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Considering sales volumes, one of the most popular beers on the market today are lagers. The first beer style tasted by new beer drinkers is often the ever popular “lagers.” Lagers have a clean and crisp aroma that makes for a great introductory drink and the style being preferred by a vast number of beer lovers.

With that said, brewing a great lager isn’t that easy. It requires heaps of expertise and patience to get it right. Fret not, here in this post; we share the secrets to brewing a great lager with you. With these tips, you can get a crisp, clean lager aroma and flavour, similar to the ones found in commercial lagers.

Buckle up as we get started.

1. Patience is indeed a Virtue

While ales can be brewed, bottled and consumed within a few weeks, lagers require plenty of time. Sometimes, even months, before the brew is ready. In fact, the word “lager” is derived from a German word, which originally meant “to store.”

It’s the fundamental law of nature that as temperatures drop down, metabolism takes a hit. Yeast cells responsible for fermentation are no exception.

While the fermentation process of both lagers and ales are similar, the former is slow due to the low temperatures used. The key to a good lager is to let each step of the process run its course, without intervention.

When you try to rush any part of the process, you end up with off-flavours ruining the entire drink. So, while brewing lagers, make sure to cultivate patience and avoid the temptation to speed up things.

2. Control the Temperature with a Tight Fist

Different yeast strains have varying temperatures where they function optimally. When it comes to lager yeast, the ideal temperature range can be between 38°F to 60°F. Make sure to identify the perfect temperature for your particular yeast strain and keep the fermentation process well within this range.

Use a stick-on thermometer on the fermenter to monitor temperatures. Make sure to keep the fermenter in a cold place like a garage or basement. If you live in areas where temperatures run high, then you can put off lager brewing for the winter months. This way you don’t run the risk of exceeding preferred temperatures.

3. Start with a pure lager yeast

Today, there are plenty of yeast strains available on the market. When it comes to choosing lager yeast, make sure to opt for a liquid strain or culture. While liquid cultures are a bit more expensive than dry yeast, they often give consistent results.

Liquid yeast cultures are far superior to dry yeast both in performance and purity. Additionally, you can use it to produce a wide array of lager styles. When picking a yeast strain, make sure to check out all the information provided by the supplier to choose the right one that matches your specific needs.

4. Make use of a Yeast Starter

A yeast starter makes an excellent choice when brewing lagers. During fermentation, as the temperature drops, the metabolism of the yeast strain turns sluggish.

During the growth phase that follows pitching, yeast cells reproduce to start fermentation. In a lager, because of the low temperature, this yeast production is delayed leading to a very long lag phase. An extended lag phase may lead to bacteria reproduction, thereby increasing the chances for contamination.

An excellent way to overcome this problem is by using a larger amount of yeast than typically required. Brewers use two to three times of yeast, than what you use for ales. The easiest way to achieve this is by creating a yeast starter.

5. Consider using a vigorous full-wort boil and an Irish Moss

When the brew comes in contact with the protein trub for an extended period, it could lead to the creation of off-flavours. The trub is nothing but the sediment that collects at the bottom of the fermenter.

This plays a crucial part in lagers, as they ferment for a longer time than regular ales. Also, the cold temperatures cause the proteins to settle at the bottom. By boiling all the wort instead of just skimming it off in the fermenter can cause proteins to precipitate, thereby avoiding an adverse reaction. Additionally, adding Irish moss (a fining agent) can help in protein precipitation.

With all the proteins out of the way, you get a bright, clean final product.

6. Invest in a Wort Chiller

One of the main reasons for premature fermentation is the inability to control the wort temperature. When this happens, the majority of the fermentation process occurs way before the wort cools down to the optimal fermentation temperature.

The best way to avoid this issue is by investing in a wort chiller. A wort chiller not only helps in right fermentation but also accelerates coagulation of proteins.

7. Make sure to properly Sanitise Equipment

While clean and sanitised equipment is crucial for all brewing, it’s highly essential in lager brewing. The reasons for this are:

Most lagers have an extended aging period. While the temperatures are low, bacteria can still reproduce and grow. The long ageing period increases the probability of bacteria development, leading to an off-flavour in the beer. So, make sure that you sanitize all the equipment perfectly and thoroughly to prevent bacteria growth.

When it comes to ales, the esters mask slight contamination efficiently. However, with lagers, there are no estery smells, and even minor contamination is very well apparent.

Final Thoughts

Brewing a high-quality lager often requires more effort and time than brewing regular ales. But, it’s worth the effort. Make use of the handy tips listed above to brew a lager that is better than the ones produced by commercial breweries.

If you require any further assistance with your brewing methodology or need to purchase specialized equipment, get in touch with Rohit Jafa by giving us a ring at +91 – 9811233358 / 9811196262 / 8588838333. Microbrewery India is one of the most trusted and preferred brewery equipment suppliers in India, with several years of experience and expertise in the field. So, when you partner with us, you can be assured of the best assistance.

Cheers!

Every year, at the end of the summer season, as the weather becomes cooler, a new batch of beer crops up in pubs all over the country. These are the unique “Wet hop” or “Fresh hop” beers that are available only for a few months every year.

In fact, beer connoisseurs encourage the regular beer drinkers to try this “limited edition” brew as soon as they become available, as these brews are available only once a year and have a pretty short shelf-life.

What is a wet hop beer and how does it taste? What makes it different from regular dry beers? We answer all these questions and much more, in today’s post.

Read on, to find all about this style of beers.

Beer, unlike wine, is brewed all-year around, using yeast, hops, grain, and water that have been preserved.

During the harvest season, which falls at the end of summer, Hop bines are cut from the plants and are dried in kilns. These hops are further processed and are used in beer making throughout the year. A small portion of these hops flowers is sent directly to select breweries for creating wet hop beers. As the name implies, wet hop beers use fresh hops instead of dried and preserved hops.

The significant differences between wet hops and dry hops are in the flavour, aroma, and bitterness. Consider them to be like “fresh herbs” and “dried herbs.” Though dried herbs have the same flavour profile as that of fresh herbs, there is a marked difference in the impact of the flavours. The same applies to wet and dry hops.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRY HOPPING VS. DRIED HOPS

Most hops harvested in the country are dried as soon as they are picked from the plant. Farmworkers pluck the hop flowers from the tree and move it to big drying rooms where they are spread on the floor and dried with hot air.

