The Brewing of Beer

This wonderful libation has been quenching the massess for centuries and yet most of us admit to knowing very little about the brewing process. Well if a visit to a brewery is not in your near future this article will at least get your on your way to knowing more about one of the worlds favorite beverages.

There are two main families of Beer: Ales and Lagers.

Ales are top fermented and require much less conditioning time than lager. Ales are generally brewed at higher temperatures (between 15 - 24C or 60 - 75F) at these temperatures the yeast will produce a significant amount of esters and aromatic flavors in the ale. This will tend to give Ales “fruity” or floral compounds. Ales tend to be slightly sweeter than Lagers. Some Styles of Ales include but are not limited to, Stout, Barley Wine, Best Bitter and Albier.

Lagers are Bottom fermented and require much more conditioning time than Ales. Lagers are the most commonly consumed of the two families. Lager undergoes a primary fermentation at 7 - 12C or 45 – 55F then it will undergo a secondary phase or the “lagering” phase at 0 - 4 C or 30 - 40 F. This secondary fermentation will clarify and mellow the brew. The cooler temperatures will inhibit some the byproducts associated with brewing to give lagers a crisper taste than Ales. Some familiar styles of Lager are Pilsners and Bock.

Of course to start the brewing process we need to have a few vital ingredients:

Hops

Hops are derived from the cone of the Humulus Lupulus plant. Hops were originally added to beer as a preservative. It is now mainly used for its bitterness and aroma. The bitterness of the hops will generally balance the sweetness of the malt. The bitterness of commercially brewed hops is measured on the international bitterness unit scale and other than beer production, there is very little in the way of commercial uses for Hops themselves.

Barley

Barley is a cultivated cereal and is major food and animal feed crop. It is heartier than wheat and will thrive in cold temperatures. It was used by the ancient Egyptians for bread and of course beer. The Barley that is used for today’s beer production is malted barley. A process where the cereal grains are forced to germinate and are then quickly dried before the plant develops. This malting process allows the enzymes to convert the cereal grains starches to sugars, most notably of course in Barley.

Water

Water is the primary ingredient to beer and when heated becomes known as the brewing liquid. Different water from different regions will affect the beers taste due to mineralization. Hard water is generally used for production of darker beers such as Stouts and Ales while soft water is better suited for Light beer production such as pilsners or lagers.

Yeast

Yeast is a microorganism responsible for fermentation. It interacts with the Starches and sugars of Malt barley to create alcohol and carbon dioxide. Before 1876 and Louis Pasteur’s discovery of the single yeast cell, the fermentation process with yeast was a natural occurrence, hence the localized flavors of different regions being affected by the different naturally born yeasts. Now that Science has controlled the formation of yeast it can be broken into 2 main strains. Ale yeast (top Fermenting) or Lager Yeast (bottom Fermenting)

Brewing 101

Brewing beer has become a scientific process of late with several variations, filtering characteristics and flavorings but the process itself is a simple five step constant of Mashing, Sparging, Boiling, Fermentation and Packaging.

Mashing is the first process in brewing. The barley grains are crushed and soaked in warm water creating a malt extract. This extract is kept at a constant temperature to allow the enzymes to convert the starches of the grain into sugars.

Sparging is where water is filtered through the mash to dissolve the sugars inside. The result is a dark, sugar heavy liquid called Wort.

During the boiling process, the wort is boiled along with other ingredients, excluding yeast, to kill any microorganisms and release excess water from the brew. Hops are added at some point in this process.

Fermentation then takes place. The Yeast, either Ale or Lager yeast is added to the mix and the beer is then allowed to settle. This is called the primary fermentation process. There can be a second fermentation process but many breweries may simply filter off the yeast at this point.

Packaging the beer is the next step. Beer at this point will have alcohol but very little in the way of Carbon Dioxide. Many large scale breweries will infuse CO2 into the beer through the keg or bottling process. Smaller breweries or craft breweries may add residual sugars or small amounts of yeast to the bottles or kegs to produce a natural carbonization process. This is called Cask or Bottle fermented beer. No matter what process the brewery takes, all beer eventually ends up in steel kegs, bottles, cans and sometimes casks.

Although you now know the in's and out's of the beer brewing process, the proper packaging of this libation has created much debate over whether beer is fresher when bottled or left in a keg.

The answer: A KEG.

The keg captures beer directly from the brewery and is kept refridgerated during transportation to your local pub!

Bottles on the otherhand are transported by unrefridgerated trucks and left on shelves where the beer is exposed to enough light that will inevitably have an affect on taste!

