How to Make Green Beer
Last updated on Jan 9, 2025Jason KurtzSt. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest drinking holidays on the calendar, and serving green beer is a fun and festive way to shake up your menu and celebrate. You can feature it alongside Irish whiskey, Guinness, and various St. Patrick's Day foods. Green beer is traditional beer dyed green using food coloring or other natural ingredients. It is an easy-to-prepare, inexpensive option that will surely be a hit with your guests. Whether you just started a bar and are preparing for your first St. Patrick’s Day celebration or have been in the industry for years, adding green beer to your menu is a great way to attract customers and create a festive atmosphere. We’ve outlined how to make green beer and the different ingredients you can use to help you get started.
Shop All St. Patrick's Day SuppliesGreen Beer Recipe
Follow the steps below to make green beer. The easiest way to make the drink is by preparing it directly in the beer glass rather than in bulk. Make sure you choose a type of beer glass that best fits your preferences and matches the theme of the day.
Makes: 1 green beer
Total time: 2 minutes
Green Beer Ingredients
- 1 twelve ounce can of beer
- 2 drops food coloring
Directions
- Add 2 drops of food coloring to the glass.
- Pour beer into the glass.
- Stir until beer and food coloring are completely mixed.
- (Optional) Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you reach your desired shade of green.
How to Make Green Beer Without Food Coloring
There are several natural ingredients you can use to achieve the right shade of green in your beer without using food coloring. It's important to note that depending on which ingredient you choose, it could slightly alter the taste of your beer. Consider the following options if you prefer a more natural green beer recipe:
- Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass juice offers a grassy, earthy taste and imparts a light shade of green. To substitute food dye, use 1 tablespoon of wheatgrass juice in place of 2 drops of food coloring.
- Spirulina: Spirulina powder provides a darker shade of green and has an earthy flavor profile. As a sea plant, some individuals also detect a hint of fishiness. To incorporate spirulina into your beer, prepare a combination of 1/2 teaspoon of spirulina powder with 3-5 tablespoons of your beer in a separate dish. Once mixed, add this blend to your glass and combine it with the rest of your beer.
- Matcha: Matcha tea powder, known for its popularity in coffee and tea shops, offers a vegetal flavor with hints of sweetness and bitterness and a light green hue. To include matcha in your recipe, mix 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with 3-5 tablespoons of beer in a separate dish. Blend this mixture into your glass and combine it with the rest of your beer.
What Is the Best Beer for Green Beer?
The best beers for making green beer are pale ales, German pilsners, or any light Irish beer. These lighter beer options allow the green color to show more easily, reducing the amount of food dye or substitute ingredients you have to use. Dark beers, like porters or stouts, can be used, but the color will not be as vibrant.
Green beer is a St. Patrick's Day staple and an excellent addition to your beverage menu. If you plan on hosting a bar crawl or want to get into the holiday spirit, offering green beer will boost your customer experience. Whether you're preparing it with food dye or using natural ingredients, it adds a touch of creativity and color to your menu.
Related Resources
Top 10 Styles of Beer
Beer is one of the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world, with over 9,000 craft breweries in the U.S. alone. Gaining an understanding of the different types of beer available can be the key to success if you’re planning to start your own brewery. From their unique flavor profiles and food pairings, we’ll break down the most popular beer types so you can make recommendations and create a beer list your customers will love. Shop All Brewery Equipment Click below to learn about the different types of beer: IPA Stout Porter Pilsner Wheat Beer Pale Ale German Bock Brown Ale Belgian-Style Ale Specialty Beer Cooking with Beer Types of Beer Chart Ales vs Lagers There are two main categories of beer - ales and lagers. The difference between ales and lagers comes down to their temperature and fermenting yeast. Ales are brewed at warmer temperatures than lagers with top-fermenting yeast, typically between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. This results in a faster fermentation process, which imparts a more complex flavor profile that can range from fruity and spicy to bitter and hoppy. Most craft beers will have ales as their base because of the rapid fermenting and ease of temperature control. Lagers are known for their crisp, clean taste and are typically brewed at cooler temperatures, around 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit, using bottom-fermenting yeast. Lagers are known for their smooth and refreshing qualities, making them popular choices for easy-drinking beers in the summer. While ales and lagers differ in brewing techniques and flavor profiles, both types of beer offer a wide range of options for consumers and businesses