Introduction

The development of domestic agriculture has strongly influenced the need to have regular access to certain grains.
Earliest art and other archaeological artifacts have been marked with the consumption of beer. Beer has been associated with religious and political events Those events have been strong marker in chronicling the advancement of societies. Over the centuries, celebration have become just as much about he beer as the occasional

 There are the Olympics and there are competitions. These events have provided brewers to strive for excellence. Competitions have contributed as a valuable tool for marketing and education consumers to new styles.

 Its not just about the “cold one”. Beer touches all our senses. It can become a very sensual experience. In addition to our senses, there are physiological and psychological factors which influence our perceptions.

 Beer used to be made from a variety of ingredients. The Reinheitsgebot Law limited ingredients toe water, malt, hops, and yeast. Technology and appreciation for artisan beers provide quality products with new variations.

 Understanding the process will give the reader a deeper appreciation to how changes in the process result in changes in the finished product.

 Alterations in ingredients and process create over 25 different beer styles and well over 80 different sub styles. That is a lot of different beer. This section does not attempt to elaborate on every beer brand but rather what you may come to expect and not expect with a style and sub style.

 Aroma, appearance, flavor, Mouthfeel are the corners of beer evaluation. Learn how these are broken down and how a good knowledge can help you discern the difference between a dry stout and American stout.

 Nor brewer sets out to make a bad beer. The beer can undergo many abuses which are detrimental the to the beer itself. Most of these occur after the beer has left the brewery.

 Storage can be one of the biggest issues when it come to beer quality. Factors such as time, temperature, light and unnecessary movement can create undesirable effects on beer. In addition to storage learn what beers improve with age.

 Serving whether from cask, bottle, aluminum, or keg all have different requirements. The vessels used for beer consumption have varied over the millenniums. From ornate gold and horn to specialized glassware. Specialized glassware for beer styles and its effects on beer appreciation occurred before Riedel.

 The beauty of food pairing with beer is that it is far more flexible and easily paired with more foods than most other fermented beverages. Vegetables are particularly difficult to match with even the best of wines. Beer steps up to the challenge gracefully.

 Maibocks and Marzens are classic examples of seasonal beers. Their origins are based on the time of year they were released for consumption. Other beers are more suited to warmer months and others are more suited to cooler months.

 Special occasion beers are beers that in their ingredients and process truly lend themselves to special occasions. Intriguing profiles makes traditions and life moments even more memorable when they are accompanied by a well though out selection.

 Putting on a tasting party is a great way for the host to bring together friends who share their passion of experimenting and learning new flavors. It is very simple and a lot of fun. Valuable tips and recommendations for putting on a tasting can be found.

 Beer is a friendly ingredient in the kitchen. Use it in place of water in many recipes and you add a different dimension to the flavor of your favorite dish. Some foods lend itself very well to the beer. Concepts in pairing are considered here.

 Beer does less for our health in this day and age than it did for it’s founding fathers. We have potable water and regular access to food. It can however it can lend itself to our quality of life. There in lies the healthful contribution to beer.