Once these hops are completely dry, they are shaped into small pellets that look like animal food. These dry pellets have a shelf-life of up to three years. Most of the beer you drink in bottles, cans or taps, are made using these dry-hop nuggets.

A small batch of the harvested hops is not dried and used in the production of wet hop beers. Fresh hop cones have a shelf-life of less than a year.

A beer that states that it is “dry hopped” isn’t referring to the dry hops used for brewing. Instead, the term dry hopping in brewing terminology refers to a step in the brewing process. Brewers usually add hops after the brew boils to lend it an aromatic, hoppy flavour minus the bitterness.

Hoppy beers, on the other hand, have a characteristic bitter flavour that comes by adding the hops before the brew boils.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FRESH HOP BEER AND WET HOP BEERS

Wet hop beers or fresh hop beers are brews that are brewed immediately after the hop harvesting season. They have a short shelf-life.

One important point to be clarified here is that in both these types of brews the hops aren’t wet. According to the Brewers Association, for a beer to be classified as wet hop, “it must use freshly harvested hops instead of dried (kilned) hops.”

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

Brewers pick a couple of hop cones off the bines. They rub it between their palms to analyze the moisture levels. They break the cones and sniff them. Once, the plant matter is blown off, a sticky yellow residue is seen on their hands.

The fresh hop cones have higher levels of oils, acids, and aromatics all of which lend a unique flavour to the brew, brewed using them.

Several factors make fresh hops a challenge for breweries. One, fresh hops are less concentrated compared to dried hops. So, you need more of fresh hops to achieve the same flavour levels. Second, fresh hops impart a unique plant-like and grassy flavour to the brew. This makes the final drink far taste widely different from the regular IPAs and other beers that use dried hops.

Third, fresh hops have an extremely short shelf-life and have to be used within 24 hours of harvesting. So, unless a brewery is close to the harvesting field, it makes it difficult to produce good wet hop beers.

THE LAST WORD

Now, that you’ve got a clear idea of the laborious process of wet hops beers if an opportunity presents you with the drink, make sure to sample it. After all, these are indeed, “limited edition” beers that are available only once a year!

If you’re interested in brewing and setting up a brewery, just contact with our brewing masters. Here, at Rohit Jafa solutions, we not only help you import the best brewery equipment for your brewery but also handle all that you need to launch your craft beer business. Give us a call and let’s get started on your dream venture.

Cheers!

It was the year 2006 when Indian beer lovers had their first chance to taste the first locally brewed craft beer. In a short span of just ten years, the Indian craft beer industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Today, there are over hundreds of locally produced brews and new-age pubs in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Goa.

But, have you ever wondered when craft beers came into existence? Here, in today’s post, we take a look at a few defining moments in the history of craft beer.

THE THREE DEFINING MOMENTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL TIMELINE OF CRAFT BEERS

1972: CASCADE HOPS ARE INTRODUCED.

In the year, 1972 the US government run breeding program released cascade hops. Ever since then, this hops variety, has become one of the most popular ones in the craft beer industry. With citrus notes, floral and slight bitter tones, cascade hops were a major hit.

Today, there are tons of innovative hops out there, but the Cascade hops remain a classic and staple.

1972: REVIVAL OF THE AMERICAN PORTER.

It looks like the year 1972 was a significant milestone for the craft beer industry. Anchor Brewing, a famous brewer, established way back in the 1800s in the US, revived the American Porter in 1972. The brew called as “Anchor Porter” was the first post-prohibition era porter in the United States.

American porters saw a significant spike in demand after this.

1978: HOMEBREWING BECOMES LEGALIZED, THANKS TO JIMMY CARTER.

In the United States, during the dark era of prohibition, there was a ban on home-brewing. Even after Prohibition was lifted, the federal law banning home brewing was still in existence. President Jimmy Carter revised that age-old law and home brewers began to experiment with innovative brews.

And, that’s the three most defining moments in the history of craft beer in the US.

Closer home, the craft beer industry didn’t pick up pace until the latter end of the first decade of the new millennium.

THE DEFINING MOMENTS IN THE TIMELINE OF THE INDIAN BEER INDUSTRY

1830: INDIA’S FIRST BREWERY OPENS ITS DOORS

Edward Dyer established India’s first brewery in Kasauli. The brewery produced and marketed its brew under the brand name, “Lion Beer.”

1835: LION BEER GOES TO HIMACHAL PRADESH

The brewery in Kasauli was shifted to Solan in Himachal Pradesh.

1885: DYER BREWERIES EXPANDS ITS WINGS

The brewery at Solan was incorporated as “Dyer Breweries” and later as “Dyer-Meakin & Companies” and was listed on the London Stock Exchange. The brewery expanded all over the country and was established at 12 locations across India and Burma.

1886 & 1887: OTHER COMPETITORS ENTER THE BUSINESS

Shaw Wallace was a brewery that was set up by Robert Gordon Shaw and Charles William Wallace. This brewery was acquired by SAB Miller in 2005.

Castle breweries were another entrant in the market at this time.

1915: UNITED BREWERIES WAS FOUNDED

Founded by a Scotsman, the United Breweries brought together five popular breweries in South India under one brand.

1949: TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP

N Mohan, a successful entrepreneur acquired the assets of the Dyer-Meakin breweries. This was later renamed as Mohan Meakin breweries in 1967.

1969: NEW ENTRANTS IN THE INDIAN MARKET

Khajuraho beer (from Lilasons Breweries), Godfather range of beers (from Devans Modern Breweries Ltd) and Pincon Spirit Ltd were some of the new entrants on the beer scene in India.

1994: HUNTER BEER INTRODUCED

Strong beers, Thunderbolt and Hunter, were introduced by Som Distilleries and Breweries in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

1994: INDIA’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP IN BEER

Stroh Brewery company, from Detroit USA, entered into a joint-venture with Rajasthan breweries to manufacture and market two brews, the Stroh Strong & Stroh Lager.

1998: SHIVALIK TAKES OVER THE STROH BRAND

Mount Shivalik breweries, India takes over the Stroh brands in India.

