserve beers is their popularity among enthusiasts and collectors. Some reserve beers are highly sought-after by beer aficionados and collectors, which can result in higher demand and quicker depletion from shelves. This dynamic further reduces the chances of finding these beers, especially if one is not quick enough to secure a bottle or lives in an area with limited access to specialty beer retailers.

Furthermore, the exclusivity of reserve beers can also play a role in their elusiveness. Some breweries may intentionally limit the availability of their reserve beers to create a sense of exclusivity and prestige. This strategy can drive up demand and make these beers feel more special to consumers. However, it also means that these beers are not as widely distributed or easily accessible as regular offerings from the same brewery.

Lastly, the seasonality or limited release nature of some reserve beers can make them harder to find. Certain reserve beers may only be released during specific times of the year, such as seasonal offerings, anniversary editions, or special collaborations. This limited release window means that consumers must be vigilant and act quickly to purchase these beers before they sell out or disappear from shelves until the next release.

In summary, reserve beers like Sapporo Reserve can be harder to find due to a combination of factors, including production volume, distribution channels, popularity among enthusiasts, exclusivity, and seasonality. These beers often require a more dedicated search and may not be as readily available as their more mainstream counterparts.

Reserve beers are usually served chilled

Reserve beers, like Sapporo Reserve Beer, are usually served chilled. While some may prefer their beer ice-cold, this is not actually the best way to enjoy the nuances of the beverage. When a beer is served too cold, the flavours are locked away and the cold temperature slows the volatilisation of aromatic compounds, causing them to linger in the beer. This can make the beer seem thin and tasteless.

The ideal temperature for serving beer is between 38-55° F. Lagers are served colder than ales, stronger beers are served warmer than weaker beers, and darker beers are served warmer than lighter beers. For example, a pilsner is best served at 6° Celsius, while a Grimbergen Tripel is best at 8° Celsius. Heavier beers, like a Russian Imperial Stout or a Quadrupel, are best at around 14° Celsius.

For beers like Sapporo Reserve, serving at a slightly chilled temperature allows more aromas and flavours to be enjoyed. This can be achieved by pouring a fridge-temperature beer into a room-temperature glass. The type of glass also makes a difference: shaker pints are a good choice for allowing the aromas and flavours of a lager to shine. Spiegelau Craft Pilsner and Libbey Stockholm Pilsner glasses are also recommended for the optimal beer-drinking experience.

Reserve beers can be more bitter

The amount of bitterness in a beer depends on several factors, including the type of hops used, the amount of hops added, and the timing of their addition to the brew. Bittering hops, which have higher alpha acids, are more economical as a small amount goes a long way. Aroma hops, on the other hand, tend to have more essential oils that contribute to the "hoppiness" of a beer, adding aromas like citrus, pine, mango, and resin. Adding hops early in the brewing process contributes more bitterness, while adding them later adds more aroma.

The bitterness of a beer can also be influenced by factors such as carbonation and ageing, which can help to mellow out the bitterness over time. However, excessive tannins, which are naturally occurring polyphenols in malted grains, can lead to a sharp, harsh bitter finish. This can happen if the pH is driven too high during the steeping or lautering process.

Additionally, using too many grains from the "harsh zone," which refers to grains with a colour range of 80 to 250 Lovibond, can result in overpowering tannic, coffee, and burnt marshmallow flavours. These grains should be used sparingly to add depth to certain beer styles, such as complex porters or imperial stouts.

Reserve beers are often more expensive

For example, Sapporo Reserve Beer is a premium lager from the Japanese beer brand. It is one of the few all-malt beers among major brands, with malted barley as the only grain used, resulting in a more robust flavour. The beer has a golden-yellow colour, moderate intensity, a supple texture, and a dry finish. It offers tasting notes of toasted malt, blueberry, Meyer lemon, wet concrete, and saline, with discreet flavours beyond the toasty grain. Sapporo Reserve Beer is also harder to find than Sapporo Premium, especially in restaurants and bars, which can contribute to its higher price.

Another example of a reserve beer with a higher price point is Crown Ambassador Reserve from Australia. It is rumoured to be the country's most expensive bottle of beer, with a retail price of around $73, although it may be challenging to find and could cost even more. This dark beer has a 9.6% alcohol content and features fruity and hoppy notes of amber and caramel.

The higher cost of reserve beers can also be attributed to their limited production and exclusivity. For instance, BrewDog's "The End of History" is a Belgian blonde ale with a staggering price tag of $20,000. The beer has a 55% ABV and is made from nettles and juniper berries from the Scottish Highlands. The original run in 2010 consisted of only 12 bottles, which sold out in four hours. When reissued in 2016, it became even more exclusive and expensive.

In summary, reserve beers often carry a higher price tag due to their limited availability, higher-quality ingredients, complex flavours, and the time and care taken in their brewing process. These factors contribute to their exclusivity and appeal to beer enthusiasts seeking a unique and refined drinking experience.

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