ASK MR. BEERHEAD – Volume II:
JAMIE KOSTEROSKI OF NEW HAVEN, CT, ASKS….
“STRAIGHT FROM THE BOTTLE, THE CRAFT LAGER WAS AWESOME. IN A FROSTED MUG, NOT SO MUCH. WHAT HAPPENED??”
You never want to pour a really good lager into a frozen glass, as the frost literally kills the aromatics of the brew. (The taste, too, suffers, as the aromas get locked into the liquid.) Cold, not frozen, mugs or glasses allow the wonderful beer smells to jump up and out of the glass, right into your nose! My suggestion: Save the cool – looking frosty mugs for the run-of-the-mill supermarket beer you serve when you’re out of real beer.
DAVE PRUBBLES OF SISKIND, MS, ASKS:
“WHEN I’M WORKING REALLY HARD, NOTHING QUENCHES MY THIRST LIKE A BEER — OR IS IT JUST MY IMAGINATION, FUELED BY MY LOVE OF BEER?”
Never doubt yourself, Dave. British researchers created a beverage hydration index recently, studying what liquids, compared to water, “stay with us” for two hours or more after drinking. Your hero (and mine) is Researcher Stuart Galloway who is quoted as saying “a few cups of beer can be as hydrating as water.” Somebody should open a bar named The Rehydration Libation Station! (And somebody should tell Stuart that beer isn’t usually served in a cup!!)
AUSTIN DENNIS OF SEABURY, CT, ASKS:
“PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME. JUST HOW IS THE ALCOHOL IN BEER CREATED?”
Alcohol is produced during the fermentation process. Yeast, which is added to the beer after it is brewed, consumes the natural sugars in the beer. In return for their “meal,” the yeast cells produce alcohol and carbon dioxide — just as they do when bread is baked. Stronger brews have more fermentable sugars in them to begin with, compliments of the grains used during the brewing process. Thanks for your inquiry, Austin.
ABE RUSK OF CHILLICOTHE, IL, ASKS:
“IS IT TRUE HOP PLANTS CAN BE USED FOR HOME LANDSCAPING?”
With scores of varieties, it provides ornamental elements most other plants do not, and once established, offers an opportunity to actually watch Mother Nature in action. (Once established, some hop varieties can grow an amazing 6 to 12 inches per day, to a maximum height of 20 feet!) All you need is lots of space, a huge support system, and southern exposure. With dedicated care, this beautiful plant will offer loads of shade and lots of opportunities for conversation. For the home brewer, it’s a Double Bonus!
Send your inquiries to: MR. BEERHEAD
484 W. Wegner Rd., Lakemoor, IL 60051
Did You Know . .
In keeping with the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, all of our featured microbrews are traditionally brewed from only all natural ingredients: barley, hops, yeast and water. Absolutely NO chemicals, corn, rice or preservatives are used in these beers!
Looking to get your hands on some of the best craft beer around? Check out our Beer of the Month Club!