2000: SAB MILLER INDIA ACQUIRES SHAW WALLACE BREWERIES

SAB Miller then introduced the brews Hayward 2000, Hayward 5000 and Royal Challenge.

2002: LAUNCH OF THE COBRA BEER

The Cobra Beer was launched as a partnership between Molson Coors, US and Cobra Indian Beer Pvt Ltd. Subsequently, the following brews were introduced in the Indian market – King Cobra, Cobra Premium and Iceberg 9000.

2005: CARLSBERG JOINS THE RACE FOR THE SHARE OF THE INDIAN BEER INDUSTRY

World famous brand Carlsberg entered the Indian market with South Asian breweries.

2006: ANOTHER GLOBAL GIANT, BUDWEISER FORAYS INTO THE INDIAN MARKET

Budweiser launched its brews in the country as a joint-venture with Crown Breweries Ltd of Hyderabad.

END OF THE 2000S: THE CRAFT BEER SCENE OPENS UP IN INDIA

It was at this time the Indian craft beer industry began to take roots in the country. A handful of microbreweries were started in different corners of the country.

2008: HOWZATT OPENS IN GURGAON

Rohit Jafa, a microbrewery pioneer in India, sets up Howzzat, the first microbrew pub in India in Gurgaon.

2014: THE CRAFT BREWERS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA WAS LAUNCHED

Working as a non-profit, the Craft Brewers Association of India serves as a collective of brewery owners and brewers to promote craft beer in the country.

2017: AN AVERAGE OF ONE NEW BEER INTRODUCED EVERY WEEK

In 2017, despite the ban on liquor stores along the highway, nearly 52 new beer brands were launched in the country.

TODAY: THE CRAFT BEER SCENE HAS FINALLY ARRIVED BIG TIME IN THE COUNTRY

From just a handful of microbreweries in the country just a decade ago, today the industry has grown more than double its strength. There are currently nearly a hundred microbreweries all over the country.

THE FUTURE:

The beer industry in India has never looked so good. Currently, the market size of the Indian beer industry is 46,000 crores (craft beer holds around 1000 crores), and this is expected to increase to 61,000 crores by 2020 (craft beer will become four times the current size and is expected to grow to 4000 crores).

If you would like to be a part of the craft beer revolution in India, then all you have to do is give us a ring at (+91) 9811233358 / 9811196262 / 8588838333 . Under the expert guidance of Rohit Jafa and Ishan Grover (brew-master), Rohit Jafa brewing solutions has successfully established over 25 microbreweries all across the country.

Come be a part of this revolution and make your entrepreneurship dreams come true!!

We’re pretty sure that even if you didn’t know before, you would have guessed correctly that the most popular beer in India is Kingfisher. Ever wonder, what beers are the most famous in other countries?

Today, we take a global trip taking a look at some of the most popular beers around the world.

Based on data collected from consumer records, Vinepair revealed a map that shows the most popular beers in each country. What’s interesting is that most countries prefer beers that are produced in their country and unique to them. There’s no major overlap.

In an era of globalization and a level playing field, this is quite interesting. Each country has its own popular beer, that isn’t all that popular elsewhere. Interesting, ain’t it? Whether this is because of the love for beer drinkers to support domestic businesses or whether it’s because of availability is a debate for another day.

Let’s take a look at 25+ countries and their popular beers.

1. ARGENTINA – CERVEZA QUILMES

This South American country is known for three things – football, beef and of course beer. In fact, no meal in Argentina is complete without a good beer. And, Quilmes is the top choice for Argentineans. The brand makes lagers, reds, stouts, and bocks.

2. AUSTRALIA – VICTORIA BITTER

Renowned for its beaches, sunny weather and indeed a bright countenance, Australians love their beer. And, the beer they enjoy most of it all, is a mid-strength lager called “XXXX Gold,” produced by Victoria Bitter.

3. BELGIUM – CHIMAY

Can you believe that the most famous beer in this European country is one that’s made by a group of monks? Yes, the famous Chimay beer of Belgium is made by Trappist monks and is just one among the several beers in the country made by monks. Of late, another relatively younger brewery, “Jupiler” is giving a fierce competition to Chimay.

4. BRAZIL – SKOL

Skol is made by the biggest beer company in the world, the AB InBev and currently holds a large market share in Brazil.

5. CAMBODIA – ANGKOR BEER

Named after the majestic temple complex of the country, the Angkor Wat, the Angkor Beer is the largest and most famous beer in Cambodia.

6. CANADA – LABATT

It’s a stiff competition in Canada. And, Labatt narrowly wins Molson for the title of Canada’s most famous beer.

7. CHINA – SNOW BEER

Astonishing Fact – Though sold only in China, Snow Beer is the largest selling beer in the entire world, thanks to the enormous population of China.

8. CZECH REPUBLIC – PILSNER URQUELL

In fact, this was the first Pilsner in the world and was invented way back in 1842. Apparently, the Czechs still love it.

9. DENMARK – CARLSBERG

We’re pretty sure that you would have heard of this popular beer. It’s in fact, the best-selling beer in both Russia and Denmark.

10. ETHIOPIA – ST. GEORGE LAGER

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you’re sure to cool down with this drink. Perfect for the hot climate of Addis Ababa, this lager remains the drink of choice since 1922.

11. INDIA – KINGFISHER

We’re sure that, if you’re from India, this would be the first beer you would have tasted in your life. Available all over the country, from fancy restaurants to local pubs, Kingfisher is indeed the reigning monarch of the Indian beer industry with a market share of more than 50%.

12. INDONESIA – BINTANG BEER

Though it looks like a Heineken, tastes like a Heineken and owned by Heineken, it’s not Heineken. Brewed locally in Surabaya, this pilsner is the most popular in this South-Asian archipelago.

13. ISRAEL – GOLDSTAR

There’s always a debate raging among Israelites, whether Goldstar or its competitor Maccabee is the best-selling beer. But, since both these beers come from the same brewery, its ok whoever wins, it’s ultimately the same person.

14. ITALY – PERONI

This pale lager from Peroni Brewery is what Italians wind down after a long day with some of their world-famous food.

15. JAMAICA – RED STRIPE

Famous for their stout little bottles, it’s no surprise that the Red Stripe is Jamaica’s favourite brew.

