Yeast is a fungal micro-organism that is probably most famous for its use in baking bread. Its fast reproduction rate adds an airiness to bread and makes it rise, however, it also has many other uses, especially when it comes to brewing. Most people already know that there's yeast in beer--it's what gives it that beautiful aroma--but professionals from Seattle area breweries discuss whether you can brew beer without it. Ask Professionals at Seattle Area Breweries: Is There Always Yeast in Beer? In short: yes. Every single beer contains yeast; without it, there would be no fermentation and so n ..read more

Many people think that beer is a nonperishable beverage that can be stored anywhere for long periods. However, what most people don't realize is that there are many things that may ruin the flavor, color, and even the consistency of your brew. Whether you're brewing your own beer or simply looking to store your beer from any of the Seattle area breweries, this article will tell you everything you need to know about storing it so you don't get a skunked beer. Why Storing Beer Correctly Is So Essential Modern brewing companies do as much as possible to ensure their beers taste fresh, even after ..read more

There are levels to just about everything, so when you're out and about trying to find the best beer for you, you may want to consider what exactly is going in it. When you go beer tasting, it's unlikely that you're going to be tasting the standard run-of-the-mill cans you can find at any grocery store.  How Craft Beer Is Different From Regular Beer What's in a Seattle Craft Beer? The Right Ingredients The first step in understanding the difference is by looking into the ingredients. This might be confusing at first as you'll see that plenty of beers have the exact same ingredients listed ..read more

Which Beers Improve Most With Age? Wine connoisseurs know that the best wines come from old vintages that have been left to age for some time before opening the bottle. That fact has even made its way into the broader consciousness with the expression ‘aged like fine wine.' But can breweries in Seattle achieve the same improvement in the drinks they offer by aging beer before serving it to their customers? The answer isn't a straightforward yes or no. While some beers improve after being left to age for some time prior to consumption, there's no guarantee that a beer will be improved by leav ..read more

Beer drinkers know that what you eat with your craft brew can greatly enhance the experience. Local Seattle breweries offer delicious options for smaller batch beers, such as a pale ale or IPA, that feature different flavor profiles. With these varying and distinct tastes, it can be overwhelming to decide what to snack on while enjoying a pint. When picking out what dish to pair with your beer, it is wise to consider the complementary flavors. Pairing options will vary greatly depending on the amount of hops used and the bitterness of the beer. IPAs produce a characteristically strong, hoppy ..read more

Anyone new to drinking beer might be confused by the options available. Should you try a light beer like a pilsner first, or should you go for a very dark one like a stout? What causes the variation in color, and how does it affect the taste? The answer is that the ingredients and various processes can influence beer color. While the shade of your drink gives you the first clues about its taste and strength, it isn't reliable, and the best way to find out more about a given beer is always to taste it. Read on to learn more about how the color of beer is created and what it can tell you about ..read more

Long gone are the days when cheap PBR was an acceptable drink of choice. If you've got a passion for the best local brews, then you might want to learn about how to elevate your next drink with beer pairing. Whether you're looking for something to complement a savory dish or a brew that will cut the spice off your next meal, it's essential to learn how to correctly pair your beer with food. The Basics of Beer Pairing Most people know about wine pairing, but beer pairing is just as important. If you want to flood your pallet with complex flavors to bring out the best in your meal, then it's wor ..read more

In recent years, the independent beer brewing community has grown exponentially in the US. But professionals must be employed to oversee the increased production and make sure the quality remains consistent. One of the most important jobs in the beer industry is that of a cicerone. But what is a cicerone, and what does this professional do? Cicerones evaluate various types of beers and then select the right ones for the right people. During their training, they learn about several aspects: keeping and serving beer, the various types of beer, flavors, ingredients and the brewing process, and p ..read more

Today's beer lovers are truly blessed with an array of delicious brews and quality taprooms springing up in virtually every city. Beer tastings are immensely popular with seasoned connoisseurs as well as neophytes - the only entry requirement is an undying curiosity for the golden brew. To help get the most out of these conversations and experiences, here are some key terms every beer aficionado should know. 9 Terms Every Beer Aficionado Should Know 1. Ale Ale is one of the main beer categories that includes beer styles such as India pale ale, brown ale, porter, and stout. Ales tend to be more ..read more

Since the rise of craft beer, there has been a wide array of beverages available to drinkers around the country. If you're new to the beer scene, you might not know how to choose between the different options, which can seem confusing and overwhelming at first. For example, what's the difference between a Mexican Lager and a Belgian Witbier, and when should you drink which one? While you can always ask your bartender about their favorite beverage, it's good to have some background knowledge. Today, we will have a closer look at the Belgian-style Witbier. If you're not sure what to select, thi ..read more