| bitionists and other conservatives have long viewed | | | | menu. |
| beer as the devil's brew. Beer itself isn't so bad; it's | | | | Glass or Cans? |
| people that have given it a bad rap. When used in a | | | | Some beer drinkers prefer to quaff from a proper |
| controlled, social setting, beer is nothing more than a | | | | pint glass, and others downright refuse to drink from |
| cold, refreshing break time treat. | | | | a bottle or can. Drinking from a glass or stein helps to |
| Rich History | | | | release the aromas of the beer, so the drinker is able |
| There is evidence that beer has been around almost | | | | to appreciate more than just the taste of the brew. |
| along as history itself. Pre-historic man is said to have | | | | Pouring beer into a vessel also allows a head to form |
| created beer before learning that grains could also be | | | | on the beer, an important element for many beer |
| used to produce another dietary staple called "bread". | | | | drinkers. Similar to wine and spirits, there are specific |
| Noah is said to have stocked his ark with beer. | | | | glasses available for different types of beer. Many |
| Ancient Babylonian clay tables revealing recipes for | | | | brewers produce glassware intended for use with |
| beer date back to 4300 BC. | | | | their own brand of beer. |
| Social Acceptance | | | | Temperature |
| Clearly, beer has always been in important element in | | | | The ideal beer temperature varies depending on a |
| social gatherings. It's a staple at sport arenas, card | | | | number of factors. More experienced beer drinkers |
| games and dart matches. Problems can arise, | | | | will tell you that a warmer temperature enhances the |
| however, when beer drinkers indulge privately or | | | | flavour, while colder temperatures inhibit the senses |
| believe they can drink away their troubles. Of course, | | | | of the tongue and throat. Subtle nuances are |
| binge drinking or drinking in excess also brews trouble. | | | | weakened, and the main flavour is downright |
| Worldwide Acclaim | | | | destroyed by low temperatures. On the other hand, |
| Beer is consumed all over the world. North America, | | | | those who work hard and play hard expect an |
| South America, Asia and Europe all have rich beer | | | | ice-cold beer, served in a frosty mug. Irish beer |
| histories. Breweries can be found in Mongolia, many | | | | drinkers insist that a pint of Irish Guinness is best |
| African countries, and Middle East countries including | | | | served at room temperature. |
| Iraq and Syria. Virtually anywhere a thirsty traveler | | | | Pouring |
| stops to rest, a cold pint can easily be found. Many | | | | The way beer is poured has influence over the |
| beers of the world are imported and readily available | | | | presentation of beer. The flow rate from the tap, |
| to North American beer drinkers looking to explore | | | | position of the pour and the tilting of the glass all |
| new flavours. | | | | affect the outcome. How the beer is poured |
| Rating Systems | | | | determines the size and longevity of the head, and |
| Some avid beer drinkers actually rate the beers they | | | | the turbulence of the pour affects how the |
| consume, tally the scores and post their comments | | | | carbonization is released. More heavily carbonated |
| on Internet websites to determine the world's most | | | | beers, such as German pilsners, need time to settle |
| popular brews. Beer drinkers in America can | | | | before they're served. Many barkeeps will serve the |
| correspond online with their Russian counterparts and | | | | beer with remaining yeast at the bottom of the glass |
| swap bottles of beer through the mail. Others drink a | | | | to add extra color and flavor. |
| variety of beers to keep and collect the bottles and | | | | Served warm or cold, from a bottle or glass, beer is |
| caps. Pubs sometimes host beer clubs, awarding | | | | an important part of society from Montana to |
| plaques or personalized steins to those who have | | | | Mongolia. And sometimes, even those so-called little |
| purchased and quaffed every brand of beer on the | | | | old ladies will gather to enjoy a pint with their mates. |