Let’s all talk for a second about the hot diet trend that has been hitting the streets lately. Gluten-free! Everyone want’s that little green “gluten-free” label written on the food products in which they purchase. But what if a person is a beer lover? Unfortunately, there is no such product as gluten-free drink based solely on the fact that beer is the fermentation by yeast of an infusion of barley or wheat malt and hops or hop extract in potable water. So without yeast (which contains gluten) drinks can not be made.
However, there is a similar product on the shelves today that would trick even the biggest drinkers tend to forget that it technically can not be called “beer”. In order to make this gluten-free product, sorghum, a species of grass cultivated for its grain is used. Using sorghum means the product is free of all wheat or barely. Some believe that drinks made using sorghum rather than barley or wheat as somewhat of a more bitter taste, but hey if a person is gluten-free and wants a nice cold drink they need a product free of wheat and barley.
And surprise, there are over fifteen different brands of gluten-free drinks so if you are a person who truly can not consume gluten, keep trying all the different brands and kinds until you find the one you like. I am sure there will be one that will be perfect for you and your taste buds. Enjoy!
It’s summer time. Do you know what that means? It means drinking some beer! I know some of you are going to be all over this concept. Wait. Allow us to introduce you to some delicious treats that you can add to your beer. Now, some of these might appear to be a bit odd at first. Just remember, sometimes looks can be deceiving and the taste is what truly shines.
1)We first have the tomato. There are so many different varieties of cherries to choose from. You got your cherries and your tear drops. Small is okay. Bigger is better though. Bigger tomatoes will only add more taste and texture to your beer. Give it a try. You might just be surprised.
2)We have peaches. This is a favorite summer treat for many of us. Try adding some peaches into the mix. It’s the salt in the peaches that will push it over the edge. Just try it.
3)Next we have the cucumbers. It’s best to use the lemon or the Parisian cucumbers. Add in some vinegar and pow. You have got something tasty to brighten up you taste buds. It’s best to choose a light ale with this one. The heavier ones will only take away from the experience.
4)Blackberries are a personal favorite for many. Most people eat them without the beer. Hey, why not try it. The fruity flavor might just add in something special.
5)Sour cherries are another thing you can try. These are sort of hard to find. If you are lucky to find a box of them, buy them up. If you don’t, someone else will get their hands on them. It’s going to be a different way to taste beer, that’s for sure.
Here’s a challenge! Ask a guy what his favorite dinner combination is. If they are like most you’ll hear beer and pizza, repeatedly. With so many different flavors of beer out there, it is no wonder why there’s a type to go with any style of pizza out there. So how can you find out what beer to order with your pizza?
Thanks to Chicago’s Home Run Inn Premium Pizzeria, pairing your beer with pizza has never been easier. They offer a comprehensive breakdown of what pizza will work harmoniously with a certain beer. From the dough to the sauce and even down to the cheese used to make the pizza, there are flavor profiles to consider. Let’s look at a couple classic slices and figure out what beer fits best.
Starting with cheese pizza, it is simple and offers an open palette to the consumer, but there is a fan favorite that will set this cheese slice apart. Typically, cheese pizza is best consumed with an American Pale Ale. With a reserved hop profile and the right level of bitterness, this style of beer offers the perfect complement to the classic cheese pizza.
Now let’s look at a not so plain slice of pizza. The vegetarian pesto pizza brings beer pairings to a different level. We aren’t just flavor profiling cheese here. We have various garden-fresh veggies that are screaming for a beer match. Taking advantage of the light earthy taste of the vegetarian pesto, a dark honey ale will do the trick. It will offer a smooth, dry, and sweet taste that offers this pizza a perfect pairing partner.
Beer is now available for pre-order with the Beer Store’s new Beer Xpress service, accessible through the company’s Beer Store mobile app. The application is freely available for iPhone and Android devices. The Beer Xpress service also extends to desktop devices, allowing for pre-orders to be be made from a PC.
The service works by allowing you to select and order your beer ahead of time so that it is ready upon your arrival for pickup. Instead of selecting your beer at the location and waiting in line, you choose your beer ahead of time and skip the wait by going to their new Beer Xpress station for pickup. The stations bypass the lines and allow you to pay for your beer directly.
The service is an extension to the Beer Store’s mobile application, and is an attempt to broaden and enhance the overall customer experience. The company’s efforts in digital expansion include the application as well in-store touch screens for pricing information. The Beer Xpress service is the latest addition to the company’s technological expansion and is an extension to the Beer Store’s mobile application.
The Beer Store states that orders will generally be ready within 30 minutes of placing an order. All orders are subject to proper age verification.
As of now, the service is only available in 25 test locations throughout Ontario. The Beer Store intends to learn from the test run so that they can improve the quality of their service and eventually offer it in additional locations.
While we are living in the days of a love for IPA craft beers, a new type of beer has stepped into the game. Sour beer offers a variety of tangy tasting notes that can appeal to beer lovers, as well as wine and cider drinkers. While offering a craft beer to someone who does not typically indulge in such may not win them over, bringing something new and different can certainly get people talking.
Sour beer includes some volatile ingredients in order to give it its sharp and acidic taste. Using the same healthy bacteria that is used in dairy products such as milk and yogurt brings out new flavors to beer. This must be done carefully to ensure proper taste and safety, but it can have very flavorful results.
Brewing beer using Lactobacillus and Pediococcus must be done with caution because it does increase the susceptibility to infection in the brew house. These raw yeasts and bacteria need to be handled properly in order to prevent contamination of other items.
Sour beers can be produced in various ways. Some use a mixed fermentation process, while others use the less controlled option of spontaneous fermentation that uses natural yeast and bacteria that is present in the air to begin fermentation on its own.
Another method that is more instantaneous is “kettle souring,” which is a fast way to develop the same flavor profile of the beer, just with a faster cycle of stages to obtain the sour taste. The main difference between sour beers and typical IPAs is the malt and ingredients in the beer. Many beers are heavy in wheat, which makes them thick and full of body.
Fruit is also commonly present in beer, due to their help with fermentability, as well as unique flavors that can balance out the sour taste of the beer with sweetness, making it more palatable.
The shift to sour beer is a way for brewers to get creative and show their inventiveness. Hops are a great traditional choice, but many people are looking for a change.
Numerous research studies have concluded drinking moderate amounts of beer each day can be good for your health in more than one way. One of the benefits appears to be a reduction in heart attacks. The most recent study, done by the IRCCS Mediterranean Neurological Institute and published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, found that drinking about 330 ml of beer daily reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by about twenty five percent.
The study was actually a review of 150 other studies on the possible beneficial effects of alcohol on health. The latest study reveals that, on average, all of the other studies demonstrated that consuming about a pint and a half of beer a day is strongly associated with a significant reduction in heart disease and stroke. It also found this benefit came without raising the odds for cancer or dementia.
