Although I’m drinking a much lighter, much more lightly hopped beer than normal tonight, I thought I’d touch on a few characteristics of our favorite little flower. Hops are flower clusters that are commonly referred to as the cone. They are also available to brewers in a processed pellet form, and I think I read somewhere that Miller uses a patented processed hop that increases shelf life/reduces chance of skunky beer. Don’t quote me on that, though. The aspect that most people notice is the bitterness, but hops can add a variety of flavors and smells to beer that are quite delightful. There are a number of hop varieties, and each brings its own unique characteristics to the beer they are added to. Hops are also added to beer at a variety of stages in the brewing process depending on what specific characteristic the brewer wants to foster. Many people I know love malty beer; but I’ll have mine with a side of hops, please.
Nevertheless, I’m taking it easy tonight with a nice light Helles. Schlafly Summer Lager, to be specific. It poured a pale, clear amber with a light fizzy head. It is fresh, crisp and light with a light toasted malt flavor backed by a little crisp hoppiness. Since it was a warm day, and I didn’t turn the air on, I think it’s perfect for an evening where I’m trying to cool the house down. Cheers!
