May 16 - 01:42 PM: Draft Misconceptions : Joe McBane

The vast majority of people that come into a beer bar only want draft beer. This is understandable as they usually can't get this at home. However there are certain situations where bottles are are far superior to draft. Simply put if there is yeast in the bottle you want the bottle. Draft beer cannot offer the benefits of yeast due to the size of container and pouring techniques.

Good examples of styles where the bottle is preferable are most high quality Belgian ales, bottle conditioned British beers and German wheat beers. The yeast in a bottle conditioned Belgian allows for that sharp carbonation that really is a crucial part of the drinking experience. The same can be said of British beers. While the carbonation doesn't tend to be as aggressive it is a lot finer than anytyhing a draft beer will produce. In both these styles that have been shipped across the ocean and are normally slow movers the yeast will help preserve the beer and enhance character over time. It is also worth noting that you don't actually want the yeast in your glass although if you were to drink it it would keep you nice and regular the follwing day. German wheat beers are a little more debatable. They are usually pretty good on draft except when the kegs gets towards the end. Often at that point most of the yeast has gone and you are left with fairly clear thin beer. The yeast gives these beers a much fuller body and softer mouthfeel. Out of a bottle the carbonation is similar to a draft pour but you get a solid and consistent amount of sidiment each time.

Keep these remarks in mind next time we don't have your choice beer available on draft but is bottled in the cooler.

May 06 - 04:16 PM: Bright Beer : Joe McBane

While at an event over the weekend an argument was raised over whether it matters if a beer is bright. Assuming the beer doesn't have chunky bits floating around then taste won't really be affected. The first side of the argument was presented based on the afore mentioned point. If it tastes good then don't worry about it. The second side was argued by a gentleman called Colin Valentine who is vice president of CAMRA UK (campaign for real ale) and hails from Edinborough Scotland. The UK has a much more cultured and historied beer culture than exists in the States and a cloudy pint would never be excepted (apart from the obvious wheat examples). Colin's point was that bright beer is more visually appealing and should always be a target for brewers.
A number of brewers then joined the argument and became very bogged down in the technicalities of bright vs. not. It seemed that no one was really thinking about the people who drink the product. That's when I grabbed the mic. to throw in my two pence worth. My take was that this country has been force feed bright golden lagers for so long that something with a bit of a haze is almost a selling feature. It screams of craft brewing. Right or wrong the bulk of Americans are not as beer savvy as they will be in a few more decades given plenty of good beer. They tend to judge a beer on taste not looks. There is no preconceived notion of what it should look like in their minds. I have only had a pint brought back due to looks in this country once or twice in 7 plus years. This is just a reality of the beer culture that we all enjoy. On the other hand bright beer is best when you know what you are looking for.

May 06 - 01:33 AM: New England Real Ale Exhibition : Joe McBane

So I am back from the weekend. I started with a few pints at the Moan and Dove in Amherst Mass. It was rated as the best beer bar in the country a couple of years a go on Beer Advocate so I was excited to check it out. It is a rather small place that is dimly lit and comfortable. Perfect beer drinking conditions to my mind. They had a cask of Dark Star on the bar that was in perfect condition. I had a couple of pints of that for sure. Overall the selection was excellent without being huge. All very carefully chosen beers. A lot of serious lambics on offer. Sometimes I wonder if a lot of the people that drink them really like them or if they force themselves to drink them because they feel that they should be enjoyed. Definitely worth the stop.

The next day was in Somerville Mass. We got to the Nerax event at 1pm for the industry session. I had lined up a guest list with Will Shelton but it was clear that the organizers were lacking any list and that they didn't care anyway. The event was mainly attended by brewers from the North East. The room was in an old VFW joint and certainly had that old yellow light feel. There were a lot of casks on show from both sides of the pond. I particularly enjoyed the Deuchars IPA as far as beer goes. They also had a couple of real ciders in cask. The Haymaker was a particular stand out for me. I really miss good ciders sometimes so it was a real treat. After the session I grabbed a bite and a quick nap before heading back for the evening session that was open to the public. Once again I dropped a name and was ushered in which was especially nice given the huge line that had formed. All in all it was a good event given the quality of beer on offer. I have to wonder though if it was better organized what it could be. I doubt I will be back next year but would recommend it to others who want to experience the best of British brewing.