Cooking with Beer: A British Perspective

Beer, a beloved British beverage, isn't just for sipping; it can also be a versatile and flavourful ingredient in cooking. 

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, incorporating beer into your recipes can elevate your dishes, adding depth and complexity. 

Let's explore how you can use beer in your cooking, from classic British pub fare to innovative culinary experiments.

The Basics of Cooking with Beer

Cooking with beer isn't new; it's a tradition that dates back centuries. Beer can be used in various forms, including:

Marinades: Beer tenderises meat and infuses it with flavour. The acidity in beer helps break down tough fibres, making it an excellent choice for marinating beef, pork, or chicken.

Braising and Stewing: Dark ales and stouts are perfect for slow-cooking meats. The beer's rich, malty flavours meld beautifully with ingredients, resulting in hearty, comforting dishes.

Baking: Surprisingly, beer can be an ingredient in baking too. It adds a subtle yeasty flavour to bread and can make cakes and pastries lighter and more moist.

Batter and Breading: Beer batters are famous for their light, crispy texture. The carbonation in beer creates bubbles in the batter, leading to a delightful crunch.

Choosing the Right Beer

The type of beer you use can significantly impact the final dish. Here’s a quick guide:

Lager: Light and crisp, lager is great for batters and light dishes. It adds a subtle flavour without overpowering the other ingredients.

Ale: With its rich, malty taste, ale is excellent for stews, braises, and marinades. It complements hearty dishes like beef stew or shepherd’s pie.

Stout and Porter: These dark beers have robust flavours with hints of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. They are ideal for rich desserts, braised meats, and even chilli con carne.

Wheat Beer: Fruity and spicy, wheat beers pair well with seafood and lighter dishes. They can add a refreshing note to salads and sauces.

Classic British Dishes with Beer

Beef and Ale Pie: A quintessential British comfort food, this dish combines tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a rich ale sauce. The beer not only tenderises the meat but also adds a deep, malty flavour that complements the flaky pastry.

Beer-Battered Fish and Chips: A staple of British cuisine, fish and chips take on a new level of crispiness when the batter is made with beer. The carbonation in the beer creates a light, airy batter that fries to perfection.

Welsh Rarebit: This traditional dish is a savoury cheese sauce made with ale, poured over toast. The beer adds a slight tanginess and enhances the cheese's flavour, making for a deliciously rich dish.

Guinness Chocolate Cake: For dessert, consider a rich chocolate cake made with stout. The beer adds moisture and depth to the cake, with subtle coffee and chocolate undertones that elevate the cocoa's richness.

Tips for Cooking with Beer

Mind the Bitterness: Beer can impart a bitter taste, especially darker varieties. Balance this with sweetness or acidity in your dish.

Cook with What You Drink: Use a beer you'd enjoy drinking. The flavour will intensify during cooking, so choosing a beer you like ensures you'll enjoy the final dish.

Start Small: If you're new to cooking with beer, start with small amounts and gradually adjust to taste. It's easier to add more than to take away!

Experiment and Enjoy

Cooking with beer is all about experimentation and enjoying the process. It’s a wonderful way to add new dimensions to your cooking and explore different flavours. Whether you're making a hearty stew, a light batter, or even a decadent dessert, beer can be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. So, next time you're in the kitchen, don't just pour yourself a pint—consider pouring some into your dish as well!

Happy cooking, and cheers to delicious beery good meals! (Sorry!) 

Crafting Your Own Lager: A Beginner's Guide to Home Brewing

For many beer enthusiasts, the idea of crafting their own brew at home is a tantalising prospect. Among the myriad styles, lager stands out for its crispness, clarity, and refreshing taste. 

While brewing lager may seem daunting at first, with the right guidance and patience, it's an achievable feat for any aspiring homebrewer. In this beginner's guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of brewing your own lager in the comfort of your home.

Understanding Lager:

Lager is a beer type fermented and conditioned at lower temperatures. It's known for its clean, crisp taste and typically has a lighter color compared to ales. The key to brewing a great lager lies in the fermentation process, which takes place at cooler temperatures than ales, usually between 45°F and 55°F (7°C to 13°C).

Ingredients:

Malted barley: The base of your beer.

Hops: For bitterness and aroma.

Yeast: Lager yeast strains are essential for fermenting at lower temperatures.

Water: The main component of your brew.

Optional additives: Depending on your recipe, you might include additional ingredients like spices or fruit.