alike. ABV vs IBU ABV, or alcohol by volume, measures the alcohol content in beer and is expressed as a percentage. It indicates the strength of the beer and can range from 3% in light beers to over 10% in stronger brews. IBU, or International Bitterness Units, measures the bitterness of beer from hops and is a scale that typically ranges from 0 to 100 or more. The ABV and IBU of a beer can help determine its flavor profile and balance, with higher ABV beers often having more intense flavors and higher IBU beers being more bitter. Types of Beer When it comes to choosing the right beer for your establishment, it's essential to understand the various types available to cater to different preferences and occasions. From bold and hoppy IPAs to rich and creamy stouts, the world of beer offers a diverse array of options to suit every palate. We’ll explore the top 10 styles of beer to help you choose the ones that are best for your business. <iframe scrolling="no" width="392" height="226" src="/v/?num=12750&width=600&height=500&embed=1" frameborder="0"></iframe> 1. IPA IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a popular beer style known for its bold hop flavors and aromas. This style originated in England in the 19th century and has since evolved into various subcategories, including American IPA, Double IPA, and New England IPA. One defining characteristic of IPAs is their high hop bitterness, which provides a distinct and often intense floral, citrus, or piney flavor profile. This bitterness is balanced by a strong malt backbone, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that appeals to many beer enthusiasts. American IPAs are typically more hop-forward than their English counterparts. These beers often have a higher alcohol content and a more pronounced bitterness, making them a favorite among craft beer aficionados looking for a bold and flavorful drinking experience. Double IPAs, also known as Imperial IPAs, have an even higher alcohol content and hop additions. This creates a more robust and complex flavor profile that can range from resinous and dank to tropical and fruity. New England IPAs are characterized by their hazy appearance and creamy mouthfeel. These beers are known for their low bitterness and intense hop aroma, perfect for those seeking a softer and more approachable IPA experience. IPA ABV: 5.0-14.0% IPA IBU: 30-100 Types of IPAs: American IPA, Imperial or Double IPA, English IPA IPA Brands: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Russian River Brewing Company's Pliny the Elder, Goose Island India Pale Ale IPA Pairings: American cuisine, Indian cuisines, fish, sharp cheeses IPA Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit 2. Stout Stout is a dark, rich beer known for its robust flavors and creamy mouthfeel. Originating in the United Kingdom, stout has gained popularity worldwide for its distinctive color and smooth finish. Stouts feature mid-to-high alcohol levels and pair well with a variety of foods, including hearty dishes like roasted meats, stews, and rich desserts. One of the most well-known types of stout is Irish dry stout made popular by Guinness. This style is characterized by the visual cascading effect in the glass and its dry, roasted malt flavors with hints of coffee and chocolate. Another popular variation is the oatmeal stout. These are brewed with oats, which contribute to a smooth, silky mouthfeel. Oatmeal stouts have a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of roasted coffee, chocolate, and sometimes a hint of sweetness. They are popular for their complexity and drinkability. Imperial stout, on the other hand, is a bold and intense variation of the stout style. This beer is characterized by its high alcohol content, rich malt flavors, and complex aromas. Imperial stouts often feature notes of dark fruits, roasted coffee, and bittersweet chocolate. Stout ABV: 3.8-8.9% Stout IBU: 20-60 Types of Stouts: Irish Dry Stout, Oatmeal Stout, American Imperial Stout Stout Brands: Guinness Draught, Troegs JavaHead Stout, Stoudts Fat Dog Imperial Stout Stout Pairings: Heavy foods like beef and stew, oysters, chocolate, brie cheese Stout Serving Temperature: 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit 3. Porter Porter is a dark and robust style of beer with a rich history dating back to the 18th century in England. Originally popular among the working class, this beer has since evolved into a beloved style among beer enthusiasts worldwide. Similar to stout, porter is characterized by its deep brown-to-black color. The way porter differs from stout is that it uses malted unroasted barley instead of unmalted roasted barley. This gives porter its complex flavor profile that often includes notes of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit, making it less intense than stout. American imperial porter is a bold and robust variation of the traditional porter style. Known for its higher alcohol content and intense flavors, this beer often features rich notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee. English brown porter offers a more moderate take on the porter style, with a balanced flavor profile that showcases the beer's malt character, creating a smooth and easy-drinking experience. Robust porter strikes a harmonious balance between the two, with a medium-to-full