Other research into the nutritional value of beer has found the beverage to have significant amounts of important minerals including iodine, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These studies also concluded the type of sugar in beer is less likely to cause obesity or type 2 diabetes than the type of sugar in many other processed foods and beverages. Obesity and diabetes are also risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from the latest study were quick to add that the benefits of beer drinking only hold true when it is consumed in moderation. Drinking too much of any kind of alcohol is definitely associated with poor health outcomes.
No one wants to drink stale beer, and now there is an Android app that is going to help you learn when your beer is stale. It actually gauges when your beer will start to falter based on when you bought it and what is printed on the bottle. You just need to make sure that you put all your beer into the app so that you can get a readout on what it will do. You can drink the beer in a certain order based on what the app tells you, and then you can use the app to tell you when it is time to get more beer.
You can actually get rid of beer that is past its prime, and you might even check out beers on the shelf that have passed their prime based on what is printed on the bottle. The app can stop you from buying beer that is not going to last very long, and you will know if you need to drink it right now or drink it later.
You also need to make sure that you get alerts from the app when you are holding onto beer. You need all the information you can get when you are trying to enjoy your beer, and it will really help you when you are working in a restaurant. Bartenders can use the app to learn a lot about their beer, and you can use it as the manager to make sure that you are selling the right beer at the right time. This simple app tells you a lot about your beer, and it increases enjoyment for everyone when they crack open a bottle.
People love getting fresh air during the summer months. If you want to make the most of the beautiful Canadian summer, you probably plan on drinking your share of ice cold beers. There are so many ways to enjoy excellent beers in the summertime. Some people head to quaint outdoor cafes to sip beers and to converse with their closest friends. Some people like to spend lazy summer weekends at the park with beers in tow. Some people even like to drink beers while they’re hanging out on their balconies taking in the amazing summer air.
Beer is indeed a popular outdoor beverage. Some people believe that wine is the superior outdoor drink option, however. Having said that, it doesn’t really matter which beverage you choose to drink outside. Beer and wine both make classic comforting summer beverages. There are actually an abundance of beverage choices that are perfect for people who want to take full advantage of their summers.
Many people have penchants for Pilsners that are imported. They often specify, however, that these drinks have to be 100 percent fresh. Otherwise they can be a disaster. If you want to experience a delightfully tranquil summer afternoon, a nice and fresh Pilsner can be a fantastic companion for you. Who needs friends, anyway? The truth is, however, that few things can top the combination of good buddies and excellent drinks.
Alcoholic beverages from the United Kingdom can be incredible. That’s definitely no secret. Cask-conditioned ales from England are beyond amazing. If you’re someone who appreciates carbonation that’s on the subtle side, these ales should definitely be up your alley.
Folks often like to drink beer in preparation for outdoor eating. If you want to prepare your mouth for the amazing food you’re about to put inside of it, a summer beer may be the way to go.
There are so many reasons why we all love grilled meat. First is the flavor. Then there is the fact that grilling meat is fun to do, especially, with guests or friends over. However, in unfortunate news, the great taste that comes with grilled meat compromises on the health quality of the meat. The process of barbecuing meat leads to the formation of Polycyclic Aromatic Carbons (PAH). This is due to the intensive burning of proteins and fat present in meat. These are free radicals that have the ability to alter DNA. Therefore, taking grilled meat can in the long run lead to colon cancer.
That was the bad news. Now here is the good news- Isabel Ferreira, from the University of Porto, and other researchers have found that this impact could be reduced by adding beer. From the Agriculture and Food Chemistry Journal that Dr. Ferreira and the others wrote, you can see that they first conducted an experiment to see if this really works.
Beer is one of the most powerful antioxidants. When burnt, beer produce melanoidins, which performs the role of countering free radicals. Therefore, if it is added to the grilling meat, it will help prevent the production of the Polycyclic Aromatic carbons.
The experiment was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the researchers use Pilsner, which is a pale lager. In the second phase, they repeated the same experiment, but used black beer in this case. They found that few of the PAHs formed when the pale beer was used (18 nanograms PAHs per gram of barbecued meat) and even fewer when the black beer was used (10 nanograms of PAHs per a gram of grilled meat). The varying results were caused by the melanoidins content difference in the two types of beer. Black beers have have a melanoidin content than pale beers and hence are more effective.
Bottomline is, whatever type of beer is used in grilling your meat, and you will be a step closer to eradicating those free radicals in your meat completely.
“Anyone can drink beer, but it takes intelligence to enjoy beer.” -Stephen Beaumont, Author of Premium Beer Drinker’s Guide: The World’s Strongest, Boldest and Most Unusual Beers.
Some of the top countries that drink beer are Canada, Czech Republic, Australia, the United States and Australia. Each country has a different top selling beer.
Canada’s Has a Taste for Bud “This Bud’s for you” may be the Anheuser-Busch brewery’s slogan about their beer and it’s definitely accurate a slogan for Canada’s beer taste. The most liked beer in Canada is Budweiser. Budweiser has a lightness to it that is both sweet and bitter at once.
The Legendary Beer of the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is the top beer drinking country in the world. The Czech Republic citizens’ favorite beer is the Czech Republic brewed beer Gambrinus beer. Gambrinus has a legend behind the name. Gambrinus is the name of a legendary king of Flanders who had an epic method behind his beer brewing method. It’s not exactly at King Arthur legend status, but it does make the Gambrinus beer seem that much more epic. It’s appropriate that the top beer drinking country on planet Earth has a legend behind the namesake of their favorite beer.
Australian’s Lager of Choice
Victoria Bitter is the top selling beer in Australia. Victoria Bitter was first brewed in Victoria, Melbourne by Thomas Aitken. It started becoming popular in the 1960’s among the Aussies after strong marketing campaigns. Victoria Bitter is not a bitter beer, even though it does have bitter in it’s name. It’s a standard beer and certainly not over the bitter. It has a bite to it, but it isn’t going to make you pucker up. It’s like a bittersweet memory on your tongue.
Light Beer a Favorite in the United States
Bud Light is the top dog beer in the United States. Bud Light is the light beer of the Anheuser-Busch beer brand. Budweiser Light became available in 1981. Bud Light is a top beer in the United States because it is from the largest brewing company in the United States and due to Americans having a concern for carb and calorie intake while still having a solid beer taste. It’s light beer while still having the Budweiser flavor.
United Kingdom Caring for Carling
In the United Kingdom the top brand of beer is Carling. Carling Brewing became the top beer in the United Kingdom in the 1980s. In the year 2009 four point one billion pints were sold in the United Kingdom alone. “Great taste every sip of the way” is the manifesto of Carling Brewery and they uphold that promise. They are the top beer in the United Kingdom because they are the most served beer at football sporting events, music events or any other entertainment events spent with best mates.