Equipment:

Brew kettle: For boiling the wort.

Fermenter: Where fermentation takes place.

Airlock: To allow gases to escape during fermentation.

Thermometer: Essential for monitoring temperature.

Hydrometer: Measures the specific gravity of your beer.

Bottles or kegs: For storing and serving your finished lager.

The Brewing Process:

Mashing: Start by heating water in your brew kettle to a specific temperature and adding crushed malted barley to create a mixture called "wort."

Boiling: Bring the wort to a boil and add hops at different intervals for bitterness and aroma.

Cooling: After boiling, quickly cool the wort to the desired fermentation temperature using a wort chiller or an ice bath.

Fermentation: Transfer the cooled wort to a fermenter, pitch your lager yeast, and seal with an airlock. Place the fermenter in a cool, dark place and monitor the temperature regularly.

Conditioning: After primary fermentation, lager your beer at near-freezing temperatures for several weeks to enhance its flavor and clarity.

Bottling or Kegging: Once the lagering process is complete, carbonate your beer by bottling it with priming sugar or force-carbonating if using a keg.

Enjoying: Chill your lager to the perfect serving temperature and savor the fruits of your labor!

Tips for Success:

Sanitation is key: Ensure all equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent contamination.

Patience pays off: Lagering takes time, so resist the urge to rush the process.

Keep it cool: Maintain consistent temperatures throughout fermentation and lagering.

Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different recipes and techniques to find your perfect lager.

Conclusion:

Brewing your own lager at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to tailor the flavor to your preferences. While it requires attention to detail and patience, the end result is well worth the effort. So gather your ingredients, fire up your kettle, and embark on your journey to crafting the perfect pint of homemade lager. Cheers!

Understanding the Beer Spectrum: Exploring the Differences Between Ales and Lagers

When it comes to enjoying a cold, refreshing beer, the choices seem endless. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, the world of beer offers a wide array of flavors and styles to suit every palate. Among the most fundamental categorizations in the beer world are ales and lagers. 

While both fall under the umbrella of beer, they differ significantly in terms of flavour, brewing process, and cultural significance. Let's delve into the nuances that set ales and lagers apart, shedding light on what makes each style unique.

What Are Ales and Lagers?

To understand the differences between ales and lagers, it's essential to grasp the basics of their brewing processes. Both ales and lagers are fermented beverages made primarily from water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. However, their fermentation methods and yeast strains distinguish them from one another.

Ales:

Ales are one of the oldest forms of beer, with roots dating back thousands of years. They are fermented at warmer temperatures (typically between 60-75°F or 15-24°C) using top-fermenting yeast strains. This warm fermentation process is relatively quick, typically lasting from a few days to a few weeks. Ales encompass a broad range of styles, including pale ales, IPAs (India Pale Ales), stouts, porters, and Belgian ales.

Lagers:

Lagers, on the other hand, are a relatively newer addition to the beer scene, originating in Central Europe during the Middle Ages. They are fermented at cooler temperatures (around 45-55°F or 7-13°C) using bottom-fermenting yeast strains. 

The term "lager" comes from the German word "lagern," meaning "to store," as these beers are traditionally stored at cold temperatures for an extended period, known as lagering. This cold fermentation process results in a cleaner, crisper taste compared to ales. Common lager styles include pilsners, helles, Märzen, and bocks.

Key Differences:

Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore the key differences between ales and lagers:

Flavor Profile:

Ales often exhibit a wide range of flavours, from fruity and spicy to malty and bitter, depending on the specific style and ingredients used.

Lagers tend to have a cleaner, smoother taste with a focus on crispness and balance. They generally showcase subtle hop bitterness and a more subdued malt presence.

Fermentation:

Ales ferment at warmer temperatures with top-fermenting yeast strains, resulting in a faster fermentation process and the production of fruity esters and other complex flavours.

Lagers ferment at cooler temperatures with bottom-fermenting yeast strains, leading to slower fermentation and the production of fewer esters and a cleaner taste profile.

Brewing Time:

Ales typically have a shorter brewing time due to their warmer fermentation temperatures and faster yeast activity.

Lagers require a longer brewing time due to their cooler fermentation temperatures and slower yeast activity, as well as the additional lagering period for maturation.

Serving Temperature:

Ales are best served at slightly warmer temperatures, typically between 45-55°F (7-13°C), to enhance their complex flavors and aromas.

