Continental ale styles in all of their myriad manifestations can be some of the most inspiring and inspired beers in the world. Whether they originate in religious or secular traditions of sustenance or solace, they have become guiding lights for the imagination and artistry of generations of brewers around the globe. Every year we dip... View Article
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I always enjoy the British and American Ale round of the World Beer Championships, because it’s great to see how American efforts compare to their British cousins within the same style. What emerges is an interesting snap shot of the import ale market: traditional, session ales that one would expect from the Old World, along... View Article
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When I ask people to tell me the difference between porters and stouts, even if they can do it, most can’t do it quickly. This confusion is understandable since, of all beer styles, stouts and porters are arguably the twins of the beer world. Originally they were more or less identical, and now more or... View Article
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It never ceases to amaze me how pervasive lager style beers are. And, as I was enjoying a spicy sushi roll last night that paired brilliantly with a Korean pale lager that I hadn’t had in a long time, I could see why. While often criticized or mocked as either boring, insipid, industrial, etc., the... View Article
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Every year during the World Beer Championships, we dedicate one session to specialty styles of beer that includes fruit-flavored beers, beers made with unusual fermentables, barrel-aged beers and some Belgian-specialty styles like Lambic. When you open the door for brewers to send in their most unusual creations, you can be sure that you will receive... View Article
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It is the middle of summer and I’m moving out of my house. Boxes, a lot of them, heavy and awkward, are littering each room of the abode. How am I going to get this stuff out? Movers are too expensive and aren’t really considerate of your possessions. Ah! I’ll call some mates and promise... View Article
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In early April of this year, the World Beer Championships held their annual tasting of Continental European Ale styles. Maibocks were also included, as they are in season this time of year. A few tasty sessions of an eclectic assortment of brews turned out some excellent results. Thanks again to all of the participating breweries... View Article
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I recently received an email from a past participant of the World Beer Championships. He was excited about his well-deserved accolades and also very excited about coming to the U.S. market with his brand. His respect for the beer culture in the States was profound! A claim was even made that he feels the beer... View Article
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I’m really not much of a gambler and, no, I’m not talking about schwarzbiers. Porters and stouts are the topic in this piece, friend. OK, porters aren’t as black as stouts and still show some hints of deep ruby, but roll with me here. It’s almost the end of 2008 and Chicago is nothing short... View Article
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