Beer is one of the most popular drinks in the world, enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures for more than just the “buzz.” There are many different types of beer, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Taking a tour of a Sedona, AZ brewery is a great way to experience all this intriguing beverage has to offer.
Ales
Are you a sweet wine fan? If you like spirits with a sweet, fruity taste, then ale is the beer for you. Beer brewers use a type of yeast called top yeast to create this variation. Top fermenting yeast ferments at a warmer temperature, resulting in a more indulgent taste than you’d expect from beer. Ales are also usually darker in color than other types, such as lagers, because of the warmer temperature brewers use to make them. Bars typically serve ales at cellar temperature, which you might find at a brewery in Sedona.
Lagers
While ales are made from top-fermenting yeast, lagers favor bottom-fermenting yeast. Bottom-feeding yeast likes cooler temperatures, resulting in the clean, crisp taste lagers are known and loved for. Colder brewing temperatures result in lagers showing off a lighter, golden color than ales. As you might guess, lagers are best served at cold temperatures, but if you’ve ever been to a brewery in Sedona, AZ, you’d already know that.
IPAs
If you know anything about beer, you’ve probably heard connoisseurs discuss the highly controversial India Pale Ale, affectionately called an IPA. The IPA’s defining feature is its distinctly bitter taste, which comes from hops, a type of flower. In addition to a distinctly bitter taste, IPAs have a higher alcohol content than your average beer. Next time you venture to a brewery in Sedona, AZ, try an IPA served in a pint glass. Sipping slowly may help you enjoy the flavors without becoming too overwhelmed by the bitterness.
Stouts
You can consider stout beers a darker version of ale. Brewers use darker malts to give stouts their distinct color and flavor. Stout beer is best known for its heavy-bodied texture and generally higher alcohol content than other beers. Although the term stout is sometimes used as a catch-all term for dark beers, this is inaccurate. If you purchase your spirits from a Sedona, AZ brewery, you’re more likely to know exactly what you’re getting.
There are two main types of stouts: dry stouts and sweet stouts. Dry stouts are characterized by their complex roasted malt flavor, while sweet stouts may have hints of chocolate and caramel more easily enjoyed by beer beginners. Next time you’re at your local brewery, try ordering both to compare and see which type you prefer!
Porters
Porters are known for their intriguing flavors and rich history. This variation originated in the 18th century in London, England. They rose to popularity among the working class as an affordable and refreshing alternative to gin. Nowadays, they’re recognized with a little more appreciation and prestige. Porters are a dark, rich, and complex beer brewed with a combination of malted barley, hops, and other ingredients. This spirit can be further divided into different sub-styles, such as the stronger and sweeter Baltic porter and Dry porter, which is a more recent and modern version of the beverage. The alcohol content for porters usually sits around four to six percent, making it a moderate-strength beer.
One of the most distinct characteristics of porters is their complex flavor profile. When you order a porter beer, you can expect notes of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and roasted malt, which makes it a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. These flavors are derived from the type of malt used in the brewing process, and the addition of various ingredients depending on the brewers’ recipe. Porters are a popular choice at your local brewery in Sedona, AZ.
The Benefits Of Drinking Beer
Beer is a beloved beverage enjoyed by many worldwide, but chances are you already know that. You may be surprised to learn that beer has many benefits, as long it’s consumed responsibly and in moderation, of course. If you’re not already planning on it, here are a few reasons you should consider picking up a pint of beer from your favorite brewery in Sedona, AZ.
Relax and Unwind
Beer contains relatively small amounts of alcohol, making it the perfect way to relax physically and mentally without getting drunk too quickly or drunk at all if you only have one or two. Beer also acts as a social lubricant, alleviating anxiety and making it easier to connect with others and unwind.
Maintain Your Heart Health
Many people are surprised to discover that drinking moderate amounts of beer can improve their cardiovascular health. The antioxidants in beer, such as flavonoids, can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. It can also be good for your bone health thanks to the levels of dietary silicon in hops and barley.
The Perfect Addition to Your Meal
The complex flavor profiles found in premium and craft beers make an excellent addition to any meal. Next time you’re at a restaurant, ask the waiter for beer recommendations to pair with your meal. You’ll be surprised how much the beer enhances the flavors of your food and vice versa!
Indulge At Your Local Brewery
When you purchase beer from a local brewery in Sedona, you are doing more than enjoying a delicious, handcrafted beverage–you are supporting a small business and stimulating the local economy. Wine Tours of Sedona proudly connects you to a variety of brewers and growers in your community. Next time you’re looking for some drinks for your next event, consider supporting businesses in Sedona, AZ, and beyond.