Lagers are best served colder, typically between 38-45°F (3-7°C), to highlight their crispness and refreshing qualities.

Conclusion:

In the rich tapestry of the beer world, ales and lagers stand as two distinct pillars, each with its own unique characteristics and allure. Whether you prefer the bold flavors of an IPA or the smoothness of a pilsner, understanding the differences between ales and lagers can deepen your appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind every pint. So, the next time you raise a glass, take a moment to savor the nuances of your chosen brew and toast to the rich diversity of beers that unite us all. Cheers!

Starnberger expands internationally: Bavarian Craft Beer Brand Partners with Krombacher for European Launch

Germany’s family owned and operated Krombacher Brewery, is helping to introduce one of Bavaria’s most exciting craft breweries to a wider audience by launching the Starnberger brand internationally this month.

Delivering a refreshingly modern interpretation of Bavarian beers and their culture, the brands’ core product is Starnberger Hell, an authentic Bavarian lager-style specialty. 

In addition to the traditionally large beer markets of France, Italy and the UK, Starnberger will also see South-East Europe as a starting point for its journey throughout the entire world.

Oliver Braun, MD of Krombacher International says: “With growing interest in regional German beer styles, we're really pleased to offer a 100% authentic taste of Bavaria from one of the region’s top breweries. "

Starnberger Hell - The authentic Bavarian classic

Brewed according to the German Purity Law with the finest of only Bavarian ingredients, Starnberger Hell (4.8% abv) is an easy-to-drink, fine-flavoured, refreshing Bavarian lager. 

Drinkers will note at the inaugural sip, it has a delicately tart taste, but later the drinker detects wheat notes balancing in harmony with the citrusy notes of the hops and the malty aromas of lime honey. 

Full-bodied with a round taste and a delightful golden shine, Starnberger Hell personifies everything that's good about the best of Bavarian beers.

The Starnberger Brewery has helped create new excitement in Germany’s traditional brewing scene since launching its first beers back in 2016.

https://starnberger-brauhaus.de

That's the Ticket! Ticket makes its low alcohol debut with refreshing lemongrass beer

There was never any question, lemongrass would be the new heroic ingredient when Ticket launched its eagerly anticipated low alcohol lager; a fragrant, tropical grass admired for its welcome presence in Southeast Asian cuisine (broths, curries, marinades and even delicious tea infusions) yet perfectly adept at making the transition to flavourful, non-alcoholic beer.

Looking past its uniquely refreshing taste and distinct uplifting benefits, lemongrass has an enviable reputation for amplifying the wow factor in other 'hero' ingredients, which in Ticket's case is saffron.

As with its pale ale before, Ticket is all about creating a meticulously crafted non-alcoholic beer that perfectly mirrors the tastes, aromas and mouthfeel associated with everyday beers, but at less than 0.5% ABV. 

Besides creating refreshing, well-rounded craft beers, Ticket's other priority is actively championing ingredients which have added health and wellness benefits.  Lemongrass is universally admired for tackling digestive issues (gastrointestinal problems) including cramps and gastric ulcers.

Faeghe Solemani, who is Ticket co-founder feels very strongly that its perfectly plausible for any well-balanced recipe to simultaneously champion great taste and functional benefits. Faeghe said: "Like saffron before it, lemongrass has a proud track record in medicinal & wellness circles; in this particular instance supporting good immune health and digestion.  

"It's a clean, lingering flavour and scent readily associated with far-flung holidays, full spread BBQs and lazy summery weekends, which is why we wanted to launch our feelgood lager at the very beginning of summer, not simply to provide greater non-alcoholic choice but also to show that we're anything but a one-way ticket."

T-cket.co.uk 

The RSP is £2.99.

Give the Gift of Artisan Beer This Father's Day With Empress Ale

This Father's Day, British artisan beer brand Empress Ale is offering the perfect gift for dads everywhere. 

Empress Ales are premium craft British beers made using the finest natural ingredients, sourced as locally as possible, wherever this is possible. 

The range, which includes a Pale Ale, an IPA, and a Pilsner-style lager that's gluten-free, organic and vegan, are smooth, light and easy to drink and are designed to be enjoyed whatever the occasion.

They're stocked in venues and restaurants all over the UK, including City Social by Jason Atherton, the Goodman Group, and Adams in Birmingham, plus in branches of Waitrose.

