Tips to Enjoy Beer

Here are a few tips on how to enjoy your favorite brew.

Temperature

Experience shows that most people prefer drinking beer which is chilled to about 40 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 6 degrees Celsius). This is when beer tastes most delicious. It’s a temperature best obtained by storing beer on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, away from the freezing section. Once removed from the refrigerator, beer should be served before it warms up. For a large party, beer may be chilled in any large container. Let the ice melt and add cold water. Check water temperature with a thermometer, if available. Just keep your beer cans or bottles in this cold water.

Opening and Storing Beer

Open your cans or bottles with care; be sure not to shake or agitate. Always store beer in a cool, dark place, away from the light. This helps protect the rich body and strength always present in U.S. beers. When chilling, place in the bottom of your refrigerator, away from your freezing or coldest compartment. Keep a supply there always.

Keep bottle openers and can openers in good condition. Faulty openers can cause chipping or cracking of bottles and denting of cans.

Serving

There are many ways to serve beer. Beer gives an added pleasure when served from a glass or mug. The tall tapering pilsner and the graceful hollow-stemmed goblet are especially popular glasses for entertaining, because they lend such a glamorous air to such an inexpensive beverage.

Glasses

Beer and ale taste fine when served from many types of glasses-ceramic, glass and pewter mugs all are appropriate.

For picnics, paper beer cups are available in many sizes. The fine taste is preserved by the special coating on the cups. For large crowds, it’s easier to use these containers.

You’ll get the best sparkle in your beer when your glasses sparkle. Any trace of grease or soap or lint from a towel will cut down beer enjoyment. Use a soap-free odorless, cleaning agent or a detergent. Baking soda is excellent, too.

A clean beer glass is necessary to acquire the proper foam and flavor. If washed properly, there will be no bubbles clinging to the side of the glass. The foam will adhere to the inside of the glass in a ring design.

Always rinse glasses thoroughly in clean cool water, preferably running water. Do not dry glasses. Allow to drain freely so air can circulate in them. Another expert tip is to dip the clean glass into cold rinse water before serving. (Try these secrets and you will serve a perfect glass of beer.)

Proper Pouring of Beer

There’s an art in pouring beer. Some people like a high foamy collar; some a short one. You can obtain a fine creamy head by letting the beer splash into the glass. A good way to achieve the foam you desire is to tilt the glass and begin pouring the beer down the side, then straighten the glass and pour into the center. You will quickly learn how to build a high or low head by varying the distance between the can or bottle and the glass.

Many experts recommend that you pour beer directly into a glass. They claim you have a better looking glass of beer this way and it’s more flavorful. But remember to find your favorite way of pouring beer and stick to it. It’s your personal preference that is most important.