16. JAPAN – ASAHI

Japan has four popular beers – Asahi, Kirin, Suntory, and Sapporo. All these are close in competition and often replace one another to win the crown. Recently, Asahi seems to have gained a slight edge.

17. KENYA – TUSKER

There’s an interesting backstory for the name of Kenya’s largest sold beer. Apparently, the owner of the brewery was killed in an unfortunate elephant hunt. And, so they named the beer to remind everyone of that horrific incident. Ironical, right?

18. MADAGASCAR – THREE HORSES BEER

Known for its wildlife, it’s only right that the favourite national beer is named after animals. Known as “THB” in short, this brewery makes a lot of different styles of brews in Madagascar, the most famous of which is the pilsner.

19. NETHERLANDS – HEINEKEN

Heineken is the third largest beer manufacturer in the world and is the largest selling beer in the Netherlands, sold in a widely recognised distinct green bottle.

20. PAKISTAN – MURREE BEER

It’s the only legally allowed beer in the country. So, it sorta makes sense that it’s the largest sold beer there.

21. RUSSIA – BALTIKA

The fact is that Russians drink a lot. But, mostly it’s vodka, the national favourite. But on occasions, when they turn to beer, they usually gulp down a Baltika.

22. SCOTLAND – TENNENT’S LAGER

The land of wines and whiskeys, Scotland turns to this popular lager when going the way of beers.

23. SINGAPORE – TIGER BEER

Founded in 1932, this popular brew of the island nation is now found in over 60+ countries all over the world.

24. SOUTH AFRICA – CASTLE LAGER

South Africa indeed imports a large number of international beers like Guinness and Heineken. Yet, the largest selling beer in the country is the locally brewed lager from Castle.

25. SOUTH KOREA – HITE

Though South Koreans love soju more than beer, when they turn to beer, they reach for this rice beer.

26. THAILAND – SINGHA

The Thai certainly know how to party. And, they throw a punch all thanks to this famous beer, Singha named after a mythological creature, resembling a lion.

27. VENEZUELA – CERVEZA POLAR

This is a cute beer, and you can find an adorable polar bear on this bottle. Produced initially in the 1940s, it’s still going strong and pairs pretty well with the famous Venezuelan arepas.

Have you tried any of these beers? Let us know in the comments below.

It’s Friday night, and your buddies are playing endless rounds of flip cup or beer pong – yet again! Here are some unusual, fun drinking games to get the party going.

What more all these games listed here are pretty cheap. Apart from crates of your favorite beer, you don’t need much preparation. This way, these games can be played at any time, even when you’re running low on budget.

1. NEVER HAVE I EVER

Things Needed: Just bottles of your favorite brew

This is a great game to share secrets and bond with your pals. You have to say “Never have I Ever ____________,” followed by something you haven’t done before. If someone in your gang is guilty of doing this, then he/she has to take a sip.

For instance, you can say, “Never have I ever kissed a girl at a movie theatre,” and all those in the group who have indulged in this act before, have to take a sip from their drink.

The fun part is getting your friends to admit their embarrassing stories. So, be careful of what you say!

2. STRAIGHT FACE

Things Needed: Favorite drinks and bits of paper

Keeping a straight face is pretty tricky especially when you’re tipsy, and this game challenges precisely that. All players have to write an inappropriate sentence or lewd jokes ones on paper. The aim is to write sentences that make others burst out laughing.

You pool all the papers in the middle of the table. Each player has to pick up a chit and read out what’s written there out loud. If anyone laughs, he/she has to take a sip.

3. MOST LIKELY

Things Needed: Just your favorite brew

You have to sit in a circle. Each player takes turns asking a question phrased with the words “Most likely.”For instance, “Who is the most likely to fart in public?” Count until three, and everyone has to point at the person who they think most likely.

The person who has the maximum number of finger pointing at them has to take as many sips as the number of fingers pointing at them.

4. BITE THE BAG

Things Needed: Paper bags and drinks

This is a fun game to try this weekend. It involves a bit of physical activity, so it’s great for parties with plenty of people.

Start by placing a paper bag on the ground. Make it stand upright. Players take turns leaning forward and trying to pick up the bag using only their mouths. No hands allowed.

If you fail to lift the bag up with your teeth, you have to take a sip. After each round, chop off an inch of the bag. Keep going on, till only the bottom of the bag remains.

5. ATTACHED AT THE HIP

Things Needed: Bits of paper and drinks

This is an excellent icebreaker to kick-start the party. It will help your guests to mingle closely literally. Jot down parts of the body on a paper and jumble it all together. Players have to group in teams of two, and each team has to take two chits.

Then, the team has to make sure that the two parts of the body mentioned in the chits are joined together. What more, they have to stay attached as long as possible. Any time a team separates, the members have to take a sip.

6. TRUE OR FALSE STORY TIME

Things Needed: Bits of paper, dice, and drinks

Each player writes a few common nouns on bits of paper. When your turn comes, you have to select a particular chit and roll a dice. Don’t let others see the number you have rolled.

If it’s an even number, you have to tell a true story from your life, using the word written on the paper as a starting point. On the other hand, if it’s an odd number, you have to make up a story.

For instance, if you have rolled two and picked a paper containing the word “fly,” you can tell the story about how you accidentally swallowed a fly during camping. On the other hand, if it’s a three, you have to make up a story about cooking a fly.

All the players have to guess if it’s your story is real or imagined. If they make a “wrong” guess, they have to take a sip of their drink. For every person who guesses “right,” you have to take a sip.

7. CUP SWAP

Things Needed: Paper cups, spoons, and drinks

You need two cups for every player in the game. One cup has to be filled to the brim with an alcoholic drink. The other cup needs to be empty.

The timer is set to one minute. All participants have to transfer as much of their drink into the empty cup with a spoon. After the minute is over, participants have to drink all that’s left in their cup. The last person who remains standing is the winner.

Have you tried any of these or do you have other favorite drinking games? Let us know in the comments!

Welcome fellow beer lovers, in today’s article, we’re taking a closer look at one of the most popular beers out there – the beloved IPA.

If you’ve tasted an IPA, then you would be aware that it’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s strong and bitter, the way a good beer should be. With that said, IPAs are not for everyone. So, what’s an IPA, where was it created and what makes it so popular? We’ll answer all these questions and much more.

