English, Scottish, and Irish Ales Archives

Two bearded men tasting different styles in beer samplers at craft beers

8 Spectacular Craft Beer Explorations for Beginners

Craft beer has taken the world by storm, offering a diverse and exciting alternative to mass-produced lagers and ales. For beginners, diving into the world of craft beer can be both thrilling and overwhelming due to the sheer variety of styles, flavours, and brewing techniques available. Understanding the basics of craft beer and knowing where to start is key to fully appreciating this dynamic beverage. This article provides an in-depth exploration of craft beer for beginners, guiding you through the

A variety of craft beers in different styles and colors served in glasses, arranged on a bar counter. The glasses range from light golden ales to deep amber and dark stouts, with condensation on the glassware. In the background, multiple beer taps are mounted on a metallic wall, reflecting warm golden lighting."

Lagers: The Comeback Potion No One Saw Coming

When you think of lagers, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s that light, easy-to-drink beer your uncle brings to every barbecue. Or the beer you ordered in college because it was cheap and did the job. But here’s the twist: lagers are making a comeback, and they’re more magical than ever. This isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a full-blown beer renaissance. So, why are lagers, once snubbed by craft beer enthusiasts, reclaiming their throne? The answer lies in their

Why Beer Taste Better Cold?

Let’s clear the air—warm beer is a sin against all that is good! A crime against hops. A betrayal of barley. A cold beer, on the other hand, is a spell. It hits your soul like a Nordic wind, cutting through the summer heat, chilling your bones, and whispering: “Drink me, mortal.” But why? What is it about a frosty lager that feels like pure magic? Is it science? Is it sorcery? Let’s crack this mystery wide open. 🍺 The

Crafting Beer the Way Sumerians Did

Brewing Through Time Our journey into history begins with one of humanity’s greatest accidental discoveries: beer. 🍺 Long before breweries, taps, and frothy pints, beer found its origins in the Neolithic era. It’s believed that the first beers came about when porridge or grain mash—malted for other uses—was left sitting too long, and nature worked its fermentation magic. By 2000 BCE, brewing was no accident during the rise of Mesopotamian civilization; it was a highly skilled craft. The Sumerians, some

Decoding Bitterness: Understanding IBUs in Beer

Today, we’re unpacking the mystery of International Bitterness Units (IBUs) and how they contribute to the enticing bitterness in your favorite brews. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a curious newcomer, understanding IBUs can significantly enhance your beer-drinking experience. What Are IBUs? IBUs, or International Bitterness Units, measure the bitterness of beer. This scale quantifies the concentration of bitter compounds, primarily iso-alpha acids, derived from hops during brewing. The higher the IBU rating, the more bitter the beer. For example,

a variety of beer craft styles and colors

Exploring the Art of Seasonal Brews

With each turn of the calendar, Mother Nature paints a new backdrop, offering a fresh palette of flavors and aromas that inspire brewers worldwide to craft beers that resonate with the soul of the seasons. From the zest of spring blossoms to the warm embrace of autumn spices, seasonal brews provide a unique way to savor the changing moods of the year. In this post, we’ll embark on a flavorful journey, tracing the connections between nature’s rhythmic cycle and the artistry of

Mastering Barrel-Aged Beers

Welcome to a journey through the essence of brewing, where time-honored traditions meet modern creativity. The art of barrel-aging beers is a practice steeped in history. Yet, it continues to seduce brewers and beer lovers with its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. In this post, we will delve into the intricate process of barrel aging, exploring how it imparts nuanced flavors and a complexity that tantalizes the palate. As fans of both the craft and the narrative

Savoring History: Exploring Flanders’ Distinct Brewing Traditions

Embarking on a journey through the historic region of Flanders is akin to stepping inside a living museum dedicated to the art of brewing. This corner of Belgium holds a treasure trove of liquid heritage, with each sip of its renowned ales offering whispers of the past. Flanders is not merely a place on the map; it’s a sensory tapestry woven through time, inviting beer lovers to experience history most deliciously. The Ancient Abbeys and Their Liquid Legacies Trappist monks

From Ancient Ales to Craft IPA: Tracing the Sudsy Saga of Beer Styles Through History

Embark on a fascinating journey through time as we uncover beer style’s ancient roots and remarkable transformations. The story of beer is as old as civilization itself, with every era birthing new techniques and tastes. Today, the beer landscape is a tapestry woven with the threads of rich history and contemporary creativity. Join us as we pour over the colorful past, exploring the liquid lineage that has quenched humanity’s thirst from the cradle of civilization to the modern craft beer