{"id":5537,"date":"2022-09-16T14:36:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T14:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=5537"},"modified":"2024-12-15T07:06:59","modified_gmt":"2024-12-15T07:06:59","slug":"best-beer-cities-in-the-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-beer-cities-in-the-us\/","title":{"rendered":"2022\u2019s Best Cities for Beer Lovers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you enjoy IPAs, stouts, or lagers, few things are better than grabbing a beer with your pals. Fortunately, <a href=\"https:\/\/vinepair.com\/booze-news\/us-record-number-breweries-2021\/#:~:text=Announced%20in%20the%20Brewers%20Association%27s,those%20directly%20working%20at%20breweries\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2021 was a record-breaking year<\/a> for the number of breweries in the U.S.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, where should you go to toast <em>prost<\/em> with your friends?<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To find out, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnlove.com\/\">Lawn Love<\/a> ranked over 180 of the largest U.S. cities to determine 2022\u2019s Best Cities for Beer Lovers.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We sought out cities with plenty of breweries, beer gardens, and pubs per square mile, as well as award-winning brews, affordable pints, beer-centered festivals, and a big beer-loving community.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drink up this Oktoberfest with our ranking and analysis below.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"in-this-article\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this article<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"#rankings\">City rankings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#key-insights\">The upshot<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#ask-the-experts\">Expert take<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#by-the-numbers\">Beer by the numbers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#methodology\">Behind the ranking<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Final thoughts: Willkommen, ale lovers!<\/a><\/li><\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rankings\"><span id=\"city-rankings\">City rankings<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See how each city fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"ad51b722-fb8d-49ac-a5d4-7ab6d15fc510\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"Ranking Table - 2022&amp;#39;s Best Cities for Beer Lovers\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,i,n,s){var t=\"InfogramEmbeds\",d=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0];if(window[t]&&window[t].initialized)window[t].process&&window[t].process();else if(!e.getElementById(n)){var o=e.createElement(\"script\");o.async=1,o.id=n,o.src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\",d.parentNode.insertBefore(o,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\");<\/script><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-1.png\" alt=\"Infographic showing the Best Cities for Beer Lovers, a ranking based on breweries, beer gardens, and pubs per square mile, affordability, community, and more\" class=\"wp-image-12504\" width=\"842\" height=\"2213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-1.png 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-1-114x300.png 114w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-1-390x1024.png 390w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-1-768x2019.png 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-1-584x1536.png 584w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-1-779x2048.png 779w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-1-610x1604.png 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><figcaption><em>Note: For presentation purposes, not all ties for some metrics may be displayed in the above infographic.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-insights\"><span id=\"the-upshot\">The upshot<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 id=\"wish-you-were-beer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wish you were beer<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raise your glass to the Pacific Northwest and to our top beer city, Seattle. The PNW dominates our ranking thanks to acclaimed ales, numerous drinking establishments, and a big beer-consuming community.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Emerald City brings home the gold overall and in Beer Quality. Portland (aka \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelportland.com\/culture\/beer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beervana<\/a>\u201d) bubbles to No. 3 overall \u2014 apt for the Microbrewery Capital of the World.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both cities boast several winning brews recently recognized in the International Beer Awards, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-1e899527-9cd7-4fca-aef7-553352edf6cc\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"false\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-1e899527-9cd7-4fca-aef7-553352edf6cc\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-1e899527-9cd7-4fca-aef7-553352edf6cc\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Local tips:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down open\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-1e899527-9cd7-4fca-aef7-553352edf6cc\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Seattle:<\/strong> Drink up in the spring during <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seattlebeerweek.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seattle Beer Week<\/a>, where you can participate in tastings and fun events like the <a href=\"http:\/\/events.seattlebeerweek.com\/events\/2670-Pine-Box-Beer-Can-Derby-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pine Box Beer Can Derby<\/a>. Keep an eye out for 2022 Great American Beer Festival gold medalist <a href=\"https:\/\/cloudburstbrew.