Gone are the days of stiff cheese and wine tastings, revive your itinerary this summer with a refreshing beer tasting.<\/p>\n
Here are some tasting tips from the expert brewers at the South African Breweries (SAB) to help you on your way.<\/p>
Before exploring the various flavours on offer at the beer tasting, remember to eat up to give your stomach a good lining.<\/p>\n
Danie Odendaal, consumer science and sensory manager at SAB, suggests you finish a meal at least 30 minutes before and avoid any spicy foods.<\/p>
\u201cSteer clear of heavily scented perfume, aftershave or body lotions as this can interfere with the olfactory experience of beer tasting,\u201d Odendaal said.<\/p>\n
When the waiter puts the glass in front of you, give the glass a close inspection.<\/p>\n
Things to look for are colour, fizz and foam.<\/p>\n
After having the first sip, the ability to smell is weakened, so first take a moment to inhale the aromas. To get a more intense smell, swirl the glass to release its aromas.<\/p>\n
Odendaal cautions that beer tasters should not be in a hurry. \u201cDon\u2019t be too tempted to swallow the liquid gold just yet. Let the beer dance on your taste buds.<\/p>\n
\u201cKey words to consider at this point are: sweet\/dry and acidity, which can be determined by how sour the beer is and bitterness – this flavour comes from the hops and is usually experienced after swallowing,\u201d said Odendaal.<\/p>\n
Some beers carry hints of flavour, Castle Milk Stout for example gives off hints of toffee, butterscotch and coffee and Carling Black Label brings through flavours of banana.<\/p>\n
\u201cMalty flavours come from the malted cereal grains used in the beer-making process,\u201d said SAB Newlands brewer Denis da Silva.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe grains are fermented to create the CO2 and alcohol content. Malt contributes to the colour, flavour and mouthfeel of the beer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Malts can give the beer a sweet taste but can also make the beer darker and heavier, depending on the grain used.<\/p>\n
Hops add bitterness to beer to balance out the sweetness. \u201cBeers with a strong hoppy flavour come from the hops being left in the barrel for longer,\u201d da Silva said.<\/p>\n
The SAB World of Beer in Johannesburg offers a guided tour around South Africa\u2019s number one tourist attraction.<\/p>\n
Discover the rich history behind SAB, how your favourite beer is made and the impact that the brand has had on South Africa culturally, socially and economically.<\/p>\n
Tours run every hour and bookings are essential.<\/p>\n
The World of Beer is open for tours from 10am to 6pm daily.<\/p>\n
For more information contact Rosemary Msibi on 011 836-4900 or e-mail rosemary.msibi@za.sabmiller.com<\/p>\n