Fun Site:

The Mr.Beer home brewing kit (Click Here) is simple, fun and delicious! The kit comes complete with everything you need.

Until Next Time! :)


Michael Kyle has been an event coordinator and hospitality expert for 18 years. His passion for event planning and guest services helped lead to the successful launch of www.thesexykitchen.com ; a web-site dedicated to kitchen design, renovation, party planning, hospitality, and more. Perhaps you have a passion or hobby you’d like to write about. Discover how to turn your passion into a successful website, visit www.succeed-from-your-passion.com to learn how. http://barworks.blogspot.com/

Learn How to Pair Wine With Food

When pairing wine with food, the rules used to be simple: red with meat, white with fish and poultry. But with the limitless options of wine, as well as modern cuisine's complex flavors and exotic ingredients, pairing wine with food is now about experimentation.

The first rule to pairing wine with a meal is to...throw out the rules. Pick a combination that you enjoy. Still, traditionalists won't want to arbitrarily choose a bottle. There are some basic guidelines that will help you select an appropriate wine for your meal.

When pairing a wine with a meal, the goal is balance. A wine's flavor should complement the food being served. If you're planning a formal gathering, it's common to pair one type of wine with the salad and appetizer, and another for the entrée. But for casual, simple meals, stick to matching the wine to the entrée. Avoid a wine that will overpower your dish. Foods with subtle flavors such as red snapper are not a good match for a strong red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. Likewise, a wine shouldn't be dominated by your main dish. A good way to determine whether a food and wine are complementary is to take a bite of the food you'll be serving, take a sip of the wine, and repeat. Ask yourself what stood out to you more - the food or the wine? If you have trouble deciding, but thought it was a delicious experiment, you may have found a good match.

You also want to find a healthy balance. There are four main components to taste: sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Wine shouldn't be salty, so that leaves sweetness, sourness and bitterness. A wine's sweetness is affected by its sugar content. Sourness is affected by a wine's acidity, and bitterness is measured by its amount of "tannins." A good wine possesses a structured balance of these three flavors, and can almost magically evoke the flavor of an array of foods from a spicy pepper to a sweet chocolate. Wines may offer a description of their flavors on the label but, more often than not, you'll have to taste the wine to discover its taste. Whether it be sweet, sour, or bitter, if you determine the fundamental flavor of a dish, and match the wine to that flavor, you'll be in good shape.

Be selective when choosing wines to accompany sweet dishes. Avoid serving dry, acidic or bitter wines with sweet dishes. If you're serving a sweet dish like honey-glazed ham, select a sweet wine, such as a Riesling. Sour or acidic foods with lemon or tomatoes command a more acidic wine. Try a Pinot Noir, Chianti or Sauvignon Blanc. Bitter dishes, grilled steak for example, demand a wine high in tannins, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is also a great choice with grilled food, despite that you may have heard to shun Merlot in the 2004 movie "Sideways." But don't be afraid to contrast flavors; spicy foods found in Asian or Mexican cuisine go well with sweeter, fruitier wines, such as a white Zinfandel.

Matching wine with food is all about trial and error. To get started, find a good wine shop with knowledgeable employees. Thanks to wine's growing popularity, a good shop might be just around the corner. Ask employees and shop owners to recommend wines that will go well with the meal you're planning to serve. If money is an issue, ask for one of the many affordable wines on the market today.

Many shops have regular wine tastings where you can try a variety of wines with food and discover what works and what doesn't. Wine tasting classes are also available in a variety of forms in many communities. Check out www.localwineevents.com to search for tastings and classes in your area. Many restaurants now offer wine pairing menus, where the restaurant's sommelier, or wine expert, will recommend a specific wine for each dish.

As you expand your wine knowledge, you'll begin to notice that the selection process becomes easier and more pleasurable. Matching wine with food can be an entertaining, educational and lifelong hobby.

Fun Sites:
Wine of the Month Club (Click Here)

Wine Enthusiast (Click Here)

Until Next time!

Jasmine

http://barworks.blogspot.com

Are You Ready For Trendy Barware?

Your bar deserves the same attention to your décor as any other room would. And since your bar is a place to relax and unwind are you ready for that trendy barware that will help set the mood?

1. Corkscrews

Don't underestimate the power of a corkscrew. It's more than just a plug. Your corkscrew can have a mix of functionality and décor with so many styles to choose from. Why not pick a theme or a pattern that's trendy and fun?