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cloudburst Brewing<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Portland: <\/strong>Since 1988, beer lovers have gathered at the <a href=\"https:\/\/oregonbrewfest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oregon Brewers Festival<\/a> to try the region\u2019s best craft booze. Local, award-winning faves include those from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopworksbeer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hopworks Urban Brewery<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.otbrewing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Old Town Brewing<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <h3 id=\"crafty-capital-cities\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crafty capital cities<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Colorado\u2019s capital, Denver (No. 2), foams to the top of our ranking with several globally renowned brews. Beer mavens can easily imbibe at one of Mile High City\u2019s many breweries, pubs, bars, or festivals.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cNapa Valley of Beer\u201d continues in nearby Fort Collins (No. 30). Locally hailed as the Craft Beer Capital of Colorado, this college town impresses with plenty of craft breweries per square mile (No. 9) and accounts for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.colorado.com\/articles\/colorado-views-brews-1-day-fort-collins#:~:text=Fort%20Collins%20produces%2070%20percent%20of%20all%20craft%20beer%20in%20Colorado\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">70% of the total craft beer produced<\/a> in the Centennial State.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quench your thirst in the Lone Star State\u2019s capital, Austin (No. 8), where several breweries, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lazarusbrewing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lazarus Brewing Co.<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/jesterkingbrewery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jester King Brewery<\/a>, won gold in the 2022 World Beer Cup.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-8e2a05d4-19ed-4652-8df3-07339639082f\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"false\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-8e2a05d4-19ed-4652-8df3-07339639082f\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-8e2a05d4-19ed-4652-8df3-07339639082f\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Local tips:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down open\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-8e2a05d4-19ed-4652-8df3-07339639082f\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Denver:<\/strong> Explore regional brews along the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.denver.org\/food-drink\/breweries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Denver Beer Trail<\/a>, and don\u2019t miss the 40th <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Great American Beer Festival<\/a>, where you\u2019ll have more than 2,000 brews from across the country to choose from.<\/li><\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Fort Collins:<\/strong> Fort Collins brews big name-beer like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.anheuser-busch.com\/about\/breweries-and-tours\/fort-collins-co\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anheuser-Busch<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newbelgium.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Belgium Brewing Co.<\/a> Locals also love craft-brew pioneers like <a href=\"https:\/\/coopersmithspub.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CooperSmith\u2019s Pub &amp; Brewing<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Austin: <\/strong>Imbibe at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangersaustin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Banger\u2019s Sausage House &amp; Beer Garden<\/a> on Rainey Street (or <a href=\"https:\/\/eurekarestaurantgroup.com\/locations\/austin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eureka!<\/a> on Dirty Sixth if that\u2019s your scene) before sobering up with some late-night tacos. Bat City is also great if you love <a href=\"https:\/\/do512.com\/p\/your-guide-to-day-drinking-in-austin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">day drinking<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <h3 id=\"coast-to-coast-consumption\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coast-to-coast consumption<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taps are flowing along the Pacific, where six of our top 10 cities are located.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South of the PNW, California cities like San Francisco (No. 4) and the self-proclaimed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sandiego.org\/campaigns\/good-stuff\/craft-beer.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Craft Beer Capital of America<\/a>, San Diego (No. 5), stand out for Beer Quality and Community.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Fran secures first place in Access, boasting the most craft breweries per square mile, alongside a significant number of beer gardens, pubs, and bars. It\u2019s no wonder the city drank its way to fifth place in average annual beer consumption.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, Charlotte, North Carolina (No. 6), and New York City (No. 9) are our East Coast drinking destinations. The Big Apple boasts plenty of beer tours, and both cities outnumber the competition in beer festivals and events.