During the first of a series of concerts that the SON Estrella Galicia initiative will hold in New York City, Veronica Biondi, a beer culture technician, shared several tips to get the most out of this drink this summer.
How to differentiate a Lager from an Ale:
Although they are often confused, Lagers and Ales are two different families of beer, and the main difference is in the fermentation temperature between the two. Normally when we ask for a Lager, we ask for a blonde with a moderate alcohol content between 4.5 and 6 degrees. They are beers that do not have the aromatic components of fermentation.
As for the Ale, the best known within this family are the IPAs. In fact, the A in IPA stands for Ale (Indian Pale Ale). It is the style that has become the most popular, so when people ask for an Ale they usually think of an IPA. An IPA can be bitter and often plays with fruity, citric and resinous aromas and contains an alcoholic strength between 5 and 7 degrees.
The type of cereal used influences the final result of the beer:
The type of grain used to make each beer largely determines the flavor profile. Keep this in mind when choosing your Lager since, for example:
- Wheat gives a sensation of greater freshness in the mouth.
- The rye adds a spicier touch to the beer.
- The oats give it a velvety and silky texture.
Demystifying the alcohol content in dark beers:
Dark beers are often believed to contain a higher alcohol content than blondes. However, this is a myth. When learning about beers, it is necessary to distinguish between flavor intensity and alcohol intensity. The intensity of the flavor depends on what the beer is brewed with, including whether or not it contains roasted malts. However, this type of beer surely does not contain more alcohol than any other. For example, there are many black or dark beers that only have 4 or 5 degrees of alcohol.
Beer options to pair with your favorite foods:
Estrella Galicia Especial is a bright golden Lager brewed with the perfect balance of blended malts and bitter hops, and goes well with fresh cheeses, vegetables, white fish, and meats.
Estrella Galicia 0.0 is a refreshing beer with 0.0% ABV perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of a quality non-alcoholic or non-alcoholic beer. Pairs well with fresh cheeses, vegetables, shellfish and white fish.
1906 Reserva Especial is an elegant Lager with a unique character and pleasant toasted notes, it is perfect to enjoy with various cheeses, including Smoked Cheeses, such as San Simón da Costa, smoked Idiazabal, smoked cheese from Pría. It also goes well with warm vegetables, oily fish, sushi, round meats -such as lamb- and meats cooked in a wood-fired oven.
1906 Black Coupage blends four select roasted malts and two hops resulting in a black lager with intense flavors for those with a more adventurous palate. It works well with desserts that include ingredients used to make them, such as chocolate or coffee (brownies, truffles, tiramisu).
Veronica Biondi is a beer culture technician at Estrella Galicia with more than five years of experience in the space. In 2018 she started working in a small craft brewery in Barcelona in the production area and since September 2022 she has been part of the Beer Culture department of Estrella Galicia, focused mainly on the international market. Veronica has a master’s degree in food development and innovation.