2. Glasses

You've got to have matching glasses for those party drinks. It's an essential. Your bar should have 6 good wine glasses, 6 solid rocks, 6 highball glasses, 6 Champagnes, and 6 beer glasses. Make sure they liven up the party.

3. Coasters

Are an important part of your barware that is often overlooked. And they are a great way to add a little color and fun to your bar décor. There are plenty of choices and you have to spend very little to get a great effect. Add a little art to your room.

4. Beer Glasses

Every bar has got to have at least 6 beer glasses. The Pilsner glasses are the best and always appreciated but there are certainly plenty of other choices out there.

5. Martini Glasses

Think modern cosmopolitan and consider it essential to your bar décor. They'll look great and your martinis will suddenly take on an entirely new flavor. Consider retro polka dots to really make an outstanding statement.

6. Sangria Set

Every bar should have a Sangria set. The tall slim pitchers usually hold around 70 ounces of fluid and it should have 4 to 8 glasses. Choose something funky. Art glass is a great choice or perhaps something with a seasonal flare like polka dots or stripes. Consider vibrant colors.

7. Stir Sticks

If you want a bar addition that's affordable but makes a big statement choose your stir sticks well. There are some great designs and styles to pick from and there are even art glass sticks which are very trendy. Check out the Mexican choices with the wonderful glass fruit tops. Will that be bananas, cherries, or kiwis?

8. Serving Pitchers

Every bar should have at least a couple of pitchers after all you never know what you might be serving. A beer pitcher is also handy. Choose hand blown glass, etched glass, bubble glass, or any of the other fun and funky glass options.

9. Shot Glasses

When stocking a bar shot glasses are often overlooked. Too bad because there's nothing more fun than a shot party and with so many great glass choices you can definitely add some pizzazz to that bar!

10. Racks

Racks are important to keeping your barware organized and they can also make a terrific décor statement. Classic wood looks great and you can mount the racks to fit with your overall room.

Your bar says a lot about you and your tastes. Don't go lame and cheap. You don't want to be the talk of the town for your poor taste do you? Instead do a little shopping and find trendy barware that will have them talking about what a classy host you are!

Fun Sites:

The Mojito Cocktail Glass Set (Click Here)

Lemon & Lime" Shot Glasses (Click Here)

Happy Hour Swizzle Sticks (Click Here)

Until Next Time!

Jasmine

April retired to become a freelance wine critic and a writer for a number of wine books. In these books, she specializes on finding the right glassware and utensils for your bar. Visit www.ebarware.com for a list of "must haves" such as plastic barware for your bar.Source: http://www.articledashboard.com%20april/, http://barworks.blogspot.com/

An Introduction to Wine

Wine has been made for centuries from just a two simple ingredients: yeast and grape juice. Actually, just about any fruit juice can be used, but by far the majority of all wine is made from the juice of the grape.

How is wine made?
Yeast is the magical ingredient that turns grape juice into wine. Interestingly enough, there is actually wild yeast spores in the air and all that is really needed to make wine is an open container of grape juice and time. The result however, would probably not be the most palatable of beverages.

There are numerous strains of yeasts and the types used to make wine have been cultured just for this purpose. Well anyway, yeast is a living organism that feeds off of sugars in the grape juice in a process called fermentation.

During fermentation, yeast spores will reproduce exponentially until all of the fermentable sugars have been consumed. During this fermentation process, the sugars are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

The yeast will also impart a taste to the finished wine depending on various factors such as the strain of yeast used, the temperature during fermentation and other factors.

Once all of the fermentable sugars have been consumed, the yeast will fall to the bottom of the container. The wine is removed from the container, leaving the yeast, and is transferred to another container to mature while waiting to be bottled.

Of course, this whole process has been extremely simplified for a general understanding.

How does wine get its color?
You probably know that there are green grapes and black grapes and different grapes are used to make different wines. What you might not know is that almost all grape juice (even from the black grapes) is basically colorless to golden in color.

The way a wine gets its color is by letting the skins soak in the juice during fermentation. You can actually make white wine from black grapes by not letting the skins stay in contact with the juice. Champagne is one of the most famous examples.

If the skins are left in the wine for only a short amount of time, a rose (or blush) will be made. If they are left for an extended amount of time, a dark red wine will be the result.

What gives each wine its taste?
Even though there are very few ingredients, there are many things which influence the taste of wine. First of all, there are many varieties of grapes. Each grape variety will produce different flavors, aromas, and even textures. In addition, the soil and climate where the grapes are grown drastically affect these variables.