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-3c6efd7d-5e2f-4b69-a40a-d958e8a07275\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"false\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-3c6efd7d-5e2f-4b69-a40a-d958e8a07275\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-3c6efd7d-5e2f-4b69-a40a-d958e8a07275\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Local tips:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down open\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-3c6efd7d-5e2f-4b69-a40a-d958e8a07275\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>San Francisco:<\/strong> Grab a pint and tour around <a href=\"https:\/\/raiseanchor.anchorbrewing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anchor Brewing Co.<\/a>, one of the oldest \u2014 if not <em>the<\/em> oldest \u2014 American craft breweries. Love trying experimental beer flavors? Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/cellarmakerbrewing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cellarmaker Brewing Company<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>San Diego:<\/strong> Try SoCal suds at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sandiegobeerfest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">San Diego Brew Festival<\/a>, or go global at the <a href=\"https:\/\/beerfests.com\/events\/san-diego-international-beer-festival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">San Diego International Beer Festival<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Charlotte: <\/strong>Taste winning brews from the city\u2019s oldest brewery, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oldemeckbrew.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery<\/a>. Be sure to also check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nodabrewing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NoDa Brewing Company<\/a>, which recently won gold at the World Beer Cup and U.S. Open Beer Championship.<\/li><\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>New York:<\/strong> IPA lovers should check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/greencity.otherhalfbrewing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Green City Championship<\/a>, hosted by Brooklyn\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/otherhalfbrewing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Other Half Brewing<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <h3 id=\"draught-drought\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Draught drought<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BYOB in small Texas cities Brownsville and Laredo, which sank to the very bottom of our ranking. With low scores across the board, they join Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Newark, New Jersey, at the bottom of the barrel.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New Jersey has built a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.com\/news\/2022\/07\/nj-breweries-getting-hammered-by-strict-state-rules-owners-say.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reputation as a buzzkill<\/a>, limiting craft breweries from selling certain foods, hosting trivia nights, happy hours, and live music, or even inviting food trucks to the premises. Despite this, Jersey City managed to pull ahead at No. 28, thanks to plenty of pubs and the most beer gardens per square mile.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ask-the-experts\"><span id=\"expert-take\">Expert take<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re a brewski beginner or a crafty cicerone, there\u2019s always something more to learn about your favorite lager. We turned to some expert beer sommeliers for perspective and wisdom. Check out their answers below.<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>What emerging brewing trends, if any, are making a splash in the beer universe?<\/li><li>What\u2019s the best way to discover great beers?<\/li><li>What types of food pair best with which types of beer?<\/li><li>How does temperature affect taste?<\/li><li>How does container material (glass, aluminum, etc.) affect taste?<\/li><li>How does the water source influence the brewing process?<\/li><\/ol>   <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts\">     <h2 id=\"ask-the-experts\" class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Ask The Experts<\/h2>       <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none;         -ms-overflow-style: none;          \/* momentum scroll on iOS *\/         -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;          \/* disbable vertical scroll for touch *\/         touch-action: pan-x;       }        \/* hide scroll bar *\/       .expert-avatars::-webkit-scrollbar {         display: none;       }        .expert-avatars .item {         width: 125px;         flex-shrink: 0;       }        .expert-avatars .item:not(:last-child) {         margin-right: 10px;       }        \/* hacky fix for padding at the end of the.expert-avatars *\/       .expert-avatars .item:last-child {         position: relative;       }        .expert-avatars .item:last-child::after {         position: absolute;         left: 100%;         height: 1px;         width: 20px;         display: block;         content: \"\";       }        .trim-label {         max-height: 18px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials {         max-height: 18px;         width: 250px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials-small {         max-height: 18px;         width: 110px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        [x-cloak] {         display: none;       }     <\/style>      <div class=\"expert-avatars flex overflow-x-scroll overscroll-contain px-2 mb-10 lg:hidden\">                         <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('dave-ketchen', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_dave_ketchen.jpg\" alt=\"Dave Ketchen\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Dave Ketchen <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor Harbert Eminent Scholar<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('czarena-crofcheck', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_czarena_crofcheck-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Czarena