Let’s start with the basics.

IPA – INDIA PALE ALE

While India played a vital role in the creation of this favourite brew, it wasn’t actually invented in India. Sounds intriguing, right?

Let’s step back a few hundred years in history, to check out the beginning of IPAs.

THE HISTORY OF THE IPA

Just like all other great inventions, the IPA was invented out of sheer necessity. It was at the time of the British monopoly over the seas and India was one of the most significant outposts of the British Empire. Englishmen were particularly fond of retiring with a cold glass of beer at the end of a long tiring day.

Unfortunately, the British posted in the Indian sub-continent couldn’t quench their thirst with beer. The hot, humid climate of India made it unsuitable to brew beer. And, sending beer from the motherland to India was out of the question. Most beers couldn’t survive the six-month-long journey over rough seas. By the time, beer from Britain reached the shores of India; it became perishable as beers didn’t have preservatives way back then.

This is where Hodgson, an enterprising London brewer came up with a brilliant business idea. During the 1780s, he brewed a strong beer with hops. He named this beer “October Ale” and shipped it to the Great Eastern Empire. His idea was a huge success.

Not only did the beer remain fresh, but it also tasted great. In fact, the beer aged like wine and after the six-month sea journey tasted even better and had more pronounced flavours.

As time went on, and with increasing demand for this new beer, more and more brewers began to manufacture it. The flavours were altered to suit the hot, humid Indian climate and thus the IPA was born.

IPA LOSES ITS FLAVOUR OVER THE YEARS

Sadly, with evolving times and changing tastes, IPAs began to lose their distinct flavours. With time, IPAs became less weak and were nothing more than pale ales.

ENTER THE AMERICANS

This is where the Americans came to the rescue of the IPAs. They restored the IPAs to its hop-heavy flavours, and this favourite beer began to gain back its lost glory.

Today, IPA is one of the most preferred beer styles not only in Britain and America but all over the world.

TYPES OF IPA

According to the Style Guide published by the Beer Association in 2015, there are four distinct styles of IPAs. Let’s take a closer look at each type and identify the different characteristics of each.

❖ ENGLISH STYLE IPA

This is what started it all. This variety is less hoppy when compared to American-style IPAs. It varies from medium to strong bitterness and flavour. The colour of the English style IPS ranges from gold to copper. The ABV in English-style IPAs ranges from 4.5% to 7.1%. Usually, crisp and dry, it comes with strong fruity flavours, and is quite refreshing.

❖ AMERICAN STYLE IPA

This is the brew that was revived by the Americans. Strong hop flavours, high bitterness, stable malt backbone, citrus or herbal flavours are the characteristics of this brew. Some of the common flavours include floral, sulphur and pine. When it comes to fruity notes, American-style IPAs can have moderate to strong flavours. The colour varies from copper to gold with a distinct hoppy haze. The ABVs lies from 6.3% to 7.6%.

❖ IMPERIAL IPA

Also known as double IPA, these brews set your taste buds on fire. If you think American-style IPAs are bitter and strong, then wait until you taste an Imperial IPA. Strong flavours and high bitterness are the characteristics of this brew. But, that doesn’t make it harsh. It’s still pleasant to drink.

Apart from the high bitterness, you can find strong fruity flavours. When you drink a good Imperial IPA, you should be able to enjoy the fresh flavours of the hops along with a nice alcoholic kick. The ABVs of this brew range from 7.6% all the way up to 10.6%.

❖ SESSION IPA

Since IPAs are so popular and refreshing, craft brewers came up with new ones that have low ABVs. This makes it ideal for those who don’t want to get sloshed out. You can sip on a session IPA all day without the fear of getting drunk.

They are less intense compared to the other styles of IPAs. The bitterness ranges from medium to high, and they usually have low to moderate fruit flavours. The maltiness is kept from low to medium with a strong hop flavour. The colour as usual ranges from copper to gold, but session IPAs have a top haze. The ABV values are usually low and range from 3.7% to 5%.

FUN-FACTS THAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE IPA

• ■ Historically, IPA was drunk ice-cold. It was more refreshing when drunken cold as the flavours were more pronounced.
• ■ Though invented in Britain and made for the Indian sub-continent, the IPA was called an IPA for the first time by an Australian newspaper.
• ■ Good IPAs are difficult to brew and requires expertise. It’s all about the balance. You don’t want to end up with a too bitter beer that’s unfit for consumption. On the other hand, keep it down, and you end up with pale ale.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE STYLE OF IPA?

Have you tasted IPA and what’s your favourite brand? Let us know in the comments.

Looking to brew IPA in your brewery? Get in touch with our brew-masters for expert advice on the process, techniques. Additionally, we help you find the best brewing equipments to start your beer pub. We are the leading beer consultants in India, right from sourcing equipment to procuring licenses and selling your beer, we help you with everything. For an exciting journey in brewing, call us @ (+91) 9811233358 / 9811196262 / 8588838333.

From the world-famous Oktoberfest to notorious beer gardens, Germany is undoubtedly the No.1 country that comes into one’s mind, when one thinks of this favourite brew. In fact, Germans come third in the world, when it comes to average beer consumption, with an individual drinking a whopping 28 gallons per year.

Some of the world’s most famous beers come from Germany and with a thriving craft beer scene that spreads across the entire country let’s take a look at the relationship between the Fatherland and Beer over the years.

A STEP BACK IN TIME, TO WHERE IT ALL STARTED

While it may be surprising, we have to thank German wives of yesteryears for the birth of the Traditional German Ales. Just like baking bread, thousands of years ago, brewing beer was considered as part of the regular household chore list. And, German wives have been brewing beer since thousand years ago. This historic brew was thick and heavy and was served to the entire household.

Historical finds show that beer was brewed in German households as early as 800 BC. However, with the increasing popularity of Christianity, the German brewing scene changed big time.

CHRISTIAN MONKS AND BEER

The monks of long back went on long periods of fasting. Since they couldn’t eat anything; they resorted to sipping on beer to keep their bodies nourished during these fasting periods. Drinking beer was allowed during fasting as it wasn’t technically eating.

The monks then started brewing their own beers and slowly perfected the art of making “Fine Brews.” They then sold these brews to the general public and beer saw a massive spike in popularity. From being a household drink, it started getting a commercial status.

