All the different variables and procedures that go into crafting a beer make each one unique and special. Especially among craft beers, you would be hard pressed to find two beers whose construction came out to yield the exact same beer. Understanding a beer’s anatomy can help you better define its structure, and how its flavors will affect you.
THE BODY
The body of the beer is what we recognize as the alcoholic beverage we actually drink. It is the colored liquid that makes up the largest portion of a beer and contributes to the vast majority of its flavors and aromas. Its appearance can range greatly.
THE HEAD
The head of the beer is typically the smaller component and always rests on top of the beer. It is a foam ranging in colors, sizes and textures and does contribute to the beers overall aroma, and slightly to the beer’s flavor.
THE AROMA
The Aroma, also known as nose, or smell, is what you are able to sense by breathing in the flavors that are emanating off the beer. Depending on the glass the beer is served in, you should get your nose in as close to the head as possible. Take a deep breath in with your nose and mouth open, then several smaller ones. The intensity of aroma will vary greatly, and its ability to predict the flavor of the beer also ranges.
THE COLOR
The color, or look focuses on both the body of the beer and the head. What color is the body? It could be any range of colors and can be completely transparent to completely opaque – this too will give you a better understanding of how the final product will taste and feel in your mouth. The same goes with the head. Its color, density and ability to retain its structure will give you insight into the beer’s overall mouthfeel and texture.
THE MOUTHFEEL
The mouthfeel, or texture of the beer is a representation of how it actually feels in your mouth. Beers can range from crisp and snappy, to smooth and creamy. Consider the way the carbonation feels – is it aggressive or subdued? How easily does the beer flow over your palate? Does it have an oil like consistency, or is it closer to water? All of these will affect the way the flavor is transfered to your palate, and the overall mouthfeel will contribute to your rendering of its enjoyment.
THE TASTE
The taste or flavor of the beer is of course everyone’s most prominent focus. Don’t get lost by trying to absorb it all at once. Take a moment to discover how the taste has come together. All the individual sensory factors together can create a very simple, or complex flavor. It can be extremely rich and potent, or very light. Sometimes a beer will attack you with a certain obvious flavor, with subtle smaller ones hiding in the background. Flavor really is the most important sensory component of beer, and as such it should not be taken lightly. Take a moment to absorb the beer, really try to break down the flavors that are seductively, or aggressively hiding within it. It will prove to you that beer does not just taste like “beer”.
THE FINISH
The finish contributes to how satisfying, refreshing, or quenching the beer may or may not be. It is the feeling that is left in your mouth when you have swallowed that sip of beer. Was the flavor still in your mouth after? Maybe it was long and cloying, or short and crisp. How well does the flavor linger, or does it at all? Is it sweet or dry? Roasty or fruity? This will play directly off the flavor and mouthfeel of the beer and provide you with a final sensation that often has a great impact on how you enjoyed the overall experience.
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