Crofcheck\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Czarena Crofcheck <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Instructor: Brewing Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_herbertbruce_4.jpg\" alt=\"Herbert \u201cBruce\u201d Bruce\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Herbert \u201cBruce\u201d Bruce, Ph.D., CDR USNR (ret) <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Assistant Professor of Practice for Undergraduate Education, Food Science and Technology<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('michael-smith', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Michael-Smith-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Michael Smith\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Michael Smith <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering<\/div>           <\/div>                   <\/div>                     <div           id=\"expert-dave-ketchen\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'dave-ketchen', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'dave-ketchen'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('dave-ketchen', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'dave-ketchen', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'dave-ketchen'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('dave-ketchen', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_dave_ketchen.jpg\" alt=\"Dave Ketchen\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dave-ketchen'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dave Ketchen <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dave-ketchen'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor Harbert Eminent Scholar<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dave-ketchen'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Auburn University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'dave-ketchen'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('dave-ketchen', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'dave-ketchen'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('dave-ketchen')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_dave_ketchen.jpg\" alt=\"Dave Ketchen\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dave Ketchen <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor Harbert Eminent Scholar<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Auburn University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What emerging brewing trends, if any, are making a splash in the beer universe?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The word of the moment is \u201chyperlocal.\u201d Customers are not satisfied to buy beers that are made in their state, they want to support local businesses in their town. The pandemic showed people the importance of supporting their neighbors\u2019 businesses and I think that will continue.<\/p> <p>A local brewery can become almost like a sports team in the sense that people root hard for their success.<\/p> <p><strong>What\u2019s the best way to discover great beers?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Microbreweries almost all serve \u201cflights\u201d which consist of several small samples of different brews. Most grocery stores have a \u201cpick six\u201d offering where customers select six different beers and buy them as a six pack. Both are great ways to try a wide variety of offerings.<\/p> <p>In terms of getting recommendations, I would skip the apps where people rate beers and find an individual or two who has similar preferences to you. As a side benefit, you can make new friends this way.<\/p> <p><strong>How does container material (glass, aluminum, etc.) affect taste?<\/strong><\/p> <p>It\u2019s a myth that aluminum cans detract from the taste of beer. Oskar Blues Brewery \u2013 founded by Auburn University alum Dale Katechis \u2013 pioneered the craft beer move to cans in the early 2000s and these days canning is very popular among craft brewers.<\/p> <p>Pay attention instead to when a beer was brewed \u2013 old beer loses taste.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-czarena-crofcheck\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'czarena-crofcheck', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'czarena-crofcheck'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('czarena-crofcheck', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'czarena-crofcheck', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'czarena-crofcheck'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('czarena-crofcheck', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_czarena_crofcheck-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Czarena Crofcheck\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'czarena-crofcheck'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Czarena Crofcheck <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'czarena-crofcheck'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Instructor: Brewing Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'czarena-crofcheck'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Kentucky<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'czarena-crofcheck'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('czarena-crofcheck', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'czarena-crofcheck'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('czarena-crofcheck')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_czarena_crofcheck-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Czarena Crofcheck\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Czarena Crofcheck <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Instructor: Brewing Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Kentucky<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What\u2019s the best way to discover great beers?