What is the difference between dark beer and light beer? Original traditional beers are dark. Until the 19th century, technology did not allow malt to be processed in such a way that the drink acquired light shades. Absolutely all beers were either dark or semi-dark.
Differences in color appeared due to the characteristics of the production of different varieties of the drink. It all depends on the malt that is used in the making process. For light beer take only light malt. To obtain it, barley is germinated and dried at a certain temperature. In the manufacture of dark varieties use dark, burnt, caramel, as well as light malt in different proportions.
Dark malt is made from germinated barley, dried at a temperature of up to 105 ° C. Less hops are added to dark beer than to light beer, which makes its taste softer. In addition, there are other, less significant differences in the technologies for preparing different varieties of the drink.
Dark unfiltered beer is a classic. Despite the fact that modern brewing has made it possible to produce varieties with different flavors that are completely independent of their color (chocolate and coffee, with the taste of raisins, dried fruits, smoked or sweetish, sometimes fruity aftertaste), real connoisseurs consider natural drinks to be real.
The best snack for dark beer is a neutral cheese with a soft, calm taste that does not interfere with enjoying the drink itself. Smoked meats are perfect. It is noteworthy that dry fish in this context is not considered a good “accompaniment” option. Also, according to gourmets, dark chocolate and dark beer are perfectly combined.
The benefit of the drink is, first of all, in the high iron content, which is reduced by mandatory filtration in the production of light varieties. The highest iron content is in Mexican and Spanish dark beer. Therefore, the use of dark varieties helps to increase the level of hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to organs and tissues.
The taste of Russian dark beer is not inferior to the famous European brands in taste and quality. It is in stable demand, but, compared with the bright one, its range is not replenished with new products.
Sometimes, due to ignorance of many aspects of production and the subtleties of tastes, beer, according to the color criterion, is divided into two classes: lager (bottom fermentation) and ale (top fermentation). This is a fallacy. In fact, the technology of both bottom and top fermentation allows you to get beer in different colors. In other words, it is impossible to judge only by the color to which of the mentioned classes beer belongs.
It was noted that different types of drinks are perceived differently depending on the time of day and year. It is believed that dark beer is a drink more suitable for the evening and more preferable for the cold season. You need to drink it from glasses or mugs made of natural materials (porcelain, wood, ceramics or glass).