UNDERSTAND YOUR BEER:

THE MICRO-DICTIONARY FROM FACCIA LUNA

Beer Fermented cereal beverage which traditionally is made from malted barley, hops, water and yeast. There are two main types of yeast: ale yeast and lager yeast. All beer styles are derivatives of ales and lagers. Other ingredients such as wheat, fruit and spices are used for unique styles of beer. Corn and rice are used as adjuncts, but primarily as cheaper sources of fermentable sugar.

Ales Generally top fermented at higher temperatures. Fruity aromas (esters) are a common characteristic.

Lager Generally bottom fermented at cooler temperatures and aged for a longer time. Smooth and crisp tastes and aromas are characteristic.

Microbeer Handcrafted with only traditional ingredients without adjuncts and chemicals. These beers are brewed and aged slowly to allow the flavors to come through.

Color Comes from the amount of type of roasted barley used. Pale, Caramel, Chocolate and Black Patent are "color" descriptors of roasted barley. In these cases, the colors range from gold to amber to brown to black.

Aroma Beer should be a savory experience. Begin enjoying the beer by inhaling deeply. A variety of scents should be detectable based on the beer's ingredients. The aroma of malted barley is sweet and intensifies with dark beers.

Hops Impart a pleasant, flowery, bitter aroma that balances the sweet smell of malt. Fruity aromas add to the complexity. Any unpleasant smells including skunky or leathery, pungent odors indicate an "off" beer.

Taste Three stages of taste follow aroma in the sensory perception of beer tasting. The taste buds that concentrate on sweet are located at the front of the mouth and pick up the malt tastes in beer. Bitter taste buds are located in the back which emphasize the hop characteristics. The aftertaste is also an important factor in beer tasting. The lingering taste should be pleasing, not sour or harsh.

Body As beer rolls across the tongue, the beer can feel watery (light in body), all the way through thick and chewy (full body).

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