There are many clichés about how beer should be stored, poured and drunk. Here are some general guidelines that will help you have the best beer drinking experience possible. We will also dispel some widespread myths.
Steps
Step 1. Store the beer in a cool place
Beer should always be stored in the refrigerator, preferably at a temperature of 7-13 ° C (about 5-7 ° C more than normal refrigerators). Lower temperatures can improve the feeling of freshness, but weaken the perception of flavor and prevent the tongue from fully enjoying the aromas. Allowing the beer to warm up a bit will be very important in releasing the flavors it contains. Bottles should be stored standing up, and not tilted when gripping. Shaking the bottle could re-circulate the yeast deposited on the bottom of the beers refermented in the bottle and enhance the flavors. If you don't have a fridge or space is limited, a cool, dark place will do as well. Do not store it outside even if it is cooler, as the bottles could explode.
Step 2. Use a cold glass
Pour the desired beer into a cold glass, as the ice will dilute the flavor. It is preferable that the glass is kept in the same refrigerator as the beer, never putting it in the freezer as ice may form when you pour the beer. The refrigerator should be free of open containers of food or foods that can leave their odors, for example garlic, onion, etc.
Step 3. Choose the right glass
Thick mugs or tall glass glasses are ideal. There is a great variety of sizes and capacities. If you really don't have any better, plastic is fine too, but only if it's a brand new glass. Plastic can transfer the smell of what it has previously contained or convey an unpleasant plastic taste.
Step 4. Use a clean glass
Your glass should be cleaned or changed for each beer. To clean it, just pour a splash of dish soap into the glass and then wash it under cold water until it stops foaming. Do not dry the inside with a cloth.
Step 5. Pour correctly
Contrary to many superficial beliefs, foam is important in a beer. Pour the beer directly into the glass, leaving about half a centimeter at the bottom of the bottle. When pouring it, do so by holding the bottle directly over the glass to get the most foam. But it should be a continuous stream with as little bubbling as possible inside the bottle.
Step 6. Let the foam settle
Do not try to dissolve the foam by adding something to the beer, such as salt, as it will degas almost immediately.
Step 7. Smell it
Good beer has a good aroma. As you drink, breathe through your nose to smell the aroma of the beer. It should not only taste good, it should also smell great.
Step 8. Drink and enjoy
When you've finished drinking your first beer, go back to step 1 and enjoy another one.
Advice
- You can judge whether a glass is clean after pouring a beer into it by holding the glass slightly tilted. If the foam sticks to the edges of the glass, it's clean. A dirty glass will quickly degass your beer, usually within a minute. If this happens, you have every right to ask for a new glass and a new beer.
- Carbonation is what makes your stomach sick after a night of drinking (i.e., gas). By pouring the beer straight into the glass as taught, you release the gas as well as the aroma of the beer.