No matter where you are or what your favorite beer is, remember to always drink responsibly and safely.
Some beer connoisseurs raise their glasses to smoked lager, but others don’t understand the hype, even if they are fortunate enough to frequent places that serve this unusual chestnut-colored beverage. What makes smoked beer such a hot commodity for some and a cold case for others?
While regular beer is made with malt that has been dried by steam, smoked beer contains malt that has been dried over a wood fire. Not all of this ingredient has to be processed this way for the beverage to classify as smoked. Variations in the smoked to dried-malt ratio and the kind of wood used in the smoking process denote the flavor of the finished product. These distinct notes include bacon, campfire, barbecue, peat, smoked meat sandwich and even ashtray.
The lovers seem to enjoy the fact that smoked beer has these nuances. Plus, it seems more exclusive because it’s not for everyone. However, the majority of craft breweries in the United States do make at least one version called Rogue Ales. Canadian microbreweries are picking up the trend with one-off or seasonal versions, depending on coastal region.
Smoked beer isn’t a new invention, however. Rauchbier, as it’s known in German, dates back to Bamberg where Schlenkerla has been brewed since 1405. Experts advise beginners to start with this Bavarian classic malt before trying more adventurous smoked brews.
For the haters, it all boils down to taste, regardless of the beer’s history and varieties. Not everyone wants their beverage to taste like a smoked meaty sandwich or an ashtray.
The first pumpkin ale is believed to have been created in the eighteenth century when the hardy and innovative pioneers used local ingredients, such as pumpkins, to brew ales. Back then, pumpkins were readily available, and their fermentable sugars filled in for the malt required to make beer.
As conventional beer ingredients such as barley became more accessible in the nineteenth century, the reserves of beers made from pumpkins dwindled to extinction. In the mid-1800s, pumpkin ale made a partial-comeback in the form of beers flavored with pumpkin rather than made directly from it.
It was not until the 1980s when the brew made a proper comeback in the form of a flavorful variation. A brewpub owner in California created a beer with pumpkin and added some pie spices for flavor. This combination was later known as “pumpkin zombies.”
In Canada, the interest in Pumpkin beers re-emerged in 2004 when the Windsor Pumpkin Festival requested Halifax’s Propeller Brewing Company to create a beer showcasing the giant gourd – from the huge Jabba-the-Hutt-like pumpkin variety grown by Danny Dill in Windsor, N.S. The drink has been brewed since.
There are tens of varieties of pumpkins, with some giant ones referred to as the Jabba-the-Hutt-like variety, weighing as much as 2,009 pounds. But this variety is not as sweet as pie pumpkins. So, brewers prefer to use light, bready pale malts to create the golden ale that allows the notes of fresh pumpkin pulp and spicy clove to shine.
36,000 pints of the pumpkin zombie can be brewed from around 1,000 giant pumpkins, but the demand for the drink exceeds the supply. The season for pumpkin beers starts around August, but the stock is usually depleted by Halloween.
There are now many varieties of Pumpkin beer, most of which use a combination of pie spices: allspice, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon. One particularly interesting variety has a hefty caramel and graham-cracker base that evokes pumpkin-pie in a pint.
Most pumpkin beers sell-through very fast during the Halloween season owing to the increased number of parties around that time. The alcohol content in pumpkin beer is sometimes higher than standard beers, like the Pumpkin Abbey ale at 9.5 percent, but it is still a favorite among locals, especially in the weeks leading up to Halloween.
Different governments across the globe have different guidelines about what they consider the safe limit for alcohol consumption; so the amount of alcohol you can consume safely depends on where you live. A recent study assessing the safe drinking guidelines in 37 countries revealed the following:
Some countries have the same drinking guidelines for men and women, implying that the recommended limit is the same for all drinkers. These countries include:
Australia – with a maximum drinking limit of 20 grams of alcohol per day
South Africa – with a maximum drinking limit of 24 grams of alcohol per day
Portugal – with a maximum drinking limit of 10 – 24 grams of alcohol per day
Grenada – with a maximum drinking limit of 14 grams of alcohol per day
Although researchers argue that there is no clear benefit to setting different safe drinking limits for men and women, some countries have set very low daily drinking limits for each sex. For instance,
Sweden, Singapore, Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, and Herzegovina recommend a maximum limit of 10 grams of alcohol for women, and 20 for men
Some countries have very high drinking limits, but this does not necessarily mean that you can consume that much alcohol safely every day. For instance,
USA and Chile allow women to consume as many as 3 drinks per day, and men up to 4 drinks per day. That said, the recommended weekly limit in the US is 7 drinks for women and 14 for men.
Some countries allow people to drink a little more than is allowed on “special occasions.” For instance,
Canada has a recommended limit of 2 drinks a day for women and 3 drinks for men, but allows women to drink up to 3 drinks and men up to 4 drinks, on special occasions.
Some countries require that people don’t consume any alcohol a certain number of days per week. For instance
Canada recommends that people have alcohol-free days each week without specifying the number of days
Poland, Fiji, and New Zealand recommend at least 2 non-drinking days per week
The recommendation from the WHO about the size of a standard drink is 10 grams of alcohol. Many countries adhere to this standard, but others have their own recommendations for the size of a “standard drink.” For instance, the standard drink size in:
Canada – is 13.6 grams
Luxembourg – is 12.8 grams
Iceland – is 8 grams
Austria – is 20 grams
It is worth noting that an ounce of wine contains 2.4 – 2.8 grams of alcohol, while an ounce of beer contains 1 – 1.2 grams of alcohol. The amount of alcohol is different in every drink, so make sure you know how much you are drinking to avoid the harmful effects of alcohol as recommended in your country.
We now have a smartphone app for everything, don’t we? Among the latest applications, is the Alcohol Tracker. Doctors in Singapore developed this smartphone app with an aim of helping users manage their alcohol intake.
How the Alcohol Tracker Works
After downloading the app, users are allowed to enter how many drinks they take each day. They tell the application how many glasses of wine, beers or any other alcoholic beverage they have imbibed and the app does its computations.
Since different drinks have differing levels of alcohol, the app converts every entered drink into a particular number of alcohol “units”. The app does this conversion using guidelines established by both the UK’s “National Institute for Health and Care Excellence” and Canada’s “Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments.”
How the App Can Help Users
The app uses the entered data to keep track of the user’s daily and weekly drinking habits. If a user exceeds the alcohol limit recommended by major health organizations, the app sends a warning notification immediately. The app also sends a notification when a person reaches the recommended weekly alcohol intake. When they get a notification, users know it’s time to stop drinking for the day or week.
