THERE’S NO FRESHER BEER THAN LOCAL BEER

WHAT MAKES A GREAT LOCAL BEER?

Brewing is a time-intensive process – particularly traditional lager brewing.

Despite all we have scientifically learned about brewing over the centuries, there is still magic in brewing. Every batch offers potential greatness. Who doesn’t mind going to work for a chance at achieving greatness each and every day?

The history of beer styles reveals two main branches: namely, ales and lagers. Ale brewing is much older and generally less-complicated than brewing lager. However, newer lager brewing techniques require a little extra effort.

Lager brewing is really a story about color, malt color to be specific. In 1842, Josef Groll, a Bavarian Brewer, brewed the first-ever batch of pale-colored, bottom-fermented beer in the Czechoslovakian town of Pilsen. This beer was unique, being brewed with pale-colored malt dried in an indirectly fired malt kiln. The gentle heating leaves the malt lightly colored. As does the malt, so goes the beer. Other factors conspired on this brew, including very soft water natural to the area and spicy floral hops known as Saaz. Mr. Groll started a revolution that not only created a unique beer style, but also a type of beer that, even today, reigns as the most popular beer in the world. It is the quintessential lager beer known as pilsner. Some would argue that pilsner became the role model for all subsequent lager beers. Brew Master Groll is our hero! These days lager beer has broadened into many different colors and flavors. Thanks Joe.