Sipisode 9 // Beer & Health: Balancing Brews
Body By Beer Podcast: Beer & Health: Balancing Brews - Sipisode 9: Airing: 01/04/2024
*Sound of beer pouring
Introduction:
Chelsea: Welcome back to the Body By Beer Podcast! Happy New Year, I’m Chelsea Rhoads, and with me my best friend Liz. We hope your holidays were filled with joy and, of course, great beer.
And today this episode is brought to you by, Mustard Later. Mustard Later is the Craft Beer Community’s Marketing, Conuslitng and Influencing Hub. When you don’t have time to catch up, Mustard later! :)
This week's Sipisode is also brought to you by our Affiliate partner, The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club! "They drank a lot of bad beer…So you don’t have to. And they are so proud of their selections that they archive online with tasting notes for every beer that they've ever featured."
Make sure to click the link at the very bottom of our description to get your order in today, we get a kick back of any orders placed through that link, it helps us to be able to keep creating these podcasts every week!
Liz: And hello everyone, I'm Liz Hess! Before we start this podcast, make sure to hit that subscribe button and leave a comment below that you subscribed and we'll make sure to reply back to your comment.
You can catch a new sipisode of the Body By Beer Podcast every Wednesday on your favorite podcast listening platform; Apple, YouTube, Spotify, etc. Please, if you haven’t already, rate and leave a review of the podcast. This really helps us grow and reach a wider audience.
As we step into this New Year, we're tackling a topic that's definitely on a lot of our minds: how to balance our love for craft beer with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Chelsea: That's right, Liz. In today’s episode, we’re going to get into how beer can actually fit into a healthy lifestyle when consumed responsibly. We’ll be talking about the benefits of beer – yes, there are benefits! – including the antioxidants and vitamins found in malt-rich varieties like stouts and porters.
Liz: And it’s not just about the physical aspects, Chelsea. We’ll also touch on the social and mental health benefits of enjoying a beer with friends and family. It’s about the experience, the enjoyment, and, of course, the moderation.
Chelsea: Absolutely. However, we can’t ignore the calorie content in craft beers and the importance of balancing our beer indulgence with staying active. We’ll explore some great options like low-alcohol or non-alcoholic craft beers for those who are mindful of their alcohol intake, and who are challenging themselves to a dry January.
Liz: I’m going to do that myself because hydration and mental health are key too. We'll emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and not relying on alcohol as a stress reliever. Remember, it's all about moderation and conscious consumption.
Chelsea: So, grab your favorite brew, and stay tuned for some interesting beer facts and insights. We’re diving into a thoughtful discussion on beer and health. Here's to finding that sweet spot where enjoyment and health meet.
But first, we’ve got our beer 101 segment. This is perfect for newbies and aficionados alike.
Ale Academy; Beer 101
Chelsea: Today, we’re diving into the art of beer appreciation, looking at how to truly experience a beer with all your senses. For you beer 101 people this is a great chance to check out our Affiliate Partner The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club! Where you can receive quality, exciting, and innovative craft beers each month! The beers have been vetted and selected by brewmasters and beer judges to ensure you receive high-quality, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee beers that you'll love!
Click the link at the very bottom of our description to get your order in today, we get a kickback of any orders placed through that link, it helps us be able to keep creating these podcasts every week!
Ready to start, Liz?
Liz: Absolutely! Let’s kick off with color and clarity. When you pour a beer, take a moment to notice its color, from pale straw to deep black, and its clarity, which might be crystal clear or intriguingly hazy. This can give you hints about the malt used and the body of the beer.
Chelsea: Visuals are a big part of the experience. Next up, the head of the beer. The color of the head can tell you a lot about the malt's roast level. A pale ale, for example, might have a light, frothy white head, while a stout could feature a creamy, tan head.
Liz: That’s a great observation. Moving on to aroma – before you take that first sip, inhale deeply. The scents can vary widely, from floral or citrusy hops in lighter beers to coffee, chocolate, or toasted notes in darker varieties.
Chelsea: Those aromas set the stage for flavor, which is our next focus. Each beer style has its own flavor profile. Like IPAs, known for their bitterness and notes of citrus or pine, or stouts that often have flavors reminiscent of coffee, chocolate, or caramel.
Liz: And let’s not forget about mouthfeel. It’s all about the texture. