The Soul of Beer

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The Soul of Beer

08/10/2019

The many choices made by the brewer create delicate aromas, deep flavors, textures and colors, transforming a few simple commodities into exquisite works of art. As a beer drinker, each glance, each telltale aroma and studied sip of beer can be like peering into the soul of the brewer. And still, do we really know beer?

Beer is the world ‘s favorite beverage? Yes. Is beer a social lubricant? Off course it is. Is beer men’s best companion? No doubt. Is beer a drug? Depends on how you use/abuse it.

But does this really tell us something about the soul of the beer? I don’t think so.

For me beer is “the magical combination of water, malt, hops and yeast. It is a unique product in which mankind have put their, genius, heart and soul. I’s a thirst quencher, it’s a stimulant and it’s the perfect dinner match”.

A Magical Combination

Let me explain: the magical combination of water, malt, hops and yeast. This is quit straightforward. With four ingredients a brewer can make an excellent beer. Off course he can add several other ingredients, but there is no absolute need. A unique product? Off course beer is no wine, no spirit, it’s complete different off any other beverage known to mankind.

Mankind has put their genius, experience heart and soul: Brewing is quite simple at first site. But, just like baking is brewing both an art and a science. It requires the brewer to perfect that balances of art and science trough the careful selection of ingredients and skillful manipulation of hem. And of course, they need hat sprinkle of genius to make a great end product.

A thirst quencher, drinking a cold beer on hot summer day is a real treat. The fresh beer will quench your thirst; revitalize your body and soul and put a big smile on your face.

Beer IS Fun

Beer is a stimulant after a long hard day of work. Beer stimulates you and greases the wheels of a great evening.

The perfect dinner match: I adore beer & food pairing because, when it’s done correctly, it’s a mind-blowing gastronomic experience. Many people believe that wine is generally a better match with food than beer. I only can say “many people once believed the earth was flat”. I rest my case.

That’s my view on beer. But never forget, beer is and always should be fun.

About the author

Post's author

Born and raised in Brussels, Luc De Raedemaeker was quick to appreciate the offerings from our Zenne valley: geuze and lambic. He acquired his taste for beer as a student bartender. And just as all young beer must mature, so the budding connoisseur’s expertise grew as he trained in Belgium and around the world.

He’s now a lecturer in zythology, chief editor of Bier Grand Cru and Honorable chief editor of “The Beer Link”. His debut book “The Belgian Beer Book” has been hailed as the perfect guide to Belgian beer and beer culture. He’s a regular speaker at food and beer festivals all over the world. Luc is also the co-founder and director of the Brussels Beer Challenge, a prestigious international beer competition.