Other Benefits of the App
Alcohol Tracker also features links to helpful resources. For instance, users who may be struggling with heavy drinking can find the contacts for a local alcohol helpline. The app also has other inbuilt tools to help users limit their alcohol consumption.
Final Word on the App
As expected of an app developed by doctors, the Alcohol Tracker is a health app aimed at limiting alcohol consumption. As the developers say, the app also counters other apps that seem to encourage reckless drinking. This app is, therefore, a great inclusion for responsible drinkers and people who may be working to reduce their alcohol consumption. The only challenge may be the app’s reliance on entered data. Keeping track of those glasses or shots may prove tricky for an already inebriated user. Entered data may easily be flawed.
According to a new Gallop Poll, moderate drinkers are the least likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to teetotalers and heavy drinkers. Findings from the survey indicated that 13 percent of moderate drinkers has been diagnosed with depression at one point in their lives, compared with 17 percent of heavy drinkers and 19 percent of non-drinkers.
Additionally, only 7 percent of moderate drinkers reported being currently depressed or receiving treatment for the condition, compared with 8 percent of heavy drinkers and 11 percent of teetotalers. The poll also revealed that moderate drinkers were a little more likely to report positive emotional experiences and a little less likely to report negative emotional experiences compared to both heavy drinkers and nondrinkers.
What experts say about the poll results
Generally, alcoholics tend to be miserable, partly because of the changes that occur in the brain due to drinking. Conversely, moderate drinkers only indulge in alcohol in social settings, usually joyful social encounters that lead to the happiness linked to moderate drinking. Experts claim that drinking in moderation does not lead to the misery associated with heavy drinking. Otherwise, more of the 70 percent of Americans who drink would be living in misery, which is not the case.
That said, experts are quick to point that the poll does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between less depression and moderate drinking. In other words, there is no certainty that moderate drinking will make you happier or less depressed. For instance, although people who are emotionally healthy may choose to drink moderately, it is also possible that those with poorer emotional health may prefer to drink heavily or completely abstain from alcohol compared to those with goof mental health.
Another reason why the poll may not be conclusive is because of the differences in definitions: while the poll defines moderate drinking as one or two drinks a day and heavy drinking as 15 or more drinks per week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines moderate drinking as a maximum of one drink for women and two drinks for men, while heavy drinking is defined as an excess of eight drinks per week for women and 15 drinks for men.
Still, it is not too farfetched to conclude that nondrinkers are more likely to be depressed than moderate drinkers.
Although beer is only the third most popular drink after water and tea, it is considered the world’s favorite alcoholic beverage. Indeed, there are now more varieties of beer to choose from than ever before. From ales to lagers, you’ll be greeted with shelves of fascinating brews when you walk into any booze shop. So, how do you pick a beer for the day?
Here are a few tips to help you choose a beer depending on your drinking style and preference:
If you’re only looking to get drunk and don’t care much about the taste, consider getting an American Macro Lager.
If you’re looking for something easy and refreshing to drink outdoors on a hot day, and don’t mind the bitter hop taste, try a Pilsner. Pilsner is also a great choice when running around breaking a sweat and would like to have an easy time.
Wheat Beer is a great choice for those looking for something refreshing to enjoy outside on any day but don’t like the bitter taste of hops. You can enjoy wheat beer with some light and refreshing food.
Farmhouse/Saison is a great outdoor drink for those who love a challenge or those looking for a fun and funky beer.
If you’re looking to get really drunk on a cold night, you can go for Barrel-aged Stout, especially if you love roasted coffee. Alternatively, you can choose Barleywine if you don’t like the taste of roasted coffee.
If you’re just looking for something to enjoy on a cold night without necessarily getting drunk, then Porter or Stout is a good option.
Pale Ale and Ipa are great outdoor drinks for people who love hoppy beers
If you’re having food or dessert and want a beer to go along with your meal, then Sour is the right drink for you.
These are just a few of the beer styles that you’re likely to experience at this year’s Edmonton International Beerfest. Starting on April 1st at the Shaw Conference Center, beer lovers can look forward to sampling from over 200 different types of beer from both local and international vendors.
With Edmonton’s top and most popular beer serving establishments represented, as well as an entirely new line-up of entertainment, this year’s BeerFest is shaping up to be a blast. The event has sold out six years in a row, so get your ticket today!
We are very happy to announce that Metro News Edmonton has done a very nice feature on our 10th anniversary celebration coming up this weekend. We are almost sold out of tickets so be sure to get yours before they are all gone!
Our good friend Ben from Steam Whistle sat down with some local radio personalities to taste a few different beers this morning. Check out the videos below and if you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, be sure to get them today! Don’t leave it to the last minute!
Beer festivals are great after a few months of extreme cold, and not just because they give you an opportunity to drink inside. The Edmonton 10th Annual Beer Festival gives you access to rare, less-available beers, so you can taste a wide variety, hang out with your heroes and other beer lovers, and learn a thing or two. At BeerFest, you can literally drink as many different kinds of beer as you want, and there can’t possibly be a better way for beer lovers to spend a few evening hours.
In order to enjoy Beer Fest, it is important that you take the necessary preparations. The following tips will help you survive our massive beer event April 1 and 2 2016 and guarantee you a great time:
Eat Before You Come!
Give yourself time to get the flavor of the food out of your mouth or you will be tasting food-flavored beer, and continue to seek out food for the duration of the festival. Typical beer festival fare of turkey legs, pizza, nachos and different sandwiches will give your stomach a much needed buffer between beer and alcohol absorption. Take time to enjoy your food; this will also help to cleanse your palate between your beers.
Try to Drink Equal Parts Water and Beer
We know this one is hard… But if you have four servings of beer, try and drink that same amount of water before moving on. BeerFest has bottled water on sale specifically for this purpose. You might use the restrooms more frequently, but in the end this will keep you from becoming dehydrated and could help reduce the chance of suffering a hangover later on.
Try to Experience Everything
We provide a list of entertainers (check our Facebook Page) as well as run a Beer School during the show. Get hold of that list and start planning what you might want to see. We have an incredible line up of shows, exhibitors and talent at this year’s festival.
Get the Ultimate Beer Fest Experience with a Beer God Pass
Choosing which type of ticket to buy for a beer festival can be hard, but we’ve made it easy. The only pass for a true beer lover is the Beer God Pass. You get 1 hour early access and front of the line service, Free sampling mug and a Free tasting guide! Click here to buy your Beer God Pass!
Make Sure You Truly Taste the Beers!
Too often attendees look at this festival as a four hour kegger. To enjoy BeerFest 2016 and create a lasting impression in your mind, and to retain a happy memory of the beers you drank (that you should be able to find after the festival), take your time to actually taste the beer. Tasting hints to consider:
Aroma – Since half of taste is actually our olfactory perception, take time to smell the beer. Make a mental note of what you can smell.