But the perfect way to get a gift direct to a dad this Father's Day is to order from the Empress website, treating the beer fan in your life to a selection of the Empress beers or perhaps a few bottles of their favourite?

To celebrate the occasion, Empress is giving an extra 10% discount for online orders for Father's Day, along with free shipping. 

Entrepreneur Surj Virk set up Empress in 2016, growing it into a premium brand stocked in some of the top hospitality venues across the UK.

A dad himself, he said the range makes the perfect gift, on Father's Day or all-year round, - because of the personal touch that's gone into creating it. 

“Empress is a hugely personal beer brand," he said. “The whole range has been created with love - a British-made beer using old English recipes for inspiration, but also with a nod to my Indian heritage and some very personal tributes to members of my family.

“Our Pale Ale, IPA, and Pilsner-style Lager are all proving hugely popular - both when served with food in restaurants across the country, and when bought direct from us to either go with food at home, or to drink with family and friends.

“That means they make great gift options for any occasion, and for Father's Day we're offering a special discount code to treat the dad in your life. Just add FATHER2023 when at the online checkout and you'll get an extra 10% off and free shipping when you spend over £45.”

For more information and to order online, visit www.empressale.com.

SEVEN BRO7HERS Adds Brand New Lager to Its Core Family Range

SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO is launching its first ever Helles Lager, the new beer will sit proudly in the family core range.

Their Helles Lager is set to rival the best in the business, the new offering and promises to be perfect pint for lager lovers ready to kick back in the beer garden this summer.

Available in 330ml cans and on tap in the brothers SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSES, this 4.6% ABV beer is an ideal refreshing summer time drink.

It's a bright, golden lager, with a rich nutty sweetness. You'll find notes of lightly toasted bread, harmonious malts, and zippy bubbles with each sip. The beer promises to be both satisfying and moreish.

Keith McAvoy, CEO of SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO, said: “We believe it's vital our core range remains fresh and relevant, so we've given it a small shake up based on consumer trends and our  customer feedback.

“Helles Lager is growing rapidly popular as the UK's go-to session beer, and it's exciting to put our spin on it as we evolve our core range of beers.”

Helles Lager is available via SEVEN BRO7HERS brand new web shop for £2.20 per can, or in multiple buy bundles. The lager is also available to hospitality and bar trade via the buying team.

The brewery was founded in 2014 by McAvoy brothers, Guy, Keith, Luke, Daniel, Nathan, Kit, and Greg, inspired by their dad's home-brewing in their cellar at home.

The brothers currently run successful beer houses in Middlewood Locks and MediaCityUK in Salford, Ancoats and Liverpool. They also operate a taproom bar in the brewery and a pop-up at Kampus in Manchester City Centre. In July 2020 they opened their partnership bar at Manchester Airports new T2 Departure Lounge. The beer is available on tap at all these sites.

https://www.sevenbro7hers.com/products/helles-lager

Laverstoke Park beers for Christmas and the New Year

The first thing one notices about the beers that Laverstoke Park produces is that they actually do taste like beer.

Now, whilst the idea of beers that taste like beers might be somewhat confusing to some people, please let me explain what I mean.

I speak -or rather, write- as someone with considerable experience as a drinker of beers and as a writer on beers. Sad to say, some beers do not taste particularly pleasant.

I remember one brewer of organic ales who worked very, very hard to brew his beers. But somehow or for some reason he had decided to use smoked malt in all of his different types of beer. The result was not good.

However, it has to be said that the folks at Laverstoke Park know what they are doing!

Their Organic Real Ale is 5.0% ABV. It has a pleasingly light flavour, though the malty character of this finely crafted ale does combine nicely with the yeast and the hoppy goodness, though there's a rather nice and welcome surprise, a fruity undertone that means it will go very well with Christmas dinner, Christmas cake, mince pies and will be a great toast for the Queen's Chirstmas Message!

Next we come to the Laverstoke Park Organic Real Lager. At 4.5%
 it is a good, decent strength and is exactly what a lager should taste like. It has the characteristically lager style taste (not all lagers do!) and it is a light and refreshing beer, ideal for those who know their Continental style beers.  Ideal for drinking with all Christmas foods, and for just drinking whilst you think nice thoughts about what Christmas really means. I would suggest getting in a good supply of this Real Lager and watching every film version of the Charles Dickens novel a Christmas Carol that you can!

www.laverstokepark.co.uk