Yoko, a European beer loverBeer is delicious, but why do different types of beer taste so different?
We answer these questions!
If you are a beer lover, you must have wondered at least once about the flavor and characteristics of beer.The taste of beer is largely determined by four main ingredientsIn this article, we'll take a closer look at how each ingredient affects the taste of beer.
- The four ingredients in beer and their respective roles
- Differences in flavor and aroma of each ingredient, and the impact each ingredient has on beer
- Tips on how to choose beer, focusing on the ingredients
By deepening your understanding of beer, choosing beer and pairing with food will become even more fun! Nowadays, you can enjoy a variety of beers from Japan and abroad. Please read this article to gain more knowledge to enjoy beer on a deeper level.
The basic knowledge of beer ingredients is also explained in the following article.
The four ingredients in beer and their respective roles
Beer is made from four basic ingredients.
"Water," "Malt," "Hops," and "Yeast"These are simple ingredients, but their combination creates a complex flavor. Let's take a look at the role each ingredient plays in beer, along with their respective characteristics.
The relationship between the characteristics of "water" that determines 90% of beer and its flavor
Water, which makes up over 90% of beer, has a significant impact on the flavor of the beer. Water quality varies from region to region, and the following characteristics affect the taste of beer.
- Water hardness
Hard water deepens the body of beer and is suitable for ales, while soft water gives a clean taste and is often used for lagers. - Mineral content
The calcium and magnesium content also adds nuances to the flavor.
Major minerals and their roles:- calcium→ It makes the taste "mellow" and stabilizes the flavor of the beer.
- magnesium→ A small amount can add a slight bitterness and deepen the flavor of the beer.
- Sulfate→ Makes the beer "dry" and brings out the bitterness of the hops.
- Carbonate→ It gives body to the flavor and is suitable for dark beers (stouts and porters).
- Chloride→ It brings out the sweetness and mellowness of the beer, making it smooth to drink.
Many beers are made with particular attention to the quality of the water, which gives them their own unique character, so enjoying the differences between their production areas is also a great way to enjoy them.
The aroma and richness of malt
Next is "malt." Malt is germinated grain used as an ingredient in beer. Malt is an important ingredient that gives beer its sweetness and body, and is particularly involved in the flavor in the following ways:
- Types of malt
The color, sweetness, and richness of beer change depending on the type of malt used, such as light-colored malt, dark malt, caramel malt, etc. Mostly barley that has been germinated and then dried is used, but sometimes wheat and rye are also used. Malt plays an important role in forming the base flavor, color, and alcohol content of beer. - Roast Degree
The stronger the roast, the stronger the bitterness and aroma, adding depth to dark beers such as stouts and porters.
The amount of malt and the degree of roasting determine the balance of sweetness and aroma and affect the impression of the beer, so the selection of malt is where the brewer's skill is put to the test.
The role of hops: enjoying the balance of bitterness and aroma
Hops add bitterness and aroma to beer. In recent years, IPA (India Pale Ale) that emphasizes the aroma of hops has become popular, but the characteristics of beer change in various ways depending on how hops are used.
- bitter taste
Hops contain alpha acids, which become more bitter depending on the simmering time. The longer you simmer the more bitter the beer becomes and the more of a sharp aftertaste it leaves. - scent
If you shorten the boiling time and add hops later, the gorgeous aroma will stand out. Depending on the variety of hops, you can enjoy different aromas such as citrus, floral, and spicy.
The flavor of hops has a strong influence on the impression of beer, and the type and strength of the aroma are factors that determine the individuality of various beer styles.
Author: MyakoI once had a drinking party with a friend where we did a comparison of beers, focusing on the "hop flavor." We compared an IPA and a lager, and were surprised by the distinctive citrus aroma of the IPA, which has a strong hop bitterness.
Later, when I drank a beer that had a roasted malt flavor similar to a stout, I felt a depth to it that made me feel like I was enjoying coffee.
It was a moment when I realized that by paying attention to the ingredients in beer, you can enjoy the depth of flavor even more!
The mysterious power of yeast: fermentation and flavor that create beer's unique characteristics
Yeast is necessary for beer fermentation. Yeast not only breaks down sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, but also has a unique effect on the aroma and flavor of beer. Beer yeast is a collection of small, spherical or elliptical cells of the microorganism yeast fungus, which cannot be seen with the naked eye. When used in the brewing process, it is usually handled in liquid or dried powder form.
- Ale and lager yeast
Ale yeast ferments at high temperatures and produces a fruity aroma, while lager yeast ferments at low temperatures and produces a clean flavor. - Esters and phenols
This is a yeast-produced aroma that creates fruity and spicy scents.
As such, yeast has a significant influence on the aroma and flavor of beer and plays an important role in the diversity of beer styles.
A variety of flavors created by the combination of ingredients
Even though the basic ingredients of beer are the same, the flavors vary greatly depending on the combination of ingredients used and the brewing method. For example, the characteristics of the ingredients are utilized according to the following styles.
- Pilsner
This style uses soft water and takes advantage of the refreshing bitterness, resulting in a clean taste. - IPA
This style highlights the bitterness and aroma of hops. Strong aromas such as citrus and pine are popular. - stout
The roasted malt adds a deep flavor and aroma, giving it a rich, dark beer taste.
In this way, the differences in beer styles are born from how the ingredients are used, and can be enjoyed according to the drinker's preferences and food.
How to choose and compare beers
One way to enjoy the flavor of beer more is to pay attention to the ingredients when selecting it. When comparing different beers, try to keep the following points in mind:
Enjoy the bitterness and aroma of hops→ Choose an IPA or hoppy ale and enjoy the hop flavor.
Feel the richness of malt→ Enjoy the deep flavor of dark beers made with roasted malt, such as stouts and porters.
Focus on the characteristics of yeast→ Enjoy the fruity aroma of an ale, or experience the light taste of a lager.
summary
We explained the four ingredients that determine the flavor of beer: water, malt, hops, and yeast. Each ingredient creates a unique flavor, supporting the diversity of beer. If you're not sure which beer to choose, one of the fun things to do is to learn about the characteristics of each ingredient and find one that suits your taste.
From now on, please pay attention to the ingredients of beer and enjoy its unique flavors. If you gain a deeper understanding of beer, you will be able to spend even more quality time!
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