by Zhaun Ortega
Oktoberfest is here; the time where we can unabashedly celebrate the most glorious golden beverage in the planet: Beer. Ever since I could remember, Oktoberfest has always been a huge deal for partyphiles everywhere, and it seems like one of the happiest times of the year. The truth is the reason why we keep coming back to beer, aside from the taste and the intoxication is the camaraderie it brings along with it. It seems to me that people who share a beer eventually foster a fondness for each other. In a sense, beer is like glue that keeps partyphiles, from different social strata, together. This is why, for this instalment of CoaP, I’m going to give you everything you need to know about beer.
Dorothy Falcon asked: What is beer made of?
Answer: It is made from malted cereal grains; most commonly malted barley or malted wheat. It is usually flavored with hops (which lends the bitter flavor to the beer).
Dann Basilio: Where can I buy the cheapest beer?
Answer: In Davao City, your best bet is the friendly neighborhood sari-sari store or right from the factory. The cheapest beer I’ve purchased was in Jupiter Street in Makati at a place called Top Grill. They sold 5 bottles of Red Horse for only 99 pesos.
Alf Rae Tan: Is Red Horse the strongest beer? What beer is the mildest?
Answer: in the Philippines, Colt 45 is probably the strongest beer with 7.2% alcohol. However, this does not even come close to the world’s strongest beer. It is made by Scottish brewery named Brewdog and is called “The End of History”. It has 55% alcohol. It is also said to be the world’s most expensive beer, ranging from US$500 to US$700. As for the mildest, non-alcoholic beers are now sold in beer specialty shops.
Jeremy Yap: What is the proper way of drinking beer?
Answer: First of all, always store your beer in the fridge, and in an upright position to prevent oxidization. Use a cold glass or beer mug when drinking beer, and do not add ice as it waters your beer down. Next, pour the beer high above the glass to give it some bubbles. Connoisseurs usually suggest three-fingers worth of head. “Head” refers to the bubbles. It must be as thick as three of your fingers. After producing the proper amount of bubbles, you may then slowly sip the beer while enjoying its aroma.
Lish Falcon: Which country consumes the most beer?
Answer: The Czech Republic consumes about 158.1 liters of beer per person each year. That’s about 400 ml of beer everyday.
Doy Bijis: Why do people act stupid when they drink beer?
Answer: When beer or any type of alcohol hits your cerebral cortex, you start being more talkative and less inhibited. Once it hits the hippocampus it causes memory loss and exaggerates your emotions. One it hits your cerebellum, it makes you lose balance and coordination.
Beer Recipes:
Here are some unique ways you can enjoy your beer; simple cocktails that are bound to help you see beer in a different light and maybe inspire you to celebrate beer a little differently this Oktoberfest.
Mango Shandy: simply grab a glass, fill it halfway with ice and then fill half the glass with canned mango juice. Top it with Light Beer.
Spicy Beer: pour cold beer in a huge mug and then grab a Jalapeno, create a slit in the middle of the chilli by scoring it with a knife, and then drop it in the beer. It will slowly steep and will make your beer extra spicy. The contrast is perfect with ice cold beer.
Honey Beer: In a glass with ice, pour some dark beer (Cerveza Negra works wonderfully) and then top it with two Tablespoons of Honey. The effect is a deep, dark beer, with a sweet undertone.
Danger Cocktail: Simply grab a glass, pour one or two shots of Vodka, then top it with strong beer.
