The Southwest Voice

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Let me start by saying, “Not all beers are created equal.” With over 90 distinctly different beer styles, comparing an American style light lager to a British style imperial stout is like comparing swimmer Michael Phelps to gymnast Nastia Liukin. The individual characteristics of every beer produced will determine the style. When it comes to beer tasting, one has to evaluate the product according to its style.

Here is a breakdown of the style characteristics of the two above mentioned beers, according to the World Beer Cup Competition Style Descriptions and Specifications Guidelines:

American style light lager: These beers are extremely light colored, light in body, and high in carbonation. Calorie level should not exceed 125 per 12-ounce serving. Corn, rice, or other grain or sugar adjuncts are often used. The flavor is mild and hop bitterness and aroma is negligible to very low. Light, fruity esters are acceptable. Chill haze and diacetyl should be absent.

We all should be very familiar with the American light lager. My style characteristics summary: Light in color, body, hops, aroma and overall taste. Commercial examples: Bud Light and Coors Light.

British style imperial stout: Dark copper to very dark brown, British-style imperial stouts typically have high alcohol content. The extremely rich, malty flavor (often characterized as toffee-like or caramel-like) and aroma are balanced with medium hopping and high, fruity-ester characteristics. Bitterness should be moderate and balanced with sweet malt character. The bitterness may be higher in the darker versions. Roasted malt astringency is very low or absent. Bitterness should not overwhelm the overall character. Hop aroma can be subtle to moderately hop-floral, citrus or herbal. Diacetyl (butterscotch) levels should be absent.

There are several different stout styles and the imperial stout is the hardiest of all. My style characteristics summary: Dark in color, big rich body, malty aroma, high in alcohol with moderate to high hop bitterness. Commercial examples: Rogue XS Imperial Stout and Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout.

So, this weekend when you are tasting beers at Village Fest 2008, remember to judge the beer for its style. Some beers are supposed to be rich and dark and others, clear and light bodied. Dark beers need love, too.