Appearance – Although most festivals pour in two ounce portions, you should be able get a good idea of the look of the beer. The head retention, color, cloudiness, etc.
Taste – When tasting, it is recommended that you drink only half of the sample initially. Make a note of the different properties of the beer (bitter/sweet/tart, etc.).
Mouth feel – What did the beer feel like? Thick, chewy, silky, fizzy? The texture will have an effect upon your perception and enjoyment of the beer.
One last tip: dress appropriately for the weather and put on some comfortable shoes, as you will be spending a lot of time on your feet at the Edmonton Beer Festival.
This year at BeerFest we are updating our BeerGod passes to pay homage to the ancient gods of drinking and beer! These passes give you the ultimate access to the show, so you truly feel like a god among mortals!
Learn all about the ancient gods of beer and drinking featured on our passes:
Aegir
God of the sea in Norse mythology, Aegir had control of storms and ocean waves. He is also known as the God of brewing and beer! Aegir was responsible for brewing ale for the other gods after Thor brought him a giant kettle. Every winter, the gods would gather at Aegirs home and celebrate by drinking his delicious ale.
Aegir was always surrounded by mermaids and nixes while he was in his hall which was located under the sea. He lived there with his wife Rana and his nine daughters who were said to be the waves of the ocean.
Aegir was famed for his hospitality, the cups in his hall were always full refilling as soon as they emptied through his magic. He covered his floors with gold to create light instead of having a fire!
Dionysus
In ancient Greek mythology, Dionysus is the god of intoxicating drinks like beer and wine. He is also regarded as the Liberator because he frees oneself with the stimulating effect of alcoholic drinks.
Dionysus is the son of Zeus; raised in a cave on the mythical Mount Nysa by Seilonos and Nysiades and tutored by Silenus.
Dionysus is portrayed in one of two forms: a pretty, long-haired effeminate youth or an older bearded god. His attributes include a drinking cup, thethyrsos (pine-cone tipped staff), leopard and fruiting vine, and entourage comprising a troop of Mainades (nymphs or female devotees) and Satyrs.
Silenus
Silenus is famously known for being the Ancient Greek god of beer. He is also considered a drinking companion, and is often associated with his pal, Dionysus.
Silenus is portrayed as a bald, fat man with a beer belly, and is always drunk. In fact, the Greek mythology states that he had to be carried by donkeys or satyrs who were mythical wood-dwelling creatures with the head and body of a human being but ears, legs, and horns of a goat!
Silenus was also a god of drunkenness who preferred to remain seated on the back of a donkey while riding Dionysus’ train. He was portrayed as a hairy and balding, jovial old man with a snub nose and pot-belly, and the tail and ears of an ass. This satyr form was considered the foster-father of Dionysus, who was delivered under his care following his birth from the thigh of Zeus.
Ninkasi
Ninkasi is perhaps the earliest goddess to be associated with beer and brewing from the ancient Sumerian civilization. She is claimed to have provided the world with the secret for beer making.
Ninkasi is also famous for her power to satisfy human desire. She is daughter to the lord Nudimmud (Enki) and the queen of Abzu (Ninti), and one of the eight children created for the purpose of healing one the eight wounds suffered by Enki.
Additionally, she is the goddess of alcohol; borne of “sparkling fresh water” and made to “sate the heart” and “satisfy desire”. Ninkasi is the kind of beer goddess who prepares the drink every day.
Osiris
Symbolized by white and crowns, a mummified form, crook and flail, and bull, Osiris was the god of earth and vegetation, or simply the god of agriculture. He was symbolized in his death the annual drought and his miraculous reincarnation the periodic flooding of the Nile and growth of grain.
Osiris was considered the god-king who gave Egypt civilization. He is also popularly known as the God of beer. Julius Caesar also acknowledges that Osiris was the one who taught the people how to use barley to brew a drink that is not vastly inferior to wine in potency and odor.
These are just some of the Ancient Deities with connections to beer or alcohol to drink a toast to or celebrate with a glass of beer this BeerFest. Because their followers believed and worshipped them, you can still enjoy some tasty beer today! Try to collect ALL the Gods on this years BeerGod Passes for the ultimate thanks to them!
Canada has a well-established brewing scene. Apart from a few old beers, the country has a booming craft beer industry. Among the many beers available, here are five top-rated beers in Canada. PéchéMortel– Brasserie Dieu du Ciel! PéchéMortel is a black and dense beer with distinctive roasted flavors. Its brewers infuse fair trade coffee in the brewing process to intensify the beer’s bitterness and give the brew a robust coffee taste. The beer was historically brewed in England mainly for the Russian tsar’s court. It’s stout style, bitterness, and high alcohol content helped to preserve the drink during the long export journey. La Fin Du Monde-Unibroue Unibroue has brewed this Triple-style Golden Ale since February 1994. This top-rated beer has a blonde with a golden hue color. It forms a white, creamy and generous head and Champaign-like bubbles. It has a mildly yeasty flavor that combines a complex taste of malt, fruit, and spice with a smooth dry finish. It has a complex aroma of flowers, honey, coriander, spice, malt, and honey. Unibroue recommends serving this beer at a temperature of 12ºC–14ºC / 54ºF- 57ºF. Serve your La Fin Du Monde in a tulip. Fat Tug IPA- Driftwood Brewery This northwest style India Pale Ale is the beer for a hop aficionado. Fat Tug has an intense hop profile featuring melon, grapefruit, mango and restrained malt notes. Red Racer IPA- Central City Brewers + Distillers This style of ale was designed to withstand the shipping from England to India during the British colonization. This hoppy brew has an intense aroma and a lingering finish that make it a beer for the connoisseur. Red Racer IPA is known as Red Betty IPA in the USA. Sartori Harvest IPA – Driftwood Brewery This fresh, wet-hopped IPA is a special release beer. It’s brewed once a year, in the middle of the hop harvest. The beer uses fresh Centennial hops that make it singular and remarkable. You can sample top-rated Canadian beers at the upcoming Edmonton’s International Beerfest. In the festival’s tradition, there will be many beer exhibitors and music bands. The event is on April 1-2, 2016 at the Shaw Conference Centre. You can buy your tickets online.
Beer tasting should be a full olfactory experience. However, many factors can alter your senses impacting on your overall experience. For instance, tobacco, strong perfumes, salty or greasy food can overstimulate your senses making them less sensitive to delicate beer flavors. Here are five beer tasting tips to take your beer tasting and drinking to a blissful level.
1. Serve at the Right Temperature
The temperature of a drink determines how it releases its aroma and flavor. If you serve your beer too cold, you will lose its aroma. The cold will also numb your taste buds muting or masking tastes. Conversely, if you serve your beer too hot, its flavor will be too strong. You will also lose the liveliness of the beer bubbles, and your drink will not be as refreshing as it should.