body and a robust malt presence. This style is known for its smooth mouthfeel and well-rounded flavor profile. Porter ABV: 4.5-12.0% Porter IBU: 20-50 Types of Porters: American Imperial Porter, English Brown Porter, Robust Porter Porter Brands: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Porter, Shipyard Longfellow Winter Ale, Smuttynose Robust Porter Porter Pairings: American cuisine, English cuisine, barbecue, tiramisu, asiago cheese Porter Serving Temperature: 40-55 degrees Fahrenheit 4. Pilsner Pilsners are light, crisp lagers with a clean, refreshing taste. They are known for their golden color and balanced bitterness. This style of beer became popular in what is now the Czech Republic and Germany. They are perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser between courses. The classic American lager is a type of pilsner that is widely consumed in the United States. This beer is light-bodied, with a clean and crisp taste that makes it a go-to choice for many beer drinkers for celebrations like Mardi Gras. German Pilsner, also known as pils or pilsener, is characterized by its pale golden color, floral hop aroma, and balanced bitterness. German pilsners are traditionally brewed using noble hops, which give the beer a subtle yet complex flavor profile. Czech or Bohemian pilsner is another popular variation of pilsner known for its rich malt character, spicy hop aroma, and crisp finish. Czech pilsners are brewed using Saaz hops, which impart a distinctive herbal and earthy flavor to the beer. Pilsner ABV: 3.2-5.6% Pilsner IBU: 15-45 Types of Pilsners: American Lager, German Pilsner, Czech or Bohemian Pilsner Pilsner Brands: Budweiser, Troegs Sunshine Pils, Dogfish Head Piercing Pils Pilsner Pairings: German cuisine, spicy food, poultry, fish, spicy cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit 5. Wheat Beer Wheat beer is a popular style of beer made by using wheat as the malt, giving the beer its signature refreshing and crisp taste. With its tangy flavors, brewers often add seasonal fruits to wheat beer to create an enticing presentation. American pale wheat beer is a light and easy-drinking beer that is brewed with a significant proportion of wheat in addition to barley. This style is known for its pale color, mild hop bitterness, and subtle wheat flavor, making it a popular choice for those looking for a refreshing and approachable beer. Berliner Weisse is a traditional German wheat beer that is known for its light body and high carbonation. This style is typically low in alcohol content and is often served with a flavored syrup, such as raspberry or woodruff, to balance out the sourness of the beer. Hefeweizen is a classic German wheat beer that is brewed with a large proportion of wheat and a distinctive yeast strain that produces flavors of banana and clove. Hefeweizens are known for their cloudy appearance, full body, and effervescent carbonation. This style of wheat beer is often unfiltered, allowing the yeast to remain in the beer and contribute to its unique flavor profile. Wheat Beer ABV: 2.8-5.6% Wheat Beer IBU: 3-35 Types of Wheat Beers: American Pale Wheat, Berliner Weisse, Hefeweizen Wheat Beer Brands: Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat, Freetail Brewing Company Yo Soy Un Berliner, Magic Hat Circus Boy Wheat Beer Pairings: German cuisine, Mexican cuisine, spicy food, seafood, brick cheeses Wheat Beer Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top 6. Pale Ale Pale ale is a popular beer style known for its balanced flavors, offering a mix of hoppy bitterness and malt sweetness. They are lower in alcohol content than IPAs and pair well with a wide range of dishes. American pale ale is a hop-forward beer with a moderate malt backbone. It typically features American hop varieties that impart citrus, pine, and floral notes to the brew. These ales are known for their refreshing bitterness and bright aromatics. Blonde ale is a lighter and more delicate version of pale ale, with a focus on crisp, clean flavors. They are characterized by their pale golden color and subtle malt sweetness. These beers are easy-drinking and versatile, making them a popular choice for those new to craft beer or looking for a lighter option. English pale ale is a classic beer style with a rich malt profile and earthy hop character. They often showcase traditional English hop varieties, which creates a balance between bitterness and biscuity malt flavors. Pale Ale ABV: 4.0-5.5% Pale Ale IBU: 15-45 Types of Pale Ales: American Pale Ale, Blonde Ale, English Pale Ale Pale Ale Brands: Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale, Victory Brewing Company Summer Love, Flying Fish Extra Pale Ale Pale Ale Pairings: Italian cuisine, English cuisine, fish, fried foods, pepper jack cheese Pale Ale Serving Temperature: 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit 7. German Bock Bock beer is a traditional German style that has gained popularity worldwide for its rich malt character and robust flavors. They are higher in alcohol content and can range from pale to dark in color with notes of caramel and toast. This style is often enjoyed as a winter beer for its warming qualities and pairs well with rich and savory foods. Traditional bock is a strong lager known for its malty sweetness and deep amber-to-dark brown