Six steps to ensure the best tasting beer
It is best to store beers such as lagers at a temperature of 4ºC and ales and stouts at a slightly higher temperature.
Beers are packaged at their peak flavour, freshness and quality. Once the beer has left the brewery and is on its way to local bars or bottle stores, there are a number of ways keep it at optimum freshness.
Here are six steps from Anton Erasmus, South African Breweries’ brewer, to follow in order to enjoy beer at its finest:
The Do’s and Don’ts of beer
1. Light
Light is the first thing to avoid when it comes to beer, as it causes a reaction that alters the physical structure of the hop compounds, transforming them into those which contain sulphur. “One way to see if your beer has been ‘light struck’ is when it has a skunky smell and taste,” says Erasmus. Storing beer in a dark, cool place is best to avoid this potential issue.
2. Age
Like bread, beer has an expiring date too. The longer the beer sits on a shelf, the more time it has for oxidisation to take place. This causes beer to have a cardboard taste. “After weeks of brewing the perfect beer, no brewery wants a consumer drinking a stale, old beer.”
3. Heat
“No one likes a warm beer. It is best to store beers such as lagers at a temperature of 4ºC and ales and stouts at a slightly higher temperature.”
4. Agitation
Too much agitation can speed up the staling process, as you release any dissolved oxygen in the beer when you shake it around too much. “Handle beer gently,” says Erasmus.
5. Freezing
Freezing beer is a huge no-no. When beer is frozen, carbon dioxide is lost, making the beer flat and altering the taste. Frozen beer often results in the cap popping off and the bottle rupturing. “If you are looking for a quick fix to chilling your beer, rather pop your beer in an ice bucket for a quicker and less damaging chill effect,” says Erasmus.
6. Dirty glasses
“A clean glass boosts the foam head, and bubbles will not stick to the side of your glass.” By drinking out of a dirty glass, your beer might be tainted with other flavours and aromas. The best way to ensure a clean glass is to wash with dishwashing liquid, rise soap off and allow to air dry.
READ ALSO: Glasses raised at Olympians 160th official tasting
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