Serve your ales cold and your lagers cold. Also, follow the master brewer’s recommendations indicated on the bottle.
2. Pour it Properly
Proper pouring helps pull out aromas, release flavors, loosen and stimulate carbonization and form and retain a good head of froth. If you pour too gently, aromas will be lost. If you pour too hard, you will drive away carbonization prematurely.
For best results, tilt your glass to between 20-40 degrees. Start swirling gently and let the drink squirt to the bottom of the glass. Gradually get more aggressive. When you have a suitable foam, let the rest of the drink smoothly slide down the side of the glass. Aim for an excellent 2 cm head and make sure not to fill the glass too much.
3. Engage All Your Senses
Our senses are closely tied, and they jointly influence our perception. Drink under good lighting to enjoy your beer’s color and clarity. Listen to the sharp hiss when you open the bottle and the intoxicating glug of beer smoothly pouring into the glass. Watch the foam forming and collapsing on the surface of the beer. Before taking your first sip, take a moment and smell the beer. Note how the drink feels on your lips and the texture of the beer in your mouth.
4. Take Your Time
After sipping, don’t swallow your beer immediately. Allow the drink to wander and explore your palate. Note the mouthfeel. Taste the sweetness at the front of your tongue and the bitterness at the back. Try to detect other flavors. Continue appreciating those flavors and aromas.
5. Choose Your Drinking Atmosphere and Company
Beer is best enjoyed in a comfortable, calm, and friendly atmosphere. At such times, your body and mind are not distracted, and your acute senses are not blurred. You are comfortable both physically and mentally and ready to experience your beer.
Come and practice these beer tasting tips at the Edmonton’s International Beerfest. The celebration is at the Shaw Conference Centre on April 1-2, 2016. Many beer exhibitors and music bands will be in attendance to ensure a full supply of beer and music. Buy your tickets online.
While beer is either ale or lager, each of these styles has an infinite array of aromas, mouthfeels, flavors, colors, and appearances. Consequently, beer exceeds all other beverages concerning variations and varieties. It’s therefore a perfect candidate for matching with food. Here are a few reasons to pair beer and food:
1. Serving food with beer makes every bite a joy
Here is how beer does this:
– It cleanses the palate and keeps it ready for the coming food.
– Beer enhances the flavor in food by subtly complementing the sweet, tempering the spicy and lifting the oils.
– Every kind of food can pair nicely with some beer.
2. Though flavorful, beer has a low alcohol content
With a moderate level of alcohol, beer is:
– An excellent choice at social events
– A good choice to match food where drink pairings are served
– A refreshing drink in warm weather and a comforting selection in cool weather.
3. Pairing beer and food is relatively easy
When matching beer and food, you only need to make four basic considerations namely:
Cut – offset the dominant flavors in food by proper beer selection
Contrast- highlight flavors by choosing pairs that are remarkably different
Complement- finding pairs that go together ‘naturally.’
Match intensity and strength- Typically, delicate dishes go with delicate beers and flavorful food with assertive beers.
Pouring & Glassware
As you pair food and beer, pouring and choice of glassware is also crucial. Make sure you have a minimum of two fingers of foam when you are done pouring your beer. A beer head holds the brew’s flavor in the glass. It also ensures a fuller taste and a smoother beer. To build a beer head, keep your glass upright on the table and let the brew splash down the center of the glass.
Regarding glassware, select your glassware to complement the type of beer you choose. Typically:
1. A flute glass enhances and showcases carbonation.
2. A goblet or chalice is designed to maintain head and offer deep sips.
3. A mug or stein is easy to drink out of and holds plenty of volumes.
4. A pint glass is easy to drink out of and easy to store.
Additionally, follow the following glassware rules to enhance the whole experience:
1. Reserve your beer glasses for beer alone and never serve other beverages in them.
2. Always serve your beer in a wet glass.
3. Never wash your beer glass with soap.
4. Never dry your beer glass, rather turn it upside down to drain out water.
You can learn more amazing things about pairing food and beer at the upcoming Edmonton International BeerFest. The event is set for April 1-2, 2016. Buy your tickets online and get ready to celebrate beer in an entertainment-filled atmosphere.
The love for a good beer cuts across nations and cultures. But of course, all cities don’t have an equal love of this alcoholic beverage. Here are some of the cities regarded as the world’s best beer cities.
1. Portland, Oregon
If you consider the number of craft breweries per city, Portland wins as the world’s craft beer capital. At the close of 2015, the city had about 85 craft breweries in its metro area.
Indeed, craft beer is virtually everywhere in Portland. You can find craft taps in dive bars, in Safeways, restaurants, and mini marts. There are also several taprooms, bottle-shops, tasting rooms and brewpubs by the bushel. And beer tourists can enjoy walking pub tours, beer tour buses, and pedal lounges.
2. London
For many centuries, Londoners have enjoyed a pint of good beer in pubs that line up their city. It’s no wonder then that the IPA and Porter are natives of this famous city. Still, there has been a proliferation of microbreweries in England.
Excellent pubs now adorn London’s heaving metropolis, and beer lovers can quickly access their favorite brews in a variety of settings. Whether you are a beer historian or a beer aficionado wanting to be part of an ever-evolving beer scene, London is your kind of a city.
3. Prague
Prague is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking cities in the world. The city also has numerous brewpubs and bars with excellent ales and lagers. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and bookstores specializing in local and international craft beers. And the beer here is very affordable.
4. Munich
One can’t mention Munich and fail to remember the spectacular Oktoberfest. Nevertheless, Munich is a beer-loving city even after the tents for the exciting beer fest are packed.
The city is home to many classic beer styles and craft brews. Any beer lover in Munich can, therefore, be sure of a full stein whether his preferred haunt is a traditional beer hall, an outdoor beer garden or a trendy bar.
5. Montreal
Montreal has a thriving pub culture, access to quality barley and an established brewing infrastructure. The city boasts of more than 20 breweries. A majority of these breweries are within walking distance of each other. There are also numerous specialty bars stocking excellent beers from many other breweries all over Quebec. If you have a discerning palate, Montreal will keep you busy with a wide variety of beer in a unique cultural setting.
Edmonton is another Canadian City with a thriving pub culture. On April 1-2, 2016, the city’s Shaw Conference Centre will host the annual Edmonton Beerfest. In attendance will be numerous music bands, beer exhibitors and thousands of beer fans. Get your ticket now and be part of this incredible event.
Beer has been conspicuously absent from health bulletins. Bless science, for now, we know that beer has its fair share of nutritional and health benefits. For starters, there is strong evidence suggesting that beer can increase good cholesterol. The primary ingredients in beer can also contribute proteins, carbohydrates, B vitamins, and potassium. Beer also contains polyphenols, calcium, iron, phosphates, and fiber.