color. Weizenbock is a wheat bock beer that combines the characteristics of a traditional bock with the fruity and spicy notes of a wheat beer. It is known for its hazy appearance and complex flavor profile, which includes banana, clove, and bubblegum notes from the yeast strain used during fermentation. Maibock, also known as Helles bock, is a pale bock beer that is lighter in color and body compared to traditional bock. Maibock is brewed with a higher proportion of pale malts, giving it a clean and crisp profile with a noticeable malt sweetness. This style of bock beer is often brewed in the springtime and enjoyed during the month of May, making it the perfect addition to any beer garden. Bock ABV: 6.0-9.5% Bock IBU: 15-35 Types of Bock Beer: Traditional Bock, Weizenbock, Maibock Bock Beer Brands: Samuel Adams Winter Lager, Southern Tier Brewing Company Goat Boy, Capital Brewery Maibock Bock Beer Pairings: Italian cuisine, German cuisine, fish, shellfish, asiago, Swiss cheese Bock Beer Serving Temperature: 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit 8. Brown Ale Brown ale is a malt-forward beer with a deep amber-to-dark brown color and flavors of caramel, nuts, and toffee. This style is smooth and easy to drink, making it a great option for customers looking for a more approachable beer. English brown ale, also known as Northern English brown ale, is known for its malt-forward profile, showcasing toasty, biscuity, and caramel flavors with minimal hop bitterness. English brown ales are typically lower in alcohol content and have a lighter body compared to the American style, offering a smooth and easy drinking experience. American brown ale is a modern take on the traditional English brown ale, characterized by a balanced flavor profile that combines malty sweetness with moderate hop bitterness. This style typically features a medium body and a slightly higher alcohol content compared to its English counterpart. American brown ales often showcases notes of caramel, chocolate, and nutty flavors, making them a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts. Brown Ale ABV: 4.0-6.3% Brown Ale IBU: 15-45 Types of Brown Ale: English Brown Ale, American Brown Ale Brown Ale Brands: Newcastle Brown Ale, City Star Brewing Bandit Brown, Brooklyn Brewery Brown Ale Brown Ale Pairings: American cuisine, beef stew, red meat, poultry, gouda cheese Brown Ale Serving Temperature: 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit 9. Belgian Ale Belgian beers are known for their spiced fruity flavors and high alcohol content. Despite their high ABV, Belgians are usually low in bitterness. Belgian-style ale encompasses a wide range of styles, from fruity and spicy to complex and yeasty ales. These beers are often brewed with unique yeast strains, resulting in distinctive flavors, aromas, and high carbonation. Belgian pale ale is a style known for its balanced maltiness and hop bitterness. It typically features fruity esters and spicy notes, with a moderate alcohol content. Belgian tripel is a strong ale with a higher alcohol content compared to other Belgian styles. It is characterized by its pale color, complex malt profile with a dry finish, and effervescent carbonation. Belgian saison, also known as farmhouse ale, is a rustic beer style that originated in the French-speaking region of Belgium. Traditionally brewed in the winter months for consumption in the summer, saisons are known for their fruity and peppery yeast character and dry finish. Belgian Ale ABV: 4.4-10% Belgian Ale IBU: 20-50 Types of Belgian Ale: Belgian Pale Ale, Belgian Tripel, Belgian Saison Belgian Ale Brands: Samuel Adams Belgian Session, Weyerbacher Merry Monks, Victory Brewing Company Helios Belgian Ale Pairings: American cuisine, Asian cuisine, pasta dishes, barbecue, meat, Limburger cheese Belgian Ale Serving Temperature: 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit 10. Specialty Beer Specialty beers offer unique and diverse options for beer enthusiasts, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. From experimental brews to niche flavors, there is a specialty beer for every palate. These beers can range from barrel-aged beers to sour ales, from fruit-infused beers to spiced variations, offering customers a chance to try something new and exciting. Sour ales are a distinctive type of beer known for their tart and acidic flavors. These beers are fermented with specific strains of yeast and bacteria, resulting in a sour and tangy taste profile that sets them apart from traditional ales. Another specialty beer is gluten-free beer. They are brewed using alternative grains such as sorghum, millet, or rice to create a beer that is safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Spruce up your beer menu with crowd-pleasing flavors of beer that you can rotate throughout the seasons. Pumpkin beer is a seasonal favorite that typically makes its appearance during the fall months. Brewed with pumpkin puree and a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, pumpkin beer offers a festive and flavorful twist on traditional beer styles. Chocolate beer is a decadent and indulgent option for those with a sweet tooth. Brewed with chocolate malt or actual cocoa nibs, these beers offer a rich and velvety flavor profile that is reminiscent of a chocolate dessert, perfect