YumSugar

Beers We're Digging Right Now

YumSugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:43:25 PDT

We really love our wine series, but there's no denying that occasionally, all you want is a cold one. (OK, more often than that.) This week, we put aside our decanters and Riedel glasses in favor of a few brewskis. From a limited-edition Winter wheat to a banana bread beer, here are five fantastic brews we're totally into right now.

Strong Suds: A History of Starkbierzeit and Bavarian Doppelbock

Sara Yoo — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:26:45 PDT

In New Orleans, revelers celebrate one last hurrah before the Lenten season during debaucherous Mardi Gras, but in Munich, there's less of a need to blow off steam thanks to Starkbierzeit, or "strong beer season." Each March, breweries in the region churn out doppelbock, a high-alcohol, intensely rich and malty brew, in celebration of the 17th century monks who created it. Characterized as Oktoberfest minus the tourists, Starkbierzeit isn't highly publicized, but the beer it honors has quite a following in Germany and in many other parts of the world. Ready to drink in some strong beer fun facts? Just read on.

5 Fun Beer Apps For St. Patrick's Day

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 06:21:02 PDT

Want to indulge in a little St. Patrick's Day fun? If you're not an Irish whiskey fan, the next best thing is obviously beer. Whether you're craving Guinness or another flavor, these apps can help you find and decipher your perfect brew.

Guinness - It Really Is Good For You!

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:40:08 PDT

Whether you're Irish or not, many of us will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day by knocking back some Jameson whiskey and a pint or two of Guinness - and don't forget the Irish soda bread! Before you start feeling too bad about the alcohol and carb overload, you'll be glad to know that all those ads from the 1920s that read "Guinness Is Good For You" had some truth to them.

Researchers from a University of Wisconsin study discovered that drinking Guinness reduced blood clots and the risk of heart attacks. Like red wine and dark chocolate, and unlike other beers, Guinness also contains immune-boosting antioxidants. Some other reasons you may want to enjoy a pint of beer on St. Patty's Day: better bones, weight management, and a better memory. This is not a license to go out and get blitzed though. As always, everything is better in moderation, but if you end up kicking back a few too many, check out these hangover cures.

Source: Flickr User Stijn Debrouwere

9 Brews to Help Change Your Mind About Beer

Lizzie Fuhr — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:05:20 PDT

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and no explanation is necessary for this notorious holiday: it's one of the most celebrated days of drinking worldwide. Whether you're celebrating at home with friends or planning on hitting a few pubs, beer is the obvious St. Patty's drink of choice. Even if you're a self-described loather of all things beer, I urge you to think outside the box, and try to taste something a little different this year.

I'm definitely not saying you should go grab a Guinness right away, but if you keep things fresh, fruity, or sweet, you may be singing a different tune. Get ready to drink up with these 10 picks!

Pour the Perfect Black and Tan

Lauren Hendrickson — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:25:47 PDT

Creating the perfect black and tan can be hard. If you've never tried to make one, be sure to try it out at home first with no guests to serve. Once you have the technique down, you'll have no trouble trying to re-create this layered beverage for your friends.

There are two different techniques to build the perfect black and tan; I recommend trying both out to see which works best for you.

Pull out your pint glass and slowly pour in the Bass by titling the glass to avoid too much foam. Once the glass is half full, open the Guinness and once again tilt the glass. With a steady hand, pour the Guinness down the side of the glass verrrry slowly.

Another great technique is to pour the Bass into the glass with little to no foam, just like before. Hold a large spoon upside down over the glass and very slowly pour the Guinness over the back of it. Pouring Guinness over the back of a spoon slows the flow of the beer.

Voilà: two ways to pour the perfect black and tan. Still not sure you have it down? Just keep reading for more tips!

Happy Hour: Guinness Milkshake

Susannah Chen — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:22:32 PDT

Photo: Lauren Hendrickson

With St. Patrick's Day a week away, I went off in search of a timely tipple to enjoy over the weekend. I found a number of drinks that called for ingredients like vermouth and hazelnut whipped cream; they sounded delicious, but rather contradictory to the rowdy spirit of St. Patty's.

I finally landed on a Guinness milkshake. It embodies the boisterous beer drinking of March 17, with a nostalgic nod to youth. The combination might sound questionable, but I promise that the frothy, chocolaty Guinness is the perfect foil for sweet vanilla ice cream. For the single step recipe, read on.

Get Your Guinness This St. Patrick's Day

Camilla Salem — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 03:05:28 PDT

St. Patrick's Day comes with green food and a whole lot of Guinness beer. If you want to find exciting ways to incorporate this stout into your cooking, you're in luck. We've rounded up our favorite recipes that incorporate Guinness, from beef stew to ice cream.

Irish Onion Soup	Guinness Ice Cream	Black and Tan Cocktail
Guinness Milkshake	Irish Beef and Stout Stew	Chocolate Stout Cake

A Primer on Beer

Susannah Chen — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:55:04 PST

If you've been known to enjoy a pint or two, then chances are, you'll be raising a glass this month in honor of St. Patrick. But 'fess up: between all that Guinness and red ale, do you know what you're really imbibing? For those who don't, we're here to educate you. It's true that unless you're a science fiend, home brewer, or brewing aficionado, it can be confusing to wrap your head around the different beer varieties - especially since they're all made of water, malted barley, yeast, and hops.

For the most part, beer can be broken down into two major categories. Learn what they are - and their defining characteristics - when you keep reading.

Do You Know Your Guinness?

Susannah Chen — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:58:27 PST

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, and the Irish holiday just wouldn't be the same without a pint of Guinness in hand.

You may have mastered the stout's double pour, but what do you know about the history of this legendary beer brand? Take the quiz to find out!

Source: Flickr User [puamelia]

Take the Quiz