The beer industry has gained tremendous momentum in the past 10 years. Today’s beer drinkers demand more than just the normal yellow beer from breweries. As the beer industry has been growing along with the beer fans, they are well informed and have a more developed taste and liking. However, there are many inescapable myths and misconceptions about beer out there that refuse to go away. Let’s take a look at some of these heinous myths that we have definitely heard of:
MYTH #1: BEER SHOULD BE SERVED ICE COLD
Many consumers insist on being served ice-cold beer. But on the contrary, the beer tastes best when served between 46 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the style. The beer loses its aroma when it is served too cold and the flavor emerges only with a bit of warmth.
MYTH #2: BOTTLED BEER IS BETTER THAN CANNED BEER
There are two concerns when it comes to storing beer in bottles – oxygen and light. The sealed closure prevents oxygen from damaging the beer while the sealed aluminum keeps out the harmful light that ‘skunks’ the beer.
MYTH #3: BEER IS ALWAYS BITTER
In your beer, the Level of International Bitterness Units, or IBUs determine the bitterness. It is mainly derived from hops, therefore a beer can be as bitter as the brewers wish it to be.
MYTH #4: HEAD IS A BAD THING
While some find the head to be visually pleasing but awful to taste, it has a purpose – it traps in the flavor and aroma, preserving the beer.
MYTH #5: ALES ARE DARKER THAN LAGERS
This myth originates from the fact that the most common lager sold is the Golden Coloured one. But in fact, both ales and lagers can range from pale golden to black. The color instead comes from the color of the malt. Dark malt makes dark beer and pale malt makes pale beers.
MYTH #6: WINE IS HEALTHIER THAN BEER
According to a survey conducted the effect of the drink on the health depends on other aspects of lifestyle such as smoking, diet, and weight. On the contrary, in moderation, beer is just as healthy as wine.
MYTH #7: BEER HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE
Since we’re all conditioned to fear to consume a product past the printed date, we throw out the old beer and buy a fresh batch. There isn’t an expiration date but more like a warning that the beer will start changing from its original flavor.