for Valentine’s Day. Whether you're looking to explore new flavor profiles or indulge in a seasonal favorite, specialty beers offer a diverse and exciting range of options for beer enthusiasts to enjoy. Specialty Beer ABV: 3-10% or over Specialty Beer IBU: Varies Types of Specialty Beer: Sour Ales, Gluten Free Beer, Farmhouse Ales, Experimental Brews Specialty Beer Brands: Dogfish Head Beer SeaQuench Ale Session Sour, Wicked Weed Brewing Gluten FREEk, Elysian Brewing Company Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter Specialty Beer Pairings: Varies Specialty Beer Serving Temperature: Varies Cooking with Beer Beer is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to desserts and dressings. When used in cooking, beer can impart unique flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile and texture. Here are just some beers you can use in the kitchen: IPA: IPAs are characterized by their hoppy bitterness and floral aromas, making them a bold choice for marinating meats or adding to cheese sauces. The intense flavors of IPAs can infuse dishes with a complex and aromatic profile, making them a popular choice for battered beer fish or shrimp. Wheat Beer: Wheat beers have a light and citrusy profile that is perfect for cooking seafood or incorporating into salad dressings. The bright and refreshing notes of wheat beers can add a subtle tanginess to dishes, enhancing the overall taste experience. Stout: Stout beers are known for their bold roasted malt flavors which are excellent for braising meats or adding depth to chocolate desserts. The rich and complex flavors of stouts can elevate dishes like beef stew or chocolate cake, creating a decadent and satisfying meal. When cooking with beer, it is important to consider the alcohol content and flavor profile of the beer to ensure it complements the other ingredients in the dish. Experimenting with different types of beer can help you discover new and exciting ways to enhance your culinary creations with the diverse flavors of this beloved beverage. Back to Top Types of Beer Chart From popular lagers and ales to unique stouts and porters, there is a wide range of beer types to help you cater to your customer preferences. By knowing the characteristics and flavors of each type of beer, you’ll be able to enhance your beverage menu and provide a memorable experience for your patrons. Once you have narrowed down your options, pair your menu with the right beer glasses for each beer type.
Types of Whiskey
To keep your business well-stocked with bar essentials and appeal to the whiskey lovers of the world, it's good to have some foundational whiskey knowledge. Most fans of this complex spirit gravitate towards a specific type of whiskey and are loyal to certain brands. Whether you're making an Old Fashioned or discussing the merits of single malt scotch, knowing the differences between types of whiskey goes a long way. In this article, we'll explain all things whiskey so you can identify the main differences between the types and use this information to your advantage. Shop All Whiskey Glasses Click below to learn more about the different types of whiskey: Bourbon Whiskey Tennessee Whiskey Rye Whiskey Scotch Whisky Irish Whiskey Canadian Whisky Japanese Whisky Whiskey FAQ Whiskey Chart What Is Whiskey? Whiskey is a barrel-aged alcoholic spirit made from grains like barley, rye, corn, or wheat. It sounds simple, but there are different types of whiskey, all with their own labeling requirements, distillation methods, and flavor profiles. Some whiskeys have sweet notes, and some are more assertive in flavor. Certain whiskeys are meant to be served neat, and some benefit from a drop of water. You'll even see some types of whiskey spelled differently. Whiskey, with an "e," is typically used for Irish whiskey and many American whiskeys. On the other hand, whisky, without the "e," is reserved for Scotch whisky and any whisky made in the Scottish tradition, such as Canadian and Japanese whiskies. Different Types of Whiskey Our detailed list will help you identify the flavor profiles of different types of whiskey, as well as the strict labeling requirements associated with each type: 1. Bourbon Whiskey We'll begin with one of the most well-known types of American whiskey: bourbon. Bourbon is made with corn mash, which makes it sweeter than whiskeys made with other grains. The corn produces caramelized notes of maple syrup and warm honey. After barrel aging in charred oak barrels, the flavor becomes more layered with notes of spice and vanilla. Bourbon can be enjoyed neat or with a drop of water, but one of the most famous bourbon cocktails is the Kentucky Mint Julep. Bourbon whiskey is an American whiskey made with at least 51% corn mash. To be classified as bourbon, the spirit must also be produced in the United States and aged in new white oak barrels. Barrels cannot be reused between batches; they must be brand new, freshly charred, and unused. Famously, bourbon comes from Kentucky, but it can technically be made anywhere in the country. What Is Straight Bourbon? To be marketed as a straight bourbon, the spirit must be aged for a minimum of two years in the required new oak barrels. Straight bourbon contains no colorings, flavorings, or additives besides water. What Is Corn Mash? Corn mash is the signature