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Flights. This is a great way to try a little of several beers. Especially flights at a tap room, since the variety of beers is curated by a brewer trying to create a variety of flavors to attract the best customers.<\/p> <p>Sometimes the brewery even has a specialty, such that there may be an interesting underlying theme to their beer list.<\/p> <p><strong>What types of food pair best with which types of beer?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Whatever tastes good. There are ways to match spicy to not spicy, etc. However, the exploration is the most fun.<\/p> <p>My advice is to start with an IPA and beer cheese and a cream ale with vanilla wafers.<\/p> <p><strong>How does temperature affect taste?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The consumer gets to decide the best temperature for themselves. If it tastes good, you should drink it. If you want to drink it at the temperature that the brewer designed the beer for, you\u2019ll want to pay attention to the temperature. Very cold temperatures work best with light lagers and as the beer gets darked the desired temperature can increase to 60 F for the heavy beers like Imperial Stouts, Belgian Strong Ales, Doppelbock.<\/p> <p><strong>How does container material (glass, aluminum, etc.) affect taste?<\/strong><\/p> <p>There was a time where beer from a can did have a metallic taste, however, today cans are designed better, and the taste isn\u2019t affected by the can. While bottles are nostalgic and still a great way to enjoy a nice beer, cans are more recyclable, stackable, and prevent oxidation.<\/p> <p>The best advice is to use an appropriate glass to take advantage of the look and escape of carbon dioxide.<\/p> <p><strong>How does the water source influence the brewing process?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Good water makes good beer. However, the composition of the water can affect the final taste of the beer. The pH and the concentration of minerals can affect the entire brewing process. A brewer that chooses to alter their water for a specific composition is considering the water to be a pivotal ingredient and the end product can be enhanced by the extra care for water conditioning.<\/p> <p>The fun part of exploring the world of beer is that the possibilities are endless&#8211;giving brewers a unique opportunity to use the raw ingredients to create an endless list of possibilities. Exploring endless possibilities is an exciting journey.<\/p> <p>You can choose to follow the lead of the brewer and choose the glass and temperature that matches the style, but you can also choose to enjoy their creation in any way you want.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_herbertbruce_4.jpg\" alt=\"Herbert \u201cBruce\u201d Bruce\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Herbert \u201cBruce\u201d Bruce, Ph.D., CDR USNR (ret) <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor of Practice for Undergraduate Education, Food Science and Technology<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Virginia Tech<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('herbert-bruce-bruce-phd-cdr-usnr-ret')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_herbertbruce_4.jpg\" alt=\"Herbert \u201cBruce\u201d Bruce\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Herbert \u201cBruce\u201d Bruce, Ph.D., CDR USNR (ret) <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor of Practice for Undergraduate Education, Food Science and Technology<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Virginia Tech<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What emerging brewing trends, if any, are making a splash in the beer universe?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The variety of beers that is available to the American public has exploded over the past few decades. Brewers will continue to push the boundaries to develop new flavor combinations and introduce less known styles, such as saison and gose styles.<\/p> <p>Hops have dominated the craft brewing industry in the US, especially with the great proliferation of IPA\u2019s. Hop growers are continuously developing new strains that produce new combinations of aromas and flavors and those are always exciting to try out.<\/p> <p><strong>What\u2019s the best way to discover great beers?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I recommend tasting more and listening less. Everyone has their opinion on what makes a great beer but that is completely subjective.<\/p> <p>Don\u2019t pay as much attention to ratings and reviews \u2013 they can give you a sense of what to expect but not how you are going to perceive (and enjoy) the flavor combinations. Most reviews are just opinions on the style, not on how well the beer adheres to the style. So the only way to discover great beers (great, in your opinion) is to try them.<\/p> <p>I would also recommend going through a beer tasting course so you \u201cforce\u201d yourself to try many different styles. One I enjoyed was the book, The Complete Beer Course by Joshua Bernstein.<\/p> <p><strong>What types of food pair best with which types of beer?<\/strong><\/p> <p>There are many great books on this subject. Basically, you can either balance your beer and food flavors or emphasize them.<\/p> <p>You can use the hop bitterness to balance out a level of sweetness in your foods, such as an IPA paired with a sweet bbq. You could use the subtle sweetness in a beer (for instance, Marzen) to balance the umami flavors in meats and some vegetables or to balance the flavors in very spicy foods. As a contrast, you can use the bitterness in beer to emphasize a very spicy dish (IPA\u2019s with Cajun dishes is a great combination).<\/p> <p>There are many similar flavors and aromas in beer that can be paired with similar foods. A citrus hop aroma can be paired with citrus fruit in a salad or as a sauce on a main dish. The roasted caramel flavors of darker beers can match well with grilled, caramelized meats or vegetables. There are lots of combinations that go well, either as a balance or a contrast.<\/p> <p>My only suggestion is to balance the intensity of the flavors. The strong toasted flavors in a brown ale may overpower (and leave almost tasteless) similar flavors in lightly-baked products, such as garlic bread, while enhancing the flavor of such foods as fried chicken and some Mexican dishes.<\/p> <p>A food with a very strong flavor profile, like bbq, can also overpower the subtle tastes in lighter beers, such as Helles or other light lagers. It may go great together but you are really not tasting much of the beer.<\/p> <p><strong>How does temperature affect taste?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The warmer the beer, the more aromatics you will get from the beer. In many cases for lighter beers, there really are not many additional aromas that will come out (there are some and it\u2019s worth experimenting).<\/p> <p>In darker beers and sours, there are a lot of aromas and flavors that are locked in by low temperatures.<\/p> <p>I would encourage drinkers to allow their beers to warm up a bit and taste them. You may discover flavors emerging that you never noticed before. And many of them can enhance your enjoyment of the beer.<\/p> <p>Now, temperature is also a way of masking a flavor that doesn\u2019t belong in the beer. You may not notice an off-flavor such as diacetyl (a buttery, toffee flavor) in a very cold beer but that becomes noticeable (and unpleasant) when the beer warms up.<\/p> <p>If it\u2019s not a well-crafted beer (i.e., made true to style with no off-flavors), you may want to keep it cold.<\/p> <p><strong>How does container material (glass, aluminum, etc.) affect taste?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The standard tasting vessel is glass, inert and has no taste. Plus, you can see the carbonation and the color of the beer so I would recommend tasting your beers in glass, as much as possible.<\/p> <p>The glass bottle carries some issues. Not only is it breakable and light shines through (even in the brown bottles which can cause light-struck beer which has a skunky aroma), but the crowns (bottle caps) do not seal the bottle completely and over time (and with temperature changes), the beer will pick up oxygen and you will start to get a papery, stale flavor in your beer.<\/p> <p>But for a beer you are consuming now, I would encourage you to pour it into a glass.<\/p> <p>The linings of beer cans have gotten very good over the last few decades so the can really doesn\u2019t impart a great deal of flavor. And, if it is filled properly, it will not pick up oxygen and cans prevent sunlight from entering the beer, so the can is really a better storage for beer.<\/p> <p>But as you drink from the can (and the same can be said of the bottle), you don\u2019t get much of the aroma of the beer. What you tend to smell is the can top and that doesn\u2019t enhance the enjoyment of the beer.<\/p> <p><strong>How does the water source influence the brewing process?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I can spend days on the importance of water in brewing. In fact, I do with my students. Most beers are about 95% water so it makes a difference and it is why most of the beer styles have evolved as they did.<\/p> <p>The water should also be free of chlorine (used to sanitize the water) which can add a medicinal flavor to the beer. It is easily removed by passing your brewing water through a carbon filter.<\/p> <p>Usually most attention is focused on the salts in the water. The local water source for Burton-on-Trent, England, is very hard water with excess calcium and magnesium ions, making it an ideal water supply for IPA\u2019s and pale ales.<\/p> <p>The water in Dublin, Ireland, is dominated by carbonate ions which requires the use of darker malts to maintain the proper pH of the water (think Guinness Stout).<\/p> <p>Most brewers today start with fairly soft water (low in all ion content) and add the needed salts to match the style.<\/p> <p>So the natural water source can play a role in what styles of beer can be created true to style. But most breweries have sources of water that are low in salts and theoretically can produce any style of beer with the appropriate additions of brewing salts.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-michael-smith\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'michael-smith', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'michael-smith'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('michael-smith', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'michael-smith', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'michael-smith'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('michael-smith', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Michael-Smith-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Michael Smith\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'michael-smith'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Michael Smith <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'michael-smith'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'michael-smith'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Villanova University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'michael-smith'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('michael-smith', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'michael-smith'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('michael-smith')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Michael-Smith-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Michael Smith\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Michael Smith <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Villanova University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What emerging brewing trends, if any, are making a splash in the beer universe?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I will not speak broadly, but in the Philadelphia region, the Philly sour yeast strain first identified in Matt Farber&#8217;s Lab at the University of the Sciences is creating a splash. It&#8217;s been taxonomically classified into a different species and genus than traditional brewing yeasts.