ENTER THE ERA OF TAXES ON BREWS

As beer became widely popular, the government started imposing taxes on exports and imports of this drink. With German beer winning hearts across far-flung destinations like England, Netherlands, Scandinavian regions and even India, more and more brew-makers came into the industry to meet the rising demands.

It was during this era, that hops was started to be added to German beers. The hops not only added flavour to the brew but also increased its shelf life. Now, German beers could be exported far and wide, without worrying about getting spoilt.

THE INFAMOUS GERMAN BEER PURITY LAW

In 1516, the Reinheitsgebot (or the German Beer Purity Law) was introduced in Bavaria. According to this law, only three key ingredients could be used for making German brews. The ingredients were barley, hops and of course water.

The reason behind this law was that the government wanted to reduce the competition for ingredients like rye, wheat, and barley between brewers and bakers. By not allowing brewers to use wheat and rye, the government tried to keep food costs low.

THE NEW PROVISIONAL BEER LAW

This Law was in existence till 1993. Yes, only 24 years ago, this centuries-old law was replaced by the New Provisional Beer Law. According to the new law, brewers now can use hop extracts, powdered hop, yeast, stabilization and other lining ingredients while making beer.

This new law led to the growth of the craft beer revolution in Germany, as brew-makers could experiment with newer flavours for the first time in modern history.

10 INTERESTING BEER FACTS FROM GERMANY

1. GERMANY IS A BEER COUNTRY

Germany is the leading producer of beer in Europe, and more than 5500 varieties of beer are sold here. The average beer production in a year is around 95 million hectolitres.

2. PUBLIC DRINKING IS NOT FROWNED UPON

In Germany, it’s common to see people drinking beer everywhere – whether it’s an office party, a public park or at the theatre, people always drink beer.

3. TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS ARE INCOMPLETE WITHOUT BEER

Whether you’re attending a traditional music festival or any other celebration, you’re sure to come across several brew stalls. In fact, several breweries produce special beers to be consumed at the festivals exclusively. The most famous of these is the Oktoberfest beer made especially for the festival in Munich. It’s served in one-litre Bavarian beer mugs. (That’s a lot of beer, but we ain’t complaining).

4. FOOTBALL AND BEER

Football is the most popular sport in Germany, and it’s only right that beer goes hand in hand with it. In fact, most of the top players sport beer advertisements on their t-shirts. Very often, the official sponsor of the team is a brewery, and it serves its beer at football events.

5. YOU CAN BUY BEER 24 X 7

There are neighbourhood kiosks around the country that sell tobacco, newspapers, candy, and beer. What started around 150 years back as a stall to sell water, now serves as a pit-stop for beer lovers.

6. THE CORNER PUBS WITH CULT FOLLOWING

These are no-nonsense pubs with simple, comfort food and hearty ales. These bars draw locals who are regulars and come here to sip their after-work beer.

7. FUN IN THE SUN AT BEER GARDENS

Beer gardens are intrinsically linked to German culture. They dated back to the 19th century and originated in Bavaria. The brewers sold their brews directly from the cooling cellars to the people as they rested along the banks of the Isar River. Today, you can find beer gardens all over the country and are hugely popular in summer.

8. THE RISE OF CRAFT BREWERIES AND MODERN BREWING TECHNIQUES

With the scrapping of the old beer law, the craft brewing scene has picked up steadily and is quite active in Berlin and Hamburg. In fact, several traditional breweries have jumped into the craft brewing scene with smaller, niche beers.

9. TAKE A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES WITH BEER MAKING SEMINARS

Beer aficionados can take part in beer hikes, seminars or check out the 30+ beer museums all over Germany. Additionally, you can brew your own beer at the popular “Grillakademie” (a craft beer seminar) in Bochum.

10. EACH BEER IN ITS GLASS

Different types of German beers are served in various kinds of glassware. For instance, wheat beers are served in a tall glass, while lagers are served in beer mugs.

GERMANY & BEER: A HISTORIC LOVE AFFAIR

You cannot separate Germany from beer and Beer from Germany. Hope this article gives you an insight into the beer culture in the Fatherland.

For making your beer and commercially selling it, get in touch with us at sales@microbreweryindia.com. As the leading microbrewery equipment supplier in India, we take you right from start to finish. Give us a call at (+91) 9811233358 / 9811196262 / 8588838333 to get started!

If you’re like us, then beer doesn’t last very long in your house, so you needn’t be bothered about storage. However, once in a blue moon, you may be left with more beer that you can cram into the fridge. So, how do you store it?

Here in today’s article, we give you all that you need to know about storing and enjoying craft beer for as long as possible.

Let’s get started.

LIKE IT OR NOT, BEERS COME WITH A BEST-BEFORE DATE

As much as we wish, beer (craft beers or commercial ones) don’t last forever. They come with an expiry date.

The flavour and aroma of your beer deteriorate with gradual exposure to light, air, and warmth. This is why a fresh beer packs more punch than the one that’s been sitting on a shelf for months.

So, on the rare occasions, when you’re left with a crate of your favourite craft beer after a glorious house party, what do you do with it? Is there any way to ensure that it tastes just like new for a longer time?

Here’s the ultimate guide to storing craft beer at home.

NOT ALL BEERS ARE MADE THE SAME

Different beers age at varying rates. Unfortunately, we can’t predict with certainty when a particular beer will move into the “Not Fresh” range.

However, not all hope is lost. Some rules of thumb help you determine whether a particular beer will remain delicious for months or should you pour it down.

RULE NO. 1: CHECK THE ABV (ALCOHOL BY VOLUME)

If it’s higher than 8%, then you can be assured that the beer will last for some time and there’s no rush to finish it off right now.

RULE NO. 2: CHECK THE STYLE

If it’s a smoked or sour beer, then it falls into the category of beers with high-alcohol levels. However, hop-centric beers like American pale ales, strong ales, and amber lagers or IPAs, age quickly.

Beer experts recommend that you drink, hops quickly, as the aromatics that lend the flavour to the beer fade over time.

RULE NO. 3: CHECK FOR PASTEURISATION

If your beer is pasteurised it has a longer shelf-life compared to non-pasteurised beers. Mostly, all commercial beers are pasteurised to extend their shelf-life. However, of late, more and more craft breweries are opting for pasteurisation for the same reason.