ingredient of bourbon. It’s made from crushed corn kernels, malted barley, water, and yeast. After these ingredients are combined, the mash is heated to start the fermentation process. Mash can be made from a variety of grains or even fruits, but bourbon is strictly made with 51% corn mash. What Does Bourbon Taste Like? Sweet and woodsy with notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla Bourbon Whiskey Brands: Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, Maker's Mark Bourbon Whiskey Cocktails: Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, Manhattan 2. Tennessee Whiskey Just like bourbon, Tennessee whiskey is made from a mash that contains at least 51% corn. It has the same caramel-like sweetness of bourbon, but additional filtering mellows out the taste by removing some of the more assertive alcohols and esters. The strong corn flavor of the whiskey is also softened, allowing other flavor notes to shine through. Tennessee whiskey can be classified as a type of bourbon whiskey, but it has some additional requirements that make it unique. First of all, it has to be produced in the state of Tennessee. Secondly, Tennessee whiskey must be filtered through charred maple wood chips before aging. This step is called the Lincoln County process, charcoal leaching, or charcoal mellowing. What Does Tennessee Whiskey Taste Like? Sweet and mellow with notes of oak, maple, and vanilla Tennessee Whiskey Brands: George Dickel, Jack Daniel's, Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey Cocktails: Jack and Coke, Lynchburg Lemonade, Tennessee Highball 3. Rye Whiskey Rye is a type of whiskey with a sharp, peppery bite that is starkly different from whiskey made with other grains. American rye whiskey is made with 51% rye grain mash, which imparts a dry, earthy flavor instead of the sweet caramel flavor produced by corn mash. But just like bourbon, rye whiskey must be distilled in the US and aged in new oak barrels. To be labeled as straight American rye, the whiskey has to be aged for at least 2 years and contain no additives. Rye vs Bourbon Old Fashioned The Old Fashioned is a famous whiskey cocktail that can be made with bourbon or rye. It all comes down to the customer’s whiskey preference. Rye will produce an Old Fashioned that is spicy and dry, which is balanced by the sweetener used in the drink, usually a sugar cube. On the other hand, bourbon has a sweet flavor already, so less sugar can be used and sometimes the bitters are increased. The Manhattan cocktail is another mixed drink that can be made with either bourbon or rye to create a different flavor profile. Canadian Rye vs American Rye America isn’t the only country with a love for rye whiskey. Rye is also produced in Canada, but it differs from American rye whiskey. Instead of using a mash made primarily from rye, Canadian rye whiskey is made from other grains with just a small amount of rye added for flavor. What Does Rye Whiskey Taste Like? Assertive, dry, earthy, spicy Rye Whiskey Brands: Whistlepig, Pikesville Rye, Wild Turkey Rye Whiskey Cocktails: Rye Old Fashioned, Sazerac, Manhattan 4. Scotch Whisky To be labeled scotch, the whisky must be made in Scotland from primarily malted barley and aged at least 3 years in oak casks. Single malt scotch must be made from 100% malted barley and produced in a single distillery. The flavor profile of scotch is determined by the region where it was produced, the barrels used for aging, and whether the whisky is single malt or blended. Peat Scotch Peat plays a huge role in Scottish whisky production and contributes to the strong, earthy flavors of single malt scotch. But what is peat, and what does it have to do with whisky? Peat is a type of plant matter that forms from decomposing moss and other vegetal growth in the bogs (or peatlands) of Scotland. The Scottish tradition is to dry barley over smoked peat before making the mash, which adds assertive notes of tar, ash, and smoke. Peat is formed from plant matter local to the area, which is why regional distilleries in Scotland each have their own signature flavor. Unpeated Scotch Not all Scotch whisky is peated. There are single malts produced without smoked peat, which allows other flavors from the malted barley or wood barrels to shine through. Unpeated scotch may exhibit sweet, fruity, or chocolate notes. What Does Scotch Whisky Taste Like? Blended Scotch may be smooth, balanced, and sweet; Single malt Scotch may be smoky, peaty, and assertive; Unpeated single malt may be malty, fruity, and biscuity Scotch Whisky Brands: Dewar's, Glenlivet, Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky Cocktails: Penicillin, Rob Roy, Scotch Toddy 5. Irish Whiskey Irish whiskeys are likely to be triple distilled, lending a soft, smooth mouthfeel to the spirit that makes it easy to sip. It’s also common for Irish whiskeys to be made from barley dried in a closed kiln, which doesn’t add the smoky flavor associated with scotch. The types of barrels used in maturation also add more complex flavors to whiskey as it ages. Irish whiskey is known for being less sweet than bourbon and more mellow than scotch. Irish whiskey can be difficult to define because of the experimentation at play with modern distilleries. One of the simplest requirements is that Irish whiskey must be produced in Ireland. It must