Not only that, but the wine maker can control various things by the technique, temperature and yeast used during fermentation. Other variables such as fermenting or storing in oak barrels will also affect the taste.

Never fear, with all of these factors considered even the most avid wine drinker would never be able to experience all of the different varieties of wine on the market today. Let the treasure hunting begin!

What is tannin?
Tannin is a substance in wine that causes a firm, mouth-drying feeling in your mouth. It is extracted from the skins, seeds and stems of the grapes so red wines will contain more tannin than whites.

White wines will get a degree of tannin when oak barrels are used for fermentation or aging. Eat just the skins of grapes or drink strongly brewed, unsweetened tea for a good idea of what tannin feels like in your mouth.

What are sulfites?
By law, almost all wine made in the United States will say "Contains Sulfites" on the label. This is because a very small percentage of asthma sufferers can be extremely sensitive to sulfites.

Sulfites or sulfur dioxide is a compound occurring naturally during the fermentation process. Sometimes, though a wine maker will add a little more because of its antibacterial and preservative qualities. White wines have more sulfites than red wines because they need more protection.

Until Next time!
Jasmine :)


http://barworks.blogspot.com
Jason Ditto is the author of the www.2BASNOB.com website about the enjoyment of coffee, tea, wine, and beer. Please click here for more articles about wine and spirits.

Health Benefits of White Wine on Our Lungs

For years now, we've been praising the health benefits of red wine, raising our glasses and toasting Merlot as bottles of white wine sit in the corner, fermenting with jealously.

Because red wine has been known to have a positive impact on the human body, with particular profits to the cardiovascular system, we drink it.

Not to be outdone by its colorful adversary, studies have recently found white wine to be beneficial to health as well. While both red and white wine aid in lung function, white wine has a more positive impact on lung health.

According to a study by the American Thoracic Society, a positive link between white wine and lung health was found for people who drank between one and three glasses a day. These people possessed overall better lung function than those who drank red wine, or other alcoholic beverages. This study also took into account several other variables such as the wine drinker's general health, age, and whether or not they were a smoker.

Because white wine contains higher levels of flavonoids, a group of plant substances known for their antioxidant activity, researchers believe that white wine soaks up the toxins in the blood, like a "mop and glo" for the thorax, reducing inflammation of the airwaves in the process. This helps protect the lungs.

Drinking white wine may also be beneficial because of the presence of free radicals lurking in the human body. If antioxidants are the "peacekeepers" of the chemical compound world, with their main goal being to keep the body void of disease and destruction, free radicals are the bad seeds, often caught red handed spraying graffiti of cancer and illness on internal organs. Consumption of white wine, however, possesses the ability to stop the creation of free radicals, taking away their can of spray paint and leaving them enervated. All of these factors add up to better lung function, with each glass increasing respiratory performance.

According to a study at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, one glass of white wine produced 1.5% higher lung function. Three glasses of white wine produced 3.0% higher lung function. This is not to say that people should be chugging gallons and gallons - huge amounts of white wine won't give people the ability to breathe underwater - but drinking white wine in moderation may make a human's lungs operate at a higher level of performance. This can, on average, add one to three more years to a person's life span.

With red wine bragging about its ability to lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure, white wine has been left in the shadows, unable to boast about a benefit of its own. But, with new studies, people are learning that white wine may be as beneficial as red, its benefits just involve a different organ.

If our hearts belong to red wine, our lungs belong to white, allowing both white wine drinkers and bottles of overzealous Pinot Gris to breathe a little easier.

• Fun Site:

KegWorks Warehouse Clearance Sale (Click Here). Save 30% on select items.

See ya later!

Jasmine

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor at http://www.savoreachglass.com. Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Jordan http://barworks.blogspot.com

CAREFUL ~ Uncle Sam is Watching You

I found this article online and thought I would share it with you.

The Alabama Senate has passed a bill, pushed by the Alabama Wholesale Beer Association, that would effectively ban private keg parties.

The state House of Representatives probably won't pass it. But it will pass a competing bill that would require retailers to maintain written records of everyone who buys a beer keg and charge a $1 processing fee.

Even though you may not live in Alabama, it is only a matter of time before your state senate tries to pass the same ridiculous bill.

Live with Passion!
Jasmine

http://barworks.blogspot.com

Beer - The Top Manufacturers

You see beer commercials all over the place. You probably even have your favorite, especially if you're a chest pounding, sports watching brute of a he-man. The only thing you really care about is getting your hands on a nice cold brew. But did you ever sit down and wonder who the top beer manufacturers actually are? Of course not. That's why you're reading what's about to follow as we reveal the top beer manufacturers in the world today.