<\/p> <p>The yeast develops lactic acid as well as ethanol, the combination works well in fruit beers. Check out Levente brewing in West Chester for some examples.<\/p> <p>Also local, Conshohocken Brewing has made some interesting strong ales with a Norwegian Farmhouse Ale yeast.<\/p> <p><strong>What\u2019s the best way to discover great beers?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Travel widely and drink the beer made in that region.<\/p> <p><strong>What types of food pair best with which types of beer?<\/strong><\/p> <p>This is also not my expertise, but I would try to complement flavor profiles. A delicate seafood dish? Perhaps a Belgian blonde or Witbeer. Dark roasts? How about a hoppy intense Double IPA or dark lager (a Schwarzbier). A dark chocolate dessert? Try a raspberry Russian Imperial Stout. Vanilla ice cream or creme brulee? Maybe a framboise, a raspberry Lambic.<\/p> <p><strong>How does temperature affect taste?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Every beer has an optimum serving temperature, and that temperature is also an individual preference. Preferences are also situational. I tend to like my beers closer to room temperature than refrigerator temperature, but after cutting the grass on a 95\u00b0 day in mid-July, I want one of those 9 oz ice-cold, 32.001\u00b0F Rolling Rock ponies.<\/p> <p><strong>How does container material (glass, aluminum, etc.) affect taste?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I do not believe the material itself matters. It&#8217;s really the packaging technology associated with the material. In particular, it&#8217;s how much that technology allows oxygen into the beer during packing, and how much oxygen creeps in over time.<\/p> <p>My feeling is brewers have or can have good control (for the most part) over oxygen levels in both glass bottle and aluminum canning technologies. Most beers are meant to be drunk fresh, but this depends on style and how the beer was handled through the delivery process.<\/p> <p>New England hazy IPA&#8217;s absolutely demand to be delivered and stored cold; stouts can suffer some time at room temperature before they go south.<\/p> <p>When a local merchant continued to display a wonderful, locally produced, oak-aged stout in the cooler, and kept out on the shelf, at room temperature, one of my favorite NE hazy IPS from a favored brewery, I stopped patronizing that merchant.<\/p> <p>The interesting question is what happens with time.<\/p> <p>Crown caps on glass bottles are known to allow oxygen into beer over time, aluminum cans are believed to do less so. Some beers benefit from time in the bottle: I&#8217;m running a little experiment now with Troeges Mad Elf from last year (2020) in both cans and bottles. This is a seasonal strong amber ale (10+% ) brewed with honey and cherries.<\/p> <p>New, it is intense, fresh fruit, malty, a bit raw. Wait a year in the bottle, this turns into an elegant ripe-fruit toffee-cherry pie. But that&#8217;s in the bottle. Last year Troeges put Mad Elf in Cans and bottles. I picked up a case of both, and will see how they compare this Christmas season. Ask me again in January&#8230;<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"by-the-numbers\"><span id=\"beer-by-the-numbers\">Beer by the numbers<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"2802\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic.png\" alt=\"Infographic showing the Best Cities for Beer Lovers, a ranking based on breweries, beer gardens, and pubs per square mile, affordability, community, and more\" class=\"wp-image-12526\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic.png 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-86x300.png 86w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-292x1024.png 292w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-768x2690.png 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-585x2048.png 585w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2022s-Best-Cities-for-Beer-Lovers-Infographic-610x2137.png 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption><em><strong>Sources: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.who.int\/gho\/data\/node.main.A1144\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverpuertorico.com\/info\/frequently-asked-questions#:~:text=The%20drinking%20age%20in%20Puerto%20Rico%20is%2018%2C%20but%20to%20enter%20some%20bars%20and%20clubs%20you%20must%20be%C2%A021%20or%C2%A0up.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brewersassociation.org\/statistics-and-data\/national-beer-stats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/data.census.gov\/cedsci\/table?q=population&amp;tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP05\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbwa.org\/resources\/industry-fast-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/353858\/alcohol-consumption-low-end-recent-readings.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brewersassociation.org\/statistics-and-data\/state-craft-beer-stats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">7<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.congress.gov\/constitution\/amendment-18\/#amendment-18-section-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/themobmuseum.org\/blog\/happy-new-beers-eve\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">9<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.congress.gov\/constitution\/amendment-21\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/nationaltoday.com\/national-beer-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">11<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Oktoberfest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">12<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/04\/219104-050-3E9964E5\/infographic-history-Oktoberfest.