be made with a mash that contains malted barley and aged in wooden casks for at least 3 years. To be labeled Irish whiskey, the spirit must contain no additives other than water and caramel coloring. Many Irish whiskeys are blended, but there are also Irish single malts, grain whiskeys, and pot still whiskeys. What Is Single Pot Still Whiskey? Single pot still whiskey is a type of Irish whiskey made with at least 30% malted barley and 30% unmalted barley. The unmalted barley, also called green barley, adds a strong cereal flavor to the whiskey. To be labeled single pot still, the whiskey must also come from a single distillery. What Does Irish Whiskey Taste Like? Smooth and slightly sweet with notes of oak, honey, and toasted grains Irish Whiskey Brands: Jameson, Tullamore Dew, Bushmills Irish Whiskey Cocktails: Irish Slammer, Irish Coffee, Pickleback 5. Canadian Whisky Traditional Canadian whisky is known for its blending, whether it’s blending batches made from different grains or blending whisky styles from other countries. Canadian whisky blends may even contain percentages of American bourbon or single malt scotch. To help achieve the perfect blend, Canadian distillers use a special technique. They produce a base whisky with a high alcohol content and a flavoring whisky with a low alcohol content. These separate batches are blended to strike the right balance between proof and flavor. To be labeled as Canadian whisky, the spirit must be made in Canada and aged for at least 3 years in wooden barrels. The barrels can be new or used, and the mash can be made with any cereal grain. Caramel color and up to 9.09% additional flavorings can also be added. These relaxed requirements make room for distilleries to experiment with different grains and blends. What Does Canadian Whisky Taste Like? Smooth and light with spicy notes of vanilla Canadian Whisky Brands: Crown Royal, Canadian Club, Seagram's Canadian Whisky Cocktails: CC and Ginger, Canadian Whisky Sour, Seven and Seven 7. Japanese Whisky Japanese whisky is known more for its innovation than for a particular style. The Japanese method of distillation was borrowed from the Scottish tradition, but there are aspects of the process that Japanese distillers have chosen to refine. For one, Scottish distilleries depend on one or two still sizes and shapes, but Japanese distillers experiment with different still sizes and shapes. During barrel aging, the use of a Japanese oak called mizunara wood imparts a range of distinct flavors like citrus, coconut, or sweet spices. Japan has been producing whisky since the 1920s, but until recently the labeling requirements were not clearly defined. As of April 2021, Japanese whiskies must be produced in Japan and must include malted grain in the mash. Any water used in production must be extracted in Japan, and the spirit must be aged in wooden casks for at least 3 years. No additives besides caramel coloring can be used in the whisky. What Does Japanese Whisky Taste Like? Smooth, balanced, delicate notes of smoke, floral, or citrus Japanese Whisky Brands: Yamazaki, Suntory, Nikka Japanese Whisky Cocktails: Japanese Highball, Mountainside, Mizuwari Whiskey FAQ If you want to understand this popular spirit a little better, check out the answers to some commonly asked questions below: Whiskey or Whisky? Back in the late 19th century, Irish whiskey distillers decided to add an "e" to whiskey to set their products apart from Scottish distilleries. Since Irish whiskey was a hit in America at the time, American distillers followed suit and adopted the Irish spelling. That's why you'll often see bourbon, Tennessee, and rye whiskeys spelled with the Irish "e." Canadian, Scottish, and Japanese distillers prefer the spelling "whisky." What Is Single Malt? Single malt Scotch is basically whisky that comes from one distillery in Scotland and is made from 100% malted barley. Single malts can actually be a blend of different batches from the same distillery, as long as they meet the requirements. When you sip on a single malt, you're tasting the essence of the distillery and the unique flavors that come from the region where it's made. Think about the peat used to smoke the barley and the type of wood that ages the whisky - it all adds to the charm and artistry of single malts. What Is Blended Whiskey? Blended Scotch is a mix of single malt and grain whiskies, which are made from grains like corn or wheat instead of just barley. The goal of blending is to create a consistent flavor that's just right every time. Skilled master blenders work their magic by combining different single malts and grain whiskies to find the perfect balance. Some people think blended whisky is not as good as single malt because it's made with cheaper grains that don't need as much time to mature as barley. But, that's not always the case! Today, there are some top-notch blended whiskies out there that have been crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. Types of Whiskey Chart For a quick visual reference, check out our whiskey chart below: Whiskey can be a complicated subject to navigate, especially when you factor in the different styles and their devoted fan bases. Now you should be armed with enough information to stock your bar with the finest whiskeys and make educated recommendations to your guests.
How to Clean a Beer Glass
When it comes to enjoying a cold, refreshing beer, the cleanliness of the glassware plays a crucial role in the overall drinking experience. Clean glassware isn't just about aesthetics - it directly impacts the taste, aroma, and presentation of the beer. You'll also get the maximum number of pours from your keg if the beer glasses are clean. Keep reading to learn the best way to clean your beer glasses so you can achieve the perfect pour. What Is a Beer-Clean Glass? A beer-clean glass is a glass that has been thoroughly cleaned and rinsed to remove any residues that could affect the quality of the beer. This means no leftover soap scum, oils, or particles that could alter the flavor profile of the beer you're about to pour. When you pour a beer into a clean glass, the smooth surface allows the carbonation to release evenly, creating a perfect head of foam that enhances the aroma and taste of the beer. A dirty glass, on the other hand, can cause the beer to go flat quickly, resulting in a lackluster drinking experience. A glass of beer with a foamy head looks appealing and also serves an important purpose. With a clean glass, the freshly poured beer should produce a 1/2" to 1" tall head. This means you only need to fill a 16-ounce glass with 14 ounces of beer, translating to more glasses per barrel and more profit for you. Here is a breakdown of the difference that a beer-clean glass can make: 16-ounce pour: 124 pours in a half-barrel keg 14-ounce pour: 142 pours in a half-barrel keg You could potentially gain up to 18 more glasses of beer per keg with clean beer glasses! How to Clean Beer Glasses the Right Way We recommend using bar glass detergent and a brush washing system to get the best results with your beer glasses. This takes more effort than placing your glasses in a dishwasher, but the results are worth it. Start with a freshly cleaned three-compartment sink. Place the brush system in the first bowl and fill the sink with hot water almost to the top of the brushes. Measure the proper amount of glass cleaner mentioned on your packet and add it to the first sink, sprinkling over the brushes. Fill a second sink bowl with clean hot running water for rinsing the detergent off the beer glasses. Fill a third sink with about 3 gallons of hot water. Add the proper amount of sanitizer and test that it's the proper concentration. Wash the glass in the first sink, making sure all parts of it come in contact with the brushes. If you're using a 3-brush manual system, clean with the center brush. Rinse each glass in the second bowl, being careful not to form an air pocket in the glass when it's submerged. Repeat this process in the third bowl, dipping the glass into the sanitizing solution. Follow any local and/or national sanitation guidelines for proper sanitizing. Air dry the sanitized glass upside down, on a corrugated drain board to allow for maximum airflow around the glass and optimal results. How Can You Tell If a Beer Glass Is Clean? A visual inspection doesn't always reveal the culprits behind a dirty glass. Grease-based residue from oily foods, dish soap, or lipstick can go unnoticed, but it speeds up the release of carbonation and causes beer to go flat more quickly. We recommend performing a test on your beer glasses to find out how clean they actually are: Sheeting Test This method uses water to reveal areas of residue. Water will be repelled by grease or fat on the walls of the glass. Dip the glass in water. Check to see how it coats. If it coats the glass evenly, it's clean. If it breaks into droplets, it's dirty. Salt Test Similar to the water sheeting test, this method uses salt to check for areas of greasy residue. The salt will not cling to any oily patches on the glass. Sprinkle salt inside a wet glass. If the salt clings to the inside of the glass evenly, the glass is clean. If the salt clings unevenly and leaves bare patches, the glass is dirty. Lacing Test Lacing refers to the pattern left behind by the beer foam as the beer is consumed. You can tell if the glass is free of residue by observing the types of lacing that occur. Fill a glass with beer Pour out a couple inches of beer and observe the walls of the glass. If there are parallel rings of foam left behind, the glass is clean. If there is no pattern or a random pattern left behind, the glass is dirty. Benefits of Clean Beer Glasses If your beer selection is small and it's not the highlight of your menu, you can get away with cleaning your glasses in a dishwasher. But if you run a brewery or taphouse and beer is your claim to fame, there are many benefits to using our beer cleaning method. Here's why it's so important to keep your beer glasses clean: Aesthetic Appeal: Clean glassware ensures that your beer looks visually appealing, with no smudges, fingerprints, or residue clouding the glass. A clean glass allows the beer's color and carbonation to shine through, enhancing the overall presentation. Flavor Preservation: Residue or dirt on the glass can negatively affect the flavor of the beer. Any leftover soap, grease, or other contaminants can alter the taste of the beer, detracting from its intended flavor profile. Keeping your glassware clean ensures that you taste the beer as the brewer intended. Aroma Enhancement: Just like with wine, the aroma of beer plays a significant role in the overall taste experience. Dirty glassware can trap odors from food, detergent, or other sources, interfering with the beer's aroma. Clean glassware allows the beer's aroma to fully develop, enhancing the drinking experience. Carbonation Maintenance: A clean glass with no residue ensures that the beer retains its carbonation levels. Dirty glassware can cause the carbonation to dissipate quickly, resulting in a flat beer that lacks the effervescence and crispness that beer lovers enjoy. Head Retention: The foam, or head, on top of a beer is not just for show - it also contributes to the beer's mouthfeel and flavor perception. Clean glassware promotes better head retention, allowing the beer to be enjoyed with the right balance of foam and liquid. In essence, clean glassware is essential for fully appreciating the nuances of different beer styles, from lagers to stouts. By maintaining clean beer glasses, you can elevate your drinking experience and savor the true flavors and aromas of your favorite brews.
