In the hot summer, when the night is low, make an appointment with three or two friends, sit around a table, the table is full of all kinds of snacks, and a round of cold beer is naturally indispensable in the middle. Beer, the best companion for this summer night, seems to have a kind of magic that can instantly sweep away the tiredness and make people feel refreshed. However, not every bottle of beer makes for such a great experience. Today, we're going to talk about how to identify low-cost and low-quality beers hidden on the shelves, especially the "2 ingredients" in the recipe - syrup and cornstarch.
1. The world of beer is ever-changing
Walking into the beer section of the supermarket, you will be greeted by a dizzying array of brands, ranging in price from a few yuan to dozens of yuan, each with its own loyal fans. Some people prefer mellow German dark beer and enjoy the heavy malt aroma; There are also people who love the refreshing Belgian white beer, and they are poured over the fresh citrus flavor. But among the many options, how do you make sure that the beer in your hand is not a bottle of "water beer"?
Second, the "2 ingredients" alarm of inferior beer
To unlock the secret of beer, we must first start with its soul - the recipe. The traditional ingredients for brewing beer include yeast, malt, hops, and clear water. These pure elements work together to give the beer its unique flavor and aroma. However, when the two "uninvited guests" of syrup and cornstarch appear in the recipe, the story starts to get less rosy.
Syrup and cornstarch are often used as lower-cost alternatives to reduce production costs, especially in some cheap beers and fruit-flavored beers. They add sweetness to the beer, but sacrifice the richness and complexity of the beer. When you drink it, you'll notice that the beer lacks depth, even has a hint of unpleasant acidity, and you may suffer from a headache the next day. So, the next time you choose a beer, remember to check the recipe first and avoid these two "bad pushers".
3. Wort concentration: the touchstone of a good beer
In addition to avoiding the "2 ingredients", another key indicator is the wort concentration (°P). In simple terms, it represents the amount of dissolved matter in the wort, which directly affects the taste, aroma and nutritional value of the beer. Generally speaking:
6°P to 8°P: More like a cool and thirst-quenching soft drink, with a lack of wheat aroma.
8°P to 12°P: This is where most industrial beers are concentrated, balancing taste and cost to suit the general taste.
14°P to 20°P: Step into the high-end segment, whether craft or high-end industrial beers, they bring rich mouthfeel and unique flavors that deserve to be savored by every beer lover.
It is recommended to choose a beer at least 10°P or more, which can not only ensure a certain malt aroma, but also enjoy a fuller taste.
4. Tips for choosing beer
Peruse labels: Make it a habit to look at ingredient lists and say no to syrup and cornstarch.
Focus on provenance: While provenance is not an absolute proxy for quality, some countries and regions are known for their strict brewing standards.
Try craft beer: Craft beer tends to be more focused on ingredients and craftsmanship than mass-produced industrial beers, bringing more surprises.
Epilogue:
In this era of beer everywhere, learning to distinguish between the good and the bad will not only make your summer more enjoyable, but also play the role of a beer connoisseur in your circle of friends. Remember, in the world of beer, the less blind and the more exploratory, the more feasts you can reap. Next time you get together, bring a bottle of a good beer and share that pure joy with your friends!