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 your drink.
What Determines Beer Color?
Every stage of brewing affects the color and taste of beer. For this reason, most brewers are very particular about the ingredients they use, the temperatures they apply to their beer, and the length of time each process takes. Lighter beers are not roasted for as long as darker beers. They are mashed for a shorter amount of time, and more particles are filtered out at the end of the brewing process.
The Grains and Other Ingredients
One of the most critical factors that determines the color of your beer is the type of grain used. All grains are colored by melanin, and the type and combination of grains change the way the final product appears and tastes. Generally, lighter beers are much softer and crisper, while darker beers are more intense and bitterer.
In addition to the grains, some brewers add other ingredients such as coffee, caramel, or fruit extracts. These additional components can also alter the color and taste of the beer.
The Roasting Process
The more you roast the malt you use in your beer, the darker its color. This process is also called the Maillard Reaction or "browning." Generally, it starts with kilning, or heating, the germinated barley. During this step, the brewer determines the temperature of the kiln, which affects the final color of the beer. A lot of the drink's flavors, including coffee, and chocolate aromas, can be attributed to the roasting process.
Time
The ground, malted barley is often steeped in water in a process called "mashing." Depending on the effect the brewer is hoping to create, the temperature is kept high at all times or brought up and down several times.
In most cases, the color deepens during this process, so you can expect a beer to be darker the longer it has been mashed. Similarly, the pH that is created during this step affects the color. A high pH mash will be darker than a low pH one.
The Cold Break and Fermentation
After being boiled, the beer is usually treated to a cold break, which rapidly cools it down. This removes malt particles, which are full of color, and therefore makes the beer lighter. Some of the particles will survive the cold break and continue to produce color that gives the beer its distinctive shade. During the fermentation process, color isn't affected significantly, although the type of yeast used can make a difference.
The Filtration
When the beer is almost ready, it is filtered to remove any remaining particles that could contaminate the taste. This lightens the shade of the drink because more of the colored molecules are removed. Some brewers choose to filter their beer and remove a large percentage of the particles, while others use a much lighter filter or none at all. If a beer isn't filtered, it will appear hazier and brighter.
How Is the Color of Beer Measured?
There is a Standard Reference Measurement (SRM) score that measures how much light can penetrate one centimeter of beer. This was created in the 1950s to give people around the world a way to compare beers. Scores range from two, which is very light, to 40, which is almost black. The SRM score is usually determined by experts in a laboratory.
The lightest beer color is called pale straw, and the darkest is black. In the middle are various shades of gold, amber, and brown. Beers like pilsner and witbier are some of the lightest, while porters and stouts are very dark. If you want a medium option, you should ask your bartender for an ale.
Is the Color of Beer Important?
If you're a casual beer drinker, you might believe that all light beers are soft while all dark beers are more intense. While this is probable, it isn't always true, and you can't tell what a beer will taste like by simply looking at its color. Instead, you should sample each beverage to find out what flavors it contains and whether it is to your liking.
It's also interesting to note that the color of your beer doesn't correspond to its alcohol content. People often think that lighter beer has a lower ABV, but you can get pale gold Belgian beer with a double-digit ABV, and some darker beers aren't as strong as you might initially expect.
Which Beer Should I Choose?
When you come to the brewery, we can help you choose a beer that suits your tastes. People who prefer crisp, light flavors should taste our Italian pilsner, which has an ABV of 4.9% and a very refreshing taste. It's a great choice for a warm summer's day, but it also works well when you don't want to feel too full.
Those who like something special should try our Strata India pale ale, which includes notes of terpenes, pineapple, and passionfruit and has an ABV of 6.0%. We also offer some traditional, English-style beers, including a brown ale and an extra special bitter.
Which Beer Combines with Which Food?
Because the color of a beer affects its taste, it also determines which food it goes well with. Lighter beers are often paired with spicy dishes, but they can also work well with meat, such as our two chicks jerky dish and snack mix. Darker beers work better with roasted, smoked, or barbecued foods. However, you can also combine them with pizza or fruity desserts.
It's important to remember that some foods should never be combined with beer. Eating raw fish and drinking beer at the same time can cause gout symptoms due to the excess uric acid. Similarly, eating fruits that contain tannic acid, such as tomatoes, can cause stomach discomfort. That's why most breweries don't offer these foods on their menu.
During the brewing process, the taste, color, and alcohol content of the beer are determined. Beer color is affected by the types of ingredients used, the length of the roasting process, the duration of mashing, the cold break, the yeast used during fermentation, and the final filtration process. There is a scale that measures the color of beer, and it ranges from pale straw to black.
If you're a beginner beer drinker, the best way to get started is to ask your local brewer for help. They can speak to you about your preferred taste and ABV and then suggest some options that could suit you well. Over time, you can try various kinds of beers to figure out which ones are your favorites. Call us now at LowerCase Brewing in Seattle, WA, to book a table or ask us about the beers we brew. Our friendly staff will be thrilled to help you.
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