IF YOU AREN’T DOING LONG-TERM STORAGE, THEN CONSUME YOUR BEER WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF THE BOTTLING DATE

This is for unpasteurised beers like your local craft beer. If it’s pasteurised, then you’re looking at a time frame of more than three months.

According to research by MillerCoors, it was found that storing beer in any one of the following three conditions, leads to a similar loss in flavour.

3 DAYS IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR (AT AROUND 32°C)

30 DAYS AT ROOM TEMPERATURE (AT ABOUT 20°C)

300 DAYS IN THE FRIDGE (AT ABOUT 5°C)

This means you can store your beer can in the refrigerator for around 300 days without worrying that it’ll go bad. On a side note, we think that if you don’t polish of your beer can within 300 days, then maybe we should remove your name from the halls of beer fame.

IF YOU’RE STORING YOUR BEER AT HOME, THEN POP IT INTO THE FRIDGE

As soon as beer is brewed, the ageing process is triggered. The best way to extend its lifespan is to pop it into the fridge as early as possible (mostly, as soon as you bring it home).

Store your precious brews in the fridge till you want to drink it. Think of it like milk or bread. While storing in the fridge doesn’t make it last for eternity, it can very well slow down the ageing process. When beer is stored in the refrigerator, the oxidation speed is slowed down.

NO SPACE IN THE FRIDGE? KEEP IT IN A DARK, DRY PLACE.

If the mistress doesn’t appreciate you hoarding bottles of beer in the fridge, the next best thing to do is to store it in a dark, dry shelf away from sunlight and other artificial light.

A cold basement, a box under your bed, or at the back of your closet are all excellent choices for storing your beer. Light makes your drink skunk, so make sure that you wrap it well and keep it away from light to extend its life.

FINALLY, STORE YOUR BEER UPRIGHT

Whether you’re placing it in the fridge or under your bed, make sure that it stays upright. This is because when you keep your beer upright, it reduces the surface area of the beer that comes in contact with the air trapped in the can or bottle.

As explained by the Craft Beer Academy, “Less contact with air, lesser is the oxidation, which means longer the life of your beer.” This prevents it from ageing quickly.

And, now that you know the ways to store your craft beer at home go ahead get a crate-full of your favourite beer and enjoy whenever the mood strikes you.

If you’re interested in exploring craft breweries or would like to know more about how to start your own, get in touch with us @ (+91) 9811233358 / 9811196262 / 8588838333. We’re one of the leading craft brewery equipment suppliers in India and have set up several breweries and pubs all over the country. Get started on your fantastic craft beer journey, with Rohit Jafa brewing solutions.

6 HOLIDAY BEER COCKTAIL RECIPES TO GET YOU THROUGH THE SEASON!

Beer and winter go hand in hand. There’s nothing as soothing and relaxing like sipping on your favourite beer while you’re snuggled cosily on your couch! But, that doesn’t mean you have to just drink your brew out of the can or bottle.

The art of making beer cocktails started two hundred years ago. Yes, our ancestors mixed different brews to extend their shelf life. Fast forward to 2017, the rise of craft beers has renewed the interest in DIY mixology.

Intrigued? Here are some simple beer cocktail recipes to fancy up your drink and keep you warm this winter.

THE DUCHESS OF LONDON

This one’s a delight for the senses. Sweet, and tart, this drink is made from a deadly combination of beer and gin. And, what more, it’s easy to make. No fancy ingredients or fancy tools. Just mix these items from your pantry, and you’ve got a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients that you need

• ¾ oz freshly made ginger syrup
• ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Your favourite beer
• 2 oz Gin

Procedure

To make ginger syrup, add grated ginger (3 tablespoons) with two tablespoons of sugar in a small pan. Pour in some water and let the mixture simmer. Filter it, and you’ve got homemade ginger syrup. Now combine all the ingredients in a shaker and serve.

THE ARCADIAN NIGHTS

This cocktail is a potent combination of dark beer and scotch. It’s sure to make your mouth feel velvety smooth and offers a new, unexpected twist to your favourite drink.

Ingredients that you need

• 1 oz Porter Ale
• 1 ½ oz whiskey
• ½ oz pimento dram
• ¼ oz honey
• ¾ oz egg white
• A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Procedure

• Combine whiskey, honey, egg white, pimento dram in a cocktail shaker and shake well for around 15 seconds.
• Add ice cubes to the shaker and mix well until chilled.
• Now, add porter ale and shake well.
• Strain the ingredients and pour into a tall glass.
• Garnish with grated nutmeg.

INTENTIONAL GROUNDING

Even as the temperature reaches falls, there are plenty of occasions when you want to reach for a chilled glass of your favorite brew. This cocktail is perfect for such occasions. With a refreshing combination of cucumber and lime, this one’s sure to keep the winter blues away.

Ingredients that you need

• Your favourite pale ale
• ¾ oz sugar syrup
• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tbsp diced cucumber
• Cucumber wheel for garnishing

Procedure

• Add all the ingredients apart from the beer into a cocktail shaker. Drop in four ice cubes and shake till sufficiently chilled.
• Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
• Now, top it off with the pale ale.
• Garnish with cucumber slices.

ROTTEN CIDER

This cocktail was popular during the 1980s. It’s a mimic of another cocktail that was popular during that period, the Snakebite – a heady combination of beer and cider.

Ingredients that you need /

• Equal parts of Hard Cider and Stout

Procedure

For a dramatic twist, add in the hard cider first. Then, use the back of a spoon to drizzle the stout along the sides of the glass slowly. This makes the beer slide in gently and comes to rest on top of the cider.

THE HOP COLLINS

This is a new twist on the fan favourite Tom Collins but with a hoppy IPA added in. The Hoppy IPA ups the aroma of the cocktail giving you a fragrant drink.

Ingredients that you need

• 3 oz of your favourite IPA
• 2 oz Gin
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 oz sugar syrup
• Cut raspberries for garnishing

Procedure

• Drop in few ice cubes into a chilled glass.
• Mix gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker and shake well.
• Pour this mixture into the glass on top of the ice cubes.
• Fill the glass with your preferred IPA.
• To reduce the foam, pour the IPA slowly on top of the ice cubes.
• Garnish with raspberries.