While beer has undeniable health benefits, not all beers are created equal. Brewers use different recipes and brewing techniques impacting on the brew’s benefits. Here are some of the brews that have proven good for healthy living.
1. Blueberry Ale from Blue Point Brewing Company
Fresh blueberries are a major ingredient in this fruit beer. These handpicked blueberries come with many health benefits. For instance, they contain useful antioxidants. Consequently, drinking this refreshing brew can help you neutralize free radicals.
2. Pumpkin Ale (Schlafly Brewery)
This amber contains butternut squash and pumpkin. The brewer then spices it with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Pumpkin and cloves contain antioxidants. Nutmeg has also contributed to healthy living for many years.
3. Ruby Redbird – Shiner
This lager beer’s ingredients include grapefruit and fresh ginger. Grapefruit has numerous nutritional benefits while ginger is a home remedy for different ailments.Among other things, it relieves migraines and morning sickness.
4. Juniper Pale Ale (Rogue Brewery)
This pale ale contains whole juniper berries. The fruits can help improve digestion, promote renal health and lower blood sugar. Additionally, Rogue Brewery does not use chemicals, preservatives, and additives in all its products.
5. Sah’Tea (Dogfish Head Brewery)
9th-century Finnish beer inspired this brew. Ingredients for the beer include juniper berries, ginger, and tea. As mentioned earlier, these ingredients have numerous proven nutritional and health benefits.
There are many reasons to enjoy beer. Celebrate your favorite brew or taste a new flavor at the Edmonton Beerfest. The popular festival is on April 1-2 at the Shaw Conference Centre. As always, it’s all about beer and total entertainment.
Human beings have enjoyed beer for many years. Consequently, we have developed an intricate relationship with this popular beverage. The relationship has its equal measure of facts and myths. Here are some of the biggest beer-related misconceptions, and why they are false.
1. Beer will make you grow a Beer Gut, Cocktails Won’t.
According to a study authored by Dr. Kathryn O’Sullivan, the “beer belly” phenomenon is a myth. During the study, the nutritionist found no conclusive scientific evidence linking beer to weight gain. She also noted that beer has fewer calories by volume than spirits, wine, and even orange juice.
Though many people doubted O’Sullivan’s findings, other leading nutritionists agree that beer bellies are due to excessive calories from different sources. Beer has its calories, yes, but there are other calories-laden food and drinks to avoid. And, cocktails have significantly more calories than beer.
2. Beer Should be Served Very Cold.
There are many misconceptions on the temperature beer should be stored and drank. One of the myths is that beer should always be served cold.
Since there is no consensus on the proper serving temperature, experiment with different temperatures until you establish your preferred serving temperature for different beer styles.
Regarding chilled beer, remember that your taste buds will become dead to the taste of beer that is too cold. You won’t taste the beer as you should, and that means less enjoyment.
3. To Enjoy Beer, Drink it From the Bottle.
To enjoy your beer, you should involve your taste buds and your sense of smell. A beer bottle is too small for the drinker to get a whiff of the beverage. Drinking beer from the bottle is, therefore, akin to drinking red wine out of its bottle. You can’t evaluate your drink this way.
4. Beer Is Simpler than Wine.
This misconception derives from the fact that you only need water, malt, yeast and hops to make beer. While beer is essentially a four ingredients product, modern brewing is like cooking. Like the chef, the brewer has the license to experiment. Craft brewers add all manner of things to beer, and that is not possible with wine.
5. All Dark Beers Are Heavy.
Most people assume that all dark beers are heavy. Contrary to this opinion, dark beers are not dark because they are intense. They owe their color to the roast level of the malt used to make them.
Modern beer drinkers want variety. They want tasty, quality beers. They are not as committed to beer brands as their parents and are willing to explore new breweries and fresh flavors. Their thirst and discerning palates led to the craft beer revolution and ongoing evolution.
The recent past has been great. In 2016, we can expect more breweries to enter the market. Here are few expected trends for the industry locally and abroad.
Craft Beer Will Get Better
Craft brewers owe their market share to discerning consumers. With so many breweries in the same region, community goodwill is no longer enough. Quality beer is the only competitive edge for those who want to stay afloat. As a beer drinker, 2016 will be an exciting year loaded with tasty quality brews.
Session Beer will Rule
In 2015, Session became the new way to qualify beer. In 2016, Session will continue to rise and dominate. Almost every beer style will bear “Session” labels.
More Limited Release Beers
Release days for limited release bottles have caused a frenzy in the past. In 2016, demand for rare or unique versions will peak. Consequently, you can expect more bottle frenzies.
Return to Lagers
Lagers are hard to produce. They require long fermentation time and more capital. Additionally, craft brewers sensed a “lager-fatigue” in Canadian beer fans. For the mentioned reasons, craft brewers have been ignoring lagers.
However, things have changed. Consumers are demanding crisp, clean light-bodied lagers. And there are new lager yeasts that promise more variety. You can expect more experimental lagers in 2016.
Buyouts and Mergers
Microbrewers have made considerable inroads. The big brands can be expected to fight for their dwindling market share. 2016 will witness more aggressive marketing and perhaps buyouts, mergers and Big Beer’s control of distribution networks.
More Import Craft Beer Locally
Craft beer consumer base in Canada is thriving. More dealers will look to export their craft brands to Canada. Notably, you can expect more American craft beer in local liquor stores.
Single-Malt Beers
Industry observers predict that specialty malts will become as important as hops. Brewers will use the same base malt but a single specialty malt for their ales.
With the microbrew revolution in Canada, selecting the best brews in the country is a tough task. Molson’s day of yore are long gone, and beer consumption is now spread across many specialized brands. Beer lovers are bound to have differing opinions about the best or most popular beers.
However, listening to Canadian mouths and wallets, you can get an idea of the most popular beers in 2015. According to VinePair, an online authority on matters of wine, beer, and liquor, Budweiser was Canada’s number one beer in 2015. What could have happened to the Canadian belief that Canadian brews are better than watery American beers?
