Beer Myths: BUSTED
Paris Trollope
There are a number of myths that have come up over the years relating to craft beer…so how do you know which are facts and which are fiction? Just ask us! But we know your time is precious so we’ve put together a list of 5 common beer myths and why they might not be exactly as they seem…
See the full explanation below the infographic!
Myth: ‘The foam on top of my beers means I get less beer’
Fact: There are many different names for this foam sitting on top of your brew and, no, it does not mean you rubbed the bartender the wrong way because it serves a purpose! This foam is created by the nucleation of bubbles as the beer is poured. There’s a lot of chemistry at play when it comes to the proteins in the brew saddling onto the CO2 bubbles, but I’ll save that for another day. The foam can add a softening effect to your palate as your enjoy the beer, altering the perception of taste (in most cases, making it better!). However, like all things, the foam-to-beer ratio should be balanced – we recommend around 1”-1 ½” of foam for prime drinking. If you have too much foam (and you’re cool with it), try sticking a finger in your beer, the oils on your skin will break up the bubbles faster.
Myth: ‘Beer before liquor means you’ll get sick’
Fact: Quite a common phrase to hear, especially around college, “beer before liquor and you’ll never be sicker but liquor before beer and you’re in the clear”. While catchy and easy to remember, this phrase doesn’t hold a lot of truth to it. A beer has the same amount of alcohol as a shot, your body doesn’t know the difference between the two alcohols and will process them the same way. Beer dehydrates you just as any alcoholic drink, except it takes longer (usually) to consume. Re-hydrating your body with more water in between drinks can help replenish what you’ve lost.
Myth: ‘Beer is way better in bottles than a can’
Fact: Nothing can replace the feeling and romance of drinking a beer straight out of the bottle, since glass bottles can give brews a more expensive and high-end feel. Cans on the other hand are commonly associated with ‘chuggable’ and cheap beers, not ones you’d want to sip and enjoy. However, cans are actually more successful in preserving the freshness and quality of the beer. It takes longer for a can of beer to expire than a bottle, light can penetrate glass far easier than aluminum, and cans are less likely to have oxygen leak out of it. Either way, beer should always be enjoyed from some type of glassware (pint glass, tulip glass, etc.), that way you get to enjoy the frothy foam and you can incorporate your nose into your tasting experience.
Myth: ‘Beer makes you gain weight’
Fact: You may have heard this misconception just about anywhere but like most other foods, it’s all about moderation. If you’re an average adult consuming 2,000 calories a day and you’re adding a 6 pack on top of that every night, you’re bound to feel some impacts from it. However, if you consume in moderation just like any other treat, you probably won’t notice a difference. Another contributing factor to weight-gain when drinking beer is the food you consume while you drink. I don’t know about you, but I tend to enjoy beer alongside anything fried or something I’ll regret in the morning. So, can beer make you gain weight? Technically yes, but so can a whole platter of brownies. It’s all about balance and making healthy-ish choices!
Myth: ‘Beer is best served ice cold, always’
Fact: Every beer commercial you watch will always showcase a beer fresh out of the fridge or right out of an ice box. It’s created this expectation that all beer must be enjoyed at a refrigerated temperature. Well that may be true for some, it definitely does not apply to all. Lagers are perfect for that ice-cold beer on a hot summer’s day fantasy. These brews are best at refrigerated temperature because they were fermented in those conditions, anyways! Ales (IPAs, Ambers, browns, or blondes) are at their best between 45-55 degrees, many of the complex flavors become muted when served too cold. For the stronger and darker beers, it’s recommended they be served at room temperature or only slightly chilled.
Do you have any other beer myths you’d like fact-checked or debunked? Let us know!
Cheers!