The top five beer manufacturers have quite a few surprises, especially for those of you who are glued to your TV and see nothing but ads for Bud, Bud Light, Miller Light, Molson, and the whole cast of characters that follow one bad B-Movie after another.

Well, would it surprise you to know that the fifth largest beer manufacturer in the world is Inbev? Who? You heard right. This worldwide company comes in at number five. They own a ton of premium brands like Beck's. Ah, yes, now you know who they are. They also manufacture a few specialty brands like Belle-Vue. Okay, so maybe you're not so familiar with that one. This company sells most of their beer in America, Europe and Asia.

Coming in at number 4 on the hit parade of brews is Scottish & Newcastle. In case you're not familiar with them, they actually make a lot of other drinks besides beer, including water, cider and even soft drinks. Talk about diversifying. Their main markets are in the United Kingdom and Europe. They export their beer to over 60 countries. Their main base of operations is in Edinburgh.

The third largest beer manufacturer in the world is one you have probably heard of. The company is Heineken. This company is literally all over the place, operating in over 170 countries in Africa, Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and even Asia. What most people don't know is that Heineken also manufactures many soft drinks and other non alcoholic beverages. The company operates out of Amsterdam and employs more than 60,000 people.

Just missing the top spot is a company by the name of Asahi. Asahi is all over the world, literally. There is hardly a county in which they don't operate. Their main beer is Asahi Super Dry. You may not have heard of it but it's the number two seller behind the company we're about to reveal. This company also makes soft drinks and nutritional supplements. And if you think beer and Japan don't go together, then you better think again because that's just where the headquarters of this giant resides.

And finally, we get to the number 1 beer manufacturer in the world and this should come as no surprise to anyone who's ever walked into a bar or just watch a little TV. The Anheuser-Busch brewery is the number 1 beer making company, not only in the United States, but all over the world. It's Budweiser brands are known by all. Even though they operate mostly in the United States, they own 50% of Mexico's leading brewer and 27% of the top brewer in China. Yes, Anheuser-Busch, or Budweiser, really IS the king of beers.

Just like it says on the commercial.

• Fun Sites:

Beer of the Month Club (Click Here)

Microbrewed Beer Delivered Every Month! (Click Here)

Sunset Wine Club (Click Here) - Explore the wines of the west.

Until Next Time!
Jasmine

Live with Passion and Hang on for the ride!!!

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Beer
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://barworks.blogspot.com

Bar Stools - Ideal For Entertainment And Relaxation!

Bar stools are very popular items of furniture, which not only enhance the appearance of a room, but provide versatile seating for all types of occasions.

Modern bar stools come in a huge variety of designs, to suit rooms of any theme and some are even made for outdoor use. From traditional wooden counter stools for rustic country kitchens, to contemporary metal bar stools complete with swivel seats, ideal for a home bar or game room, there's a barstool design to suit all tastes.

If you like to entertain, bar stools are perfect for relaxing on whilst enjoying a sociable drink with friends. You can take your pick from various different styles, including simple backless designs with solid or cushioned seats, and those with armrests and seatbacks. Upholstered barstools can be covered with hardwearing fabric in your choice of colors and patterns, to compliment your existing décor and other furniture. Vinyl and leather bar stools are other popular options to consider.

Alternatively, you may prefer to buy stools with detachable cushions that tie-on to the seatbacks. This gives you the advantage of being able to change the covers for cleaning or if you fancy to change the look of the chair.

When deciding which bar stools to buy, remember to take accurate measurements of the space available, to ensure a comfortable fit. Bar stools should be just the right height, so they are comfortable to sit on, with adequate legroom, but close enough to the counter top for convenience. As a rough guide, aim for a gap of around 9 or 10 inches between the seat and the counter.

Think about the positioning of your bar stools and leave enough space between each one for people to be able to move freely. Commercial style swivel bar stools can work well in home settings too, and are great for saving space.

Online stores are excellent places to browse a huge range of different bar stools and compare prices, making it easier for you to find the perfect bar stools to transform your home.

Recommended Site:

DirectlyHome (Click Here)

That's all for now; Until next time!
Jasmine :)


Caroline Smith is a successful freelance writer and regular contributor to http://www.bar-stools.ws - an online resource packed with tips and advice on choosing all kinds of bar stools.Read more articles by: Caroline Smith Source: www.iSnare.com http://barworks.blogspot.com