After wrapping up a fantastic and spontaneous get away on Hilton Head Island this past weekend, I was inspired by my friend Brett, to share a few new nuggets that I acquired while I was there. The acquired taste of beer has not been something that I was given, but I’m very aware that is a want and desire of so many others, so… let’s focus on beer this week. As you probably already know, today is the nationally observed holiday, Memorial Day, and many of us are engaging in a very common past time, BBQ’s! With BBQ’s comes another famous past time, which is consuming beer.
Did you know that there are over 15,000 breweries in the world, over 56,000 types of beers, and that in the US, Vermont has the most breweries per capita of any state in the US.*
Clearly, one thing is for certain; people surely love their beer. But, with so many people consuming beer, it makes me wonder, how many are consuming beer the “right” way. Since I acquired some new beer knowledge over the weekend, it is indeed my duty to share this new knowledge with you. So, here we go. Today, as you indulge in your Samuel Adams, Magic Hat, Bells Two Hearted Ale, Guinness or another one of our local faves, keep these things in mind:
- Treat your beer like wine. The acids in the beer have to release, so when you first open it, be sure to “let it breathe” or release the acids.
- If your bartender or host/hostess gives you a coaster, be sure to use the coaster. While drinking beer can surely seem like a casual type of activity, the surface in which your beer is resting on can be affected by “perspiring bottles” or liquids.
- If you are pouring your beer into a glass out of the bottle, pour it at an angle to reduce the “head” or the amount of foam.
- Expand your horizons. Do you always order the same beer? With over 56,000 beers in the world, there must surely be another that will tempt your taste buds. During your next beer outing, try something new.
- The appropriate tip for a beer is $1 per beer. If you’re running a tab, give the standard 15-20%. Consider that bartenders live off of their tips. If you get served, be prepared to compensate for this service.
National Beer Day is April 7th, so when this day rolls around next year, you’ll be good to go with the tips above.
Happy Memorial Day and enjoy your nice cold ones!
*The Beer Drifter