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">13<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oktoberfest.de\/en\/information\/when-is-oktoberfest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">14<\/a> | Research by Sarah Bahr<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"methodology\"><span id=\"behind-the-ranking\">Behind the ranking<\/span><\/h2>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"75b631a2-c45c-4509-a643-89b20ae074b7\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"Methodology Table - 2022&amp;#39;s Best Cities for Beer Lovers\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,i,n,s){var t=\"InfogramEmbeds\",d=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0];if(window[t]&&window[t].initialized)window[t].process&&window[t].process();else if(!e.getElementById(n)){var o=e.createElement(\"script\");o.async=1,o.id=n,o.src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\",d.parentNode.insertBefore(o,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\");<\/script><\/p>    <h3 id=\"sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h3>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Beerfests.com, BreweryDB, Distilled Spirits Council, Great American Beer Festival, Google Events, International Beer Awards, Meetup, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, North American Brewers Association, Numbeo, U.S. Census Bureau, World Beer Awards, World Beer Cup, and Yelp<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts\"><span id=\"final-thoughts-willkommen-ale-lovers\">Final thoughts: Willkommen, ale lovers!<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oktoberfest began in 19th-Century Germany as a wedding celebration, but this folk festival is now one of the world\u2019s favorite excuses to imbibe and fill up on brews and bratwursts.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t have a biergarten in your city? You don\u2019t need to cross the pond to Munich to celebrate. Don a lederhosen or dirndl, and head to one of America\u2019s beloved Oktoberfests for Bavarian bites and big steins:<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cincinnati, Ohio<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hundreds of thousands of people gather each year for the largest Oktoberfest in the nation, <a href=\"https:\/\/oktoberfestzinzinnati.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oktoberfest Zinzinnati<\/a>. Play Gem\u00fctlichkeit games, fill up on brats at the World Brat-Eating Championship, and don\u2019t miss The Running of the Weiners.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Denver, Colorado<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since 1969, Downtown Denver transforms itself into a Bavarian village for two weekends each year in celebration of <a href=\"https:\/\/thedenveroktoberfest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Denver Oktoberfest<\/a>. Head to the Mile High City to enjoy live music while you battle to win the keg bowling and stein hoisting competitions.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Frankenmuth, Michigan<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t drop your pretzel or spill your stein of authentic Hofbrauhaus while dancing away to traditional polka music at <a href=\"https:\/\/frankenmuthfestivals.com\/frankenmuth-oktoberfest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Frankenmuth Oktoberfest<\/a>. This celebration received the first official blessing from Munich\u2019s Oktoberfest in 1996, formally designating this Bavarian-styled small town as a spot to be during the drinking season.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Helen, Georgia<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oktoberfest may come and go in some cities, but this Alpine Village in Georgia will transport you to Bavaria 365 days a year. Dive into traditional German fare at the nation\u2019s longest-running <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helenchamber.com\/oktoberfest-menu\/oktoberfest-info.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oktoberfest<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>New Braunfels, Texas<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wurstfest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wurstfest<\/a> began in 1961 as a festival to honor sausage. Today, it is a 10-day festival celebrating the rich German culture in this small Texas city. Spend a magical weekend in the carnival atmosphere enjoying beer from Germany and Texas, and other authentic Bavarian treats.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This Oktoberfest, <\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/lawnlove.com\"><em>hire a Lawn Love pro<\/em><\/a><em> to handle your yard chores so you can relax with a cold one.<\/em><\/p>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Main photo credit: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/photo\/happy-men-and-women-having-fun-drinking-out-at-beer-garden-social-gathering-life-gm1345167431-423320192?phrase=oktoberfest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">iStock<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you enjoy IPAs, stouts, or lagers, few things are better than grabbing a beer with your pals. Fortunately, 2021 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":12514,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[169],"tags":[348],"class_list":["post-5537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies","tag-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/iStock-1345167431-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sav Maive","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/sav-maive\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5537","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5537"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5537\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12514"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5537"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5537"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}