THE CHEQUE IS IN THE MAIL

This one’s inspired by the classic Air Mail cocktail that is made from sparkling wine, rum, honey and lime juice. This one’s sure to beat the winter chills and warm you from within.

Ingredients that you need

• 1 ½ oz IPA (choose one with citrus notes for some added punch)
• ¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• ¾ oz freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 oz regular rum
• 1 oz honey rum
• ½ tsp honey
• ½ oz cinnamon syrup (check the notes below on how to make it)

Procedure

To make cinnamon syrup:

• Take equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan and heat it on medium.
• Add two sticks of cinnamon.
• Simmer the liquid on low for around 15 minutes.
• Strain the mixture, and you’ve got homemade cinnamon syrup.
• Store the leftover in the fridge for later use.

To make the cocktail:

• Mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker until well combined.
• Add a few ice cubes and shake well to cool the mixture.
• Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a dash of cinnamon powder.

Winter is Coming!

Use the recipes listed above to create stunner cocktails at your next get-together and keep your parties warm this winter!

Interested in converting your passion for craft beers into a profitable business? Get it touch with Rohit Jafa, the leading craft beer consultant in India. From procuring the required equipment to helping you set up your business, you’re assured of the best guidance. Get in touch by ringing us at (+91) 9811233358 / 9811196262 / 8588838333 or dropping a mail at sales@microbreweryindia.com.

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO IMPROVING YOUR BEER REVENUES

Congrats! As a brewpub owner, you’ve made your wildest dreams come true, and you’re pursuing your passions. You have crafted a microbrewery with a pub, that you’re proud to call your own.

But, success comes with a steep price.

Just a few years back, you may have been the only craft brewery in town. But, with the tremendous increase in popularity of craft brews, you now have to deal with stiff competition, not only from the big name brands but also from other craft breweries.

So, here in today’s article, we help you find the answer to the following questions, “How to stay relevant and set your craft brewery from your competition? What tactics to employ to catch the attention of the new-age patron?”

Without further ado, let’s dig right into the heart of the matter.

#1: DON’T MESS WITH WHAT WORKS WELL

This is one piece of advice often offered by successful craft brewers. While craft brewing is all about experimenting with new tastes and pushing boundaries, most brewers stay away from messing with what works well.

Instead of just offering new flavours, make sure that you have a well-rounded list that includes all the major flavours, both traditional ones as well as risky ones. This ensures that all palates are satisfied – from adventurous drinkers to picky drinkers.

Also, when it comes to the foods you offer with your brews, opt for hearty and full-filling choices and keep the ingredients simple and clean. Remember that a brewpub is not the place where people are looking for a fine-dining experience.

#2: GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR BEST FEATURES

If you’re a full-service restaurant in an area filled with pubs that offer only snack food, let it work to your advantage. Make sure that your diverse menu is well-advertised and try to attract the audience who are looking for good beer along with good food.

Alternatively, if your brewpub is located in an exotic location like a beachfront, then maximise on it. Instead of placing your tables in a cooped building, move your tables and the bar to the wide, big outdoors.

Take a hard look at what sets you apart from your competitors. It may be something as simple as your chef’s special burgers or something big like your extensive list of flavours. Whatever be it, try to build on it. Market it. Spread the word about your features and let it pull in your audience.

#3: DON’T LOSE FOCUS OF WHAT YOU SET OUT TO DO

Travel back a bit and try to remember what your aims and aspirations were when you initially set up a brewpub. It can be that you fell in love with the rich taste of craft beer and wanted to spread the experience with others. Or it may be that you wanted to educate people about beer culture and craft beers in general.

Whatever be the reason, don’t lose sight of what you set to do. In the never-ending demands and responsibilities that come with running a brewpub, it’s quite common to lose sight of your aims and goals. Keeping an eye on your primary goals is the best way to keep your passion kindled and prevent you from straying away from your track.

#4: TELL YOUR STORY

Brewpubs are businesses that are highly dependent on their customers. And not just any customer but the right ones. To establish a connect with your target audience and to convert them into regular patrons, you must impress them with the story of your brand.

The best way to tell your story is to infuse it into your wait staff. After all, they are the people who interact with your audience directly. So, when you hire staff, be it a waitress or a bar-tender, ensure that you appoint people who are willing to travel the extra mile to tell your story to your audience.

When it comes to today’s consumers, they are highly tech-savvy and intuitive. Anything contrived or fake, they are sure to spot it out quickly. Make sure that you tell your true story if you want to create a rapport with your audience.

The same principles apply to your social media pages. Make sure that the voice you use reflects your brand’s personality. Never appear phony or over-the-top, as these are a big No-No for today’s consumers.

#5: EMBRACE CHANGE

You would have come across the saying, “Change is the only thing that’s constant.” This is very true when it comes to the beer industry. What works today need not work tomorrow. So, make sure that you are poised to deal with all the changes that come your way.

This doesn’t mean you have to adapt your principles to accommodate every passing fad. However, make sure that you embrace change and grow with it if you’re to remain relevant in the field.

Just a few years ago, the pub scene in India was pretty limited, and consumers weren’t expecting huge offerings. But today’s young professionals are adventurous when it comes to their culinary tastes and want something new and cool, that they can flaunt on social media.

So, ensure that you offer something unique while getting the basics right if you want to improve your sales and expand revenues.

#6: ABOVE ALL, NEVER COMPROMISE QUALITY

Even if you have the fanciest offerings on tap, if your quality isn’t up to the mark, then you can be pretty sure that you’re going to lose out in the long run. While it’s alright to have an occasional off-the-mark batch, make sure that you provide consistent quality.

THE LAST WORD

The craft beer scene is now better, like never before. More and more savvy customers are willing to experiment with flavours. So, now’s a great time to turn your dreams come true by opening up a brewpub. Not sure where to begin or how to proceed? Worry not, get in touch with our expert team, headed by Rohit Jafa. With more than two decades of experience, we provide you with comprehensive support.

Right from facility planning, procuring and fine-tuning equipment, providing you with tailored recipes and helping you find the right staff, we help you do it all. Just drop in a line at sales@microbreweryindia.com to start your magical brewpub – that draws in crowds with the right combination of great food and great beer. Let’s get started.