On their part, the Canadian Brewing Awards named Scona Gold Kolsch from Alley Kat Brewing Co as the beer of the year. The following beers also won gold in their categories:
1. North American Style Lager: Islander Lager- Vancouver Island Brewery
2. North American Style Premium Lager: Western Pilsner- Great Western Brewing Co
3. European Style Lager: King Pilsner- Provincial Beverages of Canada
4. Amber Lager (North American Style): Old Flame Red- Old Flame Brewing Co
5. Dark Lager (North American Style): Hermann’s Dark Lager- Vancouver Island Brewery
6. Light Lager: Laker Light- Brick Brewing Co.
7. Bock: Captivator Doppelbock- Tree Brewing Co.
8. Porter: Charcoal Porter- Innocente Brewing Co.
9. Strong Porter: Continuity Baltic Porter- StoneHammer Brewing Co.
10. Cream Ale: Cream Ale- Sleeman Breweries Ltd.
11. German Style Kolsch: Scona Gold Kolsch- Alley Kat Brewing Co
12. Red Ale: Heroica Red Ale- Steamworks Brewing Co
13. Blonde/Golden Ale: Pale Ale- Moosehead Breweries
14. Brown Ale: Gahan Iron Bridge Brown- PEI Brewing Co.
15. Black Ale: Disruption Black IPA- Category 12 Brewing
16. Scotch Ale: Farnham Scotch Ale- Farnham Ale et Lager Inc.
17. Stout: Seven Summits Milk Stout- Rossland Beer Company
18. Imperial Stout: St. Ambroise Russian Imperial Stout- McAuslan Brewing Inc.
19. India Pale Ale: (English Style), Curmudgeon IPA- Grand River (American Style)
20. Maple Lager or Ale: Ambroise Maple Beer- McAuslan Brewing Inc.
21. Fruit Beer/Field Beer: Grapefruit Radler- Tree Brewing Co.
22. Gluten Free Beer: India Pale Ale- Brasseurs Sans Gluten
23. Experimental Beer: Dead Frog Nutty Uncle Peanut Butter Stout- Dead Frog Brewery
24. Session Ale: Recline Pale Ale- Cameron’s Brewing Co.
However, according to the beer aficionados at Beer Advocate, the following were Canada’s top-rated beers:
1. Péché Mortel- Brasserie Dieu du Ciel!
2. La Fin Du Monde by Unibroue
3. Fat Tug IPA from Driftwood Brewery
4. Red Racer India Pale Ale- Central City Brewers and Distillers
5. Grande Cuvée Porter Baltique by Les Trois Mousquetaires
6. Sartori Harvest IPA- Driftwood Brewery
7. Unibroue 17 Grande Réserve- Unibroue
8. Dominus Vobiscum Lupulus- Microbrasserie Charlevoix
9. Trois Pistoles- Unibroue
10. Aphrodisiaque- Brasserie Dieu du Ciel!
On matters brands, Beer Store lists the following as the ten most popular brands in their stores:
We hope your favorite beer got a mention. If it didn’t, continue trusting your palate but make a resolution to test other excellent flavors from coast to coast.
Canadians love their beer. In 2014, they consumed over 22 million hectoliters of beer, 84% of which was Canadian. It’s also worth a mention that 56% of beer-drinking Canadians prefer lagers and 34% prefer ales. Here are some other facts that distinguish the brewing industry in Canada.
High-Quality Barley Is Canadian Breweries’ Competitive Edge.
Barley is an important ingredient in beer-making. Fortunately for Canadian brewers, barley is one of Canada’s most important grain crops.
Since 1948, the “Brewing and Malting Barley Research Institute” has supported the development and evaluation of new malting barley varieties. The country has, as a result, maintained a leadership role in barley research and production over the years.
Breweries in other countries appreciate Canadian barley’s level of quality and availability. Consequently, Canada-based breweries have been able to obtain licensing agreements with leading U.S. and offshore breweries to manufacture the foreign companies’ brands in the country.
Canada Is a Country of a Few Brewing Giants and Hundreds of Microbrewers.
In 2014, 520 licensed breweries were operating in the country. Interestingly, over half of these breweries operate in Ontario and Québec.
Two of all the breweries, Labatt Breweries of Canada and Molson Breweries, target the whole country. Then there are six regional breweries located in different territories and hundreds of microbreweries targeting local markets.
The Canadian Brewery Industry Is Highly Innovative.
The Canadian brewing industry is vibrant and advanced. Significant developments from Canada have included new yeast strains that are more alcohol-tolerant and others that produce low-calorie beer. New products have included seasonal beers, low-carbohydrate beers, and low-alcohol beer.
Canadian companies also pioneered the brilliant brewing techniques of continuous malting and continuous brewing. There also have been trials on new package formats and efforts to enhance the preservation properties of plastic to match those of glass bottles. Other notable contributions are the innovations around temperature-sensitive thermochromatic ink and high-tech insulator to help monitor beer temperatures.
The Canadian Brewing Industry Is a Pioneer Advocate for Responsible Consumption of Alcohol.
Canadian breweries were among the first brewers to address the issue of responsible drinking. The companies initiated and continued to fund programs that fight misuse.
The Canadian Beer Industry Holds an Impressive Environmental Record.
Canadian brewers have over the years utilized environmental-friendly policies in their brewing plant operations and control of packaging. Amazingly, an average 99% of Canadian beer bottles are returned. Other breweries such as Steam Whistle Brewing Company have very elaborate green initiatives.
On April 1st and 2nd, 2016, thousands of beer lovers will be at the Shaw Conference Centre to live and experience yet another edition of Edmonton’s International BeerFest.
The festival is an experience that goes far beyond throwing back a few beers. It incorporates some good time with good company, music, fun learning, food and beer. Like always this year’s event guarantees fun. Lots and lots of fun.
The festival promises a high level of entertainment. It will feature numerous musicians and bands whose electrifying live music is reason enough to attend. In 2015, the musical lineup included Edmonton’s Lyra Brown, Cadence & Nathan, Rob Taylor, The Moanin’ After, Braden Gates, and Carrie Day.
Every year, there are also world-class guest speakers offering insight on matters of beer and food. In 2015, the event invited David Ort and Patrick McMurray to talk about food and beer pairing and oyster appreciation respectively.
And of course celebrating beer is the reason for the occasion. In attendance will be hundreds of local and international microbreweries, medium size breweries, and multinational breweries. Some have brewed for centuries, and others are startups yearning to stretch our taste buds. The only common denominator among the exhibiting brewers is a passion for brewing and the love and appreciation of a quality brew.
All those participating breweries will bring over 200 varieties of beer. Apart from familiar brands, you can expect to find samples of gluten-free beer, chocolate stouts and pale ales. If you have not discovered a beer that matches your personality and style, taste those varieties, and you will fall in love with one or more beers.
You can also look forward to some innovative products from brewers such as Big Rock Brewery. If you love lagers, make sure to check out Yellowhead Brewery’s delicious lagers. You can also sample Steam Whistle’s Premium Pilsner. If amazing ales are your kind of beer, make a date with among others, Big Surf Beer co., and Parallel 49 Brewing Company.
Good music, friendly company and lots of beer create the right atmosphere for a blast. It’s no wonder then that Edmonton’s BeerFest has sold out six years straight. Get your tickets early and wait to have the time of your life.
