Beer Notes: Foam

Foam is a friend, not an unwelcome guest taking up too much space in our glass. Today on Beer Notes we will discuss the head on your beer and why it is desirable.  Beer head, foam, kräusen or froth, all names for the bubbles at the top of your beer.  This foam is produced by […]

Beer Notes: Beer Inspired Gifts

Craft beer drinkers represent over 40% of the population over the age of 21.   Therefore, it is no surprise that marketers are targeting our population with some pretty cool merchandise.  This week on Beer Notes, we are exploring some cool merchandising items and trends. Beer on tap is a luxury and having the ability […]

Beer Notes: Craft Beer Shoes?

The holiday season is fast upon us and here at Beer Notes, we are looking at gift options for the craft beer lover in your life.  This week’s edition will focus on the wildest option, shoes. Did you know that you can get limited release sneaks for your craft beer aficionado?  Both Merrell and Adidas […]

Beer Notes: Smithsonian Exhibit

When you think of the Smithsonian Institution, most people think of the Hope Diamond, or African American history, or the Air & Space Museum.  Some think of sculpture and others think of art.  Not many think of craft beer.  Today on Beer Notes, we highlight the new “Brewing a Revolution” exhibition at the Smithsonian in […]

Beer Notes: Mayflower

When the Mayflower was being stocked for the long journey to the New World, beer was among the highly valued stores put aboard.  This week on Beer Notes, we are discussing beer on the Mayflower and in the early colonies. Water was the last thing that anybody wanted to drink because it carried the risk […]

Beer Notes: How Hops Are Used in Brewing

Last week, we explored what hops are, this week on Beer Notes, we will learn how hops are used in the brewing process.  Most beer is made with dried hops.  The flowers of the hop plant are collected and dried and then processed  to create a highly concentrated version of hops that look like rabbit […]

Beer Notes: What Are Hops?

Hop heavy beers remain some of the favorite styles at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver every year.    Today on Beer Notes, we will learn about hops. The hops that we use in the brewing process today  are actually the flower of the Humulus Lupulus plant.  The flowers grow on vines and are […]

Beer Notes: What Attracts Your Attention

How do you choose your craft beer? This week on Beer Notes, we are discussing what attracts your attention and makes you shell out your hard earned dollars at your favorite craft retailer. Recently, at the Shore Craft Beer Fest in Ocean City, Maryland, Tracy, a small, independent craft beer retailer told us what matters […]

Beer Notes: How Your Craft Beer Ends Up on the Shelf

Ever wonder how the craft beer for sale in your local beer store is chosen?  This week on Beer Notes, we are exploring how retailers choose their craft beer and some of the answers surprised even us. Breweries hire sales people to represent their craft beer and try to get it on tap and on […]

Beer Notes: Does Your Beer Define You

Does the beer you drink define you?  This week on Beer Notes, we are exploring a concept called DUCP or the desire for unique consumer products. The DUCP is a concept that explores how consumers feel they define themselves by the products they purchase or consume. “As with almost everything in this society of conspicuous […]

Beer Notes: Dessert Beers – What A Treat!

For many, dessert and beer should never be used in the same sentence.   This week on Beer Notes, we are discussing why craft brewers are defying this idea. Dessert is the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal  and a nightcap, originally meaning a cap worn to bed to keep one warm, […]

Beer Notes: Fall Festivals to Frame Your Beercation

September is the month when beer festivals really come into their own. This week on Beer Notes we are talking about regional craft beer festivals. Oktoberfest in Munich actually starts in September as  do many Octoberfest festivals here in the United States.  The beer centric festivities don’t slow down as we slide into the namesake […]