What is dark beer? Introducing European dark beers and the snacks that go well with them

This time,Basic information about dark beerfrom,A European dark beer brand that is easy to drink in Japan, and evenRecommended snacksWe will provide you with detailed information about dark beer!

What is dark beer anyway?

Black beer is as the name suggestsDark colored beerIt is generally characterized by a strong roasted and fragrant flavor, and sometimes flavors similar to chocolate or coffee.

Dark beer was created in the 18th century and was often consumed in cold climates.Strong flavor and satisfying tasteIt developed in Ireland and the UK, and is now loved all over the world.

Why is dark beer black?

The reason why dark beer is dark isRoasted maltis located.

When making beer, malt is made by germinating barley and then drying it.Roasted for a long time at high temperatureDuring this roasting process, the color of the malt changes.Black or deep brownThis results in malt.

The color of a dark beer depends on how roasted the malt is, so the more strongly it is roasted, the darker the color will be, ultimately resulting in a dark beer.

What gives dark beer its unique flavor?

The unique taste of dark beer is alsoRoasted maltThe ingredients produced by roasted malt are:Caramelorchocolate,coffeeIt has a scent and flavor like

Specifically, the chemical reactions that occur during the roasting process (Maillard reactionThe complex, rich flavor is created by the reaction of amino acids with sugars to produce brown pigments and aroma) and the caramelization of the sugars in the malt.

For example, dark beers such as stouts and porters are characterized by a strong roasted flavor and often have flavors similar to coffee or chocolate.Burnt malt aromaorCaramelization of sugarsHowever, it produces a mellow and deep flavor.

Dark beer is usuallybitter tasteandsweetnessIt has a good balance of bitterness, and even if it is strong, the sweetness of the roasted malt often softens it, making it easy to drink.

A representative European dark beer brand that can be bought in Japan

Here are some of the most popular brands of dark beer.

1. Guinness Draught(Guinness Draught)

Guinness is a dark beer that represents Ireland and is very popular around the world. Guinness is a historic brewery founded in 1769, and is especially known for its stout beers, with Guinness Draught being its most famous product.

The characteristics of this beer are:Creamy foam and rich malt flavorIt has the aroma of roasted malt, a slight bitterness, and a touch of sweetness. The alcohol content is relatively low at about 4.21 TP3T, making it easy to drink.

More details on GuinnessHereThis is summarized in the article.

1. Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout
   (Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout) 

This is one of the dark beers made by the traditional British beer maker "Samuel Smith". This brewery has a long history dating back to the 18th century and continues to make high-quality beer.

This beer has a rich roasted flavor and a sweetness reminiscent of chocolate and caramel. Oatmeal is used,Very smooth and mellow on the palateThe alcohol content is around 5%, so it's not too heavy and easy to drink, so even beginners to dark beers can enjoy it.

This beer is rich yet easy to drink, making it a popular dessert beer.

1. Erdinger Dunkel
   (ERDINGER Dunkel) 

This dark beer is produced by the German company Erdinger. Erdinger is a famous brewery, especially known for its wheat beers, and has many fans around the world.

This beer is characterized by its rich malt flavor and subtle sweetness. You can feel the aroma of roasted malt and the slight sweetness of caramel.The smoothness of the wheat also makes this a beer that is easy to try even for those who don't like dark beers.It is a unique beer that combines the softness of wheat beer with the richness of dark beer.

For more information on Erdinger,HereThis is summarized in the article.

Differences from dark beer

Although black beer and dark beer have similar colors, there are actually some differences between them.

• Black beer (black beer)
  
  It is characterized by a strong roasted flavor, and examples of this include stout and porter. It has a flavor similar to coffee or chocolate, and is relatively bitter.
  
  
  
• Dark beer (dark lager)
  
  A general term for dark beers that do not have the strong roasted taste or bitterness of dark beers. Dark lagers are usually lighter in flavor than dark beers and have a smoother mouthfeel. For example, Czech Kozel Dark is classified as a dark lager.
  
  For more information about Kozel,Here.

What snacks go well with dark beer?

Dark beer is characterized by its deep flavor, and there are many snacks that go perfectly with it.

The best snacks to go with dark beer are those with a rich, roasted flavor.Goes well with rich ingredients and strong-flavored dishesFor example, it will taste even better if you pair it with the following snacks:

Categories	cooking	Compatibility points
cheese	Cheddar cheese	The roasted flavor of the dark beer and the richness of the cheddar cheese go together perfectly.
	Blue Cheese	The strong flavor of blue cheese and the deep taste of dark beer are a perfect match.
Red meat	Steaks and burgers	The rich flavor of the dark beer goes perfectly with the juicy meat.
	Beef stew and stews	The deep richness of dark beer enhances the flavor of stews.
Fried food	Fried chicken or French fries	The mellow sweetness of dark beer helps to reduce the greasiness of fried foods.
Smoked dishes	Smoked salmon or smoked chicken	The smoky aroma and roasted flavor of the dark beer go perfectly together.
Dessert	Chocolate cake or brownies	The chocolate flavour of the dark beer pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dessert.

summary

Dark beer is characterized by its dark color and deep flavor due to roasted malt. There are many different types of dark beer, including representative brands such as Guinness and Corona Schwarz. Although dark beer and dark beer may seem similar, there are differences between them. Kozel is classified as a dark lager.

Dark beer goes well with strong-flavored snacks such as cheese, red meat, and fried foods. The next time you enjoy a dark beer, be sure to try pairing it with some snacks!