ale

We may start our morning off with a fermented kombucha drink, but back in the Middle Ages, the main source of hydration was ale. That's right: beer! Originating from the Old English world ealu, ale has been around for centuries and was a necessity during the Middle Ages, since the risks for contaminated water were great and the fermented beverage likely killed any harmful bacteria. While our consumption of ale has diminished greatly since then (as lagers seem to reign supreme in the beer industry), you may find yourself ordering a stout or a Belgian white and wonder, "Hmm, is this a lager or an ale?"

Here's the first and most noticeable way to recognize the difference: the taste and appearance. Compared to lagers, which tend to be crisp, clean-tasting, light-bodied, and served really cold, ale is bitter, fruity, full-bodied, and served only slightly cooler than room temperature. But to make things taste the way they do, it's all in the method of fermentation.

While Argentina's not exactly a place known for its beer, it should be known for one beer in particular, the superbly smooth, easy drinking BarbaRoja barrel-aged red ale. Although this beer comes in a Champagne-like bottle with a cartoon pirate label, it's not feminine or cheap-tasting. Rather it's a rich, frothy ale with light body and malty, slight caramel flavor. The red color means it's not nearly as dark and heavy as an Irish stout, but nor is it too light and characterless like an American lager. It's a successful balance of both these worlds. This pleasant brew is the best, most complex beer I've tasted in a long time.

Have you ever tried it? Do you drink Argentine beer?