Join Tom Acitelli, an accomplished beer author, as he dives into the rich tapestry of beer with insights from his book, 'The Golden Age of Beer.' He discusses the ever-evolving beer landscape, the challenges of defining styles, and the cultural impact of beloved brews like IPAs. Tom shares unforgettable experiences from Belgian Trappist breweries, emphasizing the joy of enjoying craft beer in spaces steeped in tradition. Plus, he highlights the significance of independent beer journalism and upcoming craft beer awards!
The current 'Golden Age of Beer' offers consumers an unprecedented variety of styles, surpassing historical selections and fostering an informed appreciation.
Michael Jackson's pioneering work fundamentally shaped the classification of beer styles, inspiring innovation and a deeper connection to brewing traditions.
Deep dives
The Golden Age of Beer
The current era is characterized as the 'Golden Age of Beer' due to the vast selection available to consumers, with more styles on the shelves than ever before. This diversity includes a kaleidoscope of brewing options that provide endless choices, far exceeding those of previous decades. Despite challenges in the industry, the variety caters to an increasingly sophisticated consumer base interested in understanding their beer selections. The content in a recent book endeavors to clarify this overwhelming choice, helping beer buyers navigate and appreciate the richness of contemporary brewing.
Navigating Beer Styles
Understanding and categorizing beer styles has become increasingly complex due to the constant evolution of brewing methods and ingredients. The traditional definitions of beer styles often clash with the innovative practices of contemporary brewers who integrate new hops and techniques. Guidelines such as those from the BJCP provide a framework, but they may not resonate with everyday drinkers, leading to confusions about what constitutes a particular style. An example discussed includes the Brute IPA phenomenon, showcasing how consumer knowledge does not always keep pace with brewers' creativity.
The Legacy of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is recognized as a pivotal figure in the establishment of beer styles, having set the groundwork for how they are understood and discussed today. Before his contributions in the 1970s, beer styles were not classified in any meaningful way, but he defined them by geographical origin and brewing methods. His work inspired American brewers to innovate and develop new styles, leading to a resurgence of interest in craft beer. Jackson's enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the roots and traditions behind beer styles.
Seasonality and Historical Context
The structure of a new book outlines a guide that aligns specific beer styles with months of the year, drawing connections between them and historical contexts or seasonal preferences. This approach emphasizes the notion that certain beers are better suited to specific times, enhancing the overall drinking experience. For example, heavier beers are recommended for colder months, while lighter lager styles are ideal for warmer weather. By blending tradition with seasonal echoes, readers are encouraged to appreciate not just the taste of beer but also the stories and contexts that accompany each style.
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Attention brewers: registration is now open for the 2025 Best of Craft Beer Awards. This is a BJCP sanctioned competition judged by fellow brewers and industry leaders; it uses a unique set of style guidelines that champions harmonious and dynamic beers. Held in beautiful Central Oregon, it’s the third largest professional brewing competition in North America and is an opportunity to have your hard work evaluated and rewarded. In addition to traditional and specialty beer styles, new this year is the Hop Water category.