Beautiful Notes Of Beer
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Beautiful Notes Of Beer

Heartily recommending Bourbon and Breakfast... though not necessarily together.

5
Beautiful Notes Of Beer
Jay Carpenter

There’s a vast quantity of beers in the country with most states having their own regional brews. In fact, Americans consume on average 20 gallons per person per year, and we here in Wisconsin are more extreme than most. Most Americans, however, don’t think particularly deeply about beer. In America, lagers and their derivatives are overwhelmingly the default brew of choice.

Lagers are far from a poor choice, of course. Their combination of brewing temperature and yeast allows them to be mellow and clear. If beer were bells, lagers would make a crisp sharp sound. They are refreshing to listen to, but they are hardly the only instrument around.

Today, I’d like to highlight two beers that are on the exotic side, despite being made right here in the United States; Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Founder’s Breakfast Stout.

The first beer, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale by Alltech's Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. located in Kentucky is about as different from a lager as one can get. To continue the bell analogy, the sound from an ale is several smaller bells of varying pitch in comparison to a lager’s single, clear one. This different effect is created by using a different style of yeast. The ale yeast, as opposed to a lager’s yeast, allows the beer to attain much higher alcohol content – in this case, 8.2% alcohol by volume (ABV).

The Bourbon Barrel Ale was aged in once-used Bourbon barrels, further deepening the unique multi-note flavor that sets ales apart. This Ale tastes of warm honey and vanilla, with a faint bourbon aftertaste. Far from being cool and refreshing, it makes one feel warm and relaxed. The Bourbon Barrel Ale has little bitterness, and its smooth sweetness makes it easy to savor despite its higher alcohol content.

Standing at the opposite end of the spectrum, Founder’s Brewing Company from Michigan produces the excellent Breakfast Stout. Stouts are a dark beer and, in this case, uses oats as the main ingredient versus barley and hops. This beer also includes chocolate and several varieties of coffee…

And it shows. This creamy, malty brew has a strong, rich coffee taste with deep, dark chocolate undertones. With its 8.2% alcohol by volume (ABV), this beer has kick and is immediately apparent. The coffee flavor is strong and clear. Coffee lovers could do no wrong reaching for this beer after dinner. The notes of this beer are deep and rich, with an intriguing mix of the crisp bitterness of beer and the warm acidity of coffee.

Both drinks offer a pleasant and enjoyable diversion from the usual fare we Americans usually find ourselves drinking and have proved to be an excellent companion to dessert. I wholeheartedly recommend both and encourage readers to enjoy responsibly. Remember, there’s a whole world of beer out there waiting to be explored!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43097
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27075
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952067
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

142508
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments