Archive for January, 2009

Protecting beer from bacteria

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

Here is an interesting article about a PhD student at the University of Saskatchewan researching how to better protect beer from bacterial contaminiation. Here is my favorite quote:

Back in 2006, my three brothers made homemade beer. But the beer turned out so disgusting and contaminated that I decided to bring some to the lab. I grew the contaminating bacteria from the beer, and sequenced some of their DNA. I found three types of bacteria that have never been found in beer before, and identified a specific beer-spoilage or antimicrobial resistance gene in each type.

Pretty interesting.

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale

Sunday, January 4th, 2009

This winter I’ve tried quite a few seasonal beers; more than I did last year. Thanks to Anderson Valley being added to the list of beers distributed in Missouri I’m able to give their Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale a try.

The beer pours with a thick, tan head that settles quickly. The nose has hints of spice and sweetness from the malts. This beer has a nice mouthfeel, not too heavy, but not too thin either. It is a little sweet and is nicely carbonated. The beer tastes similar to what I think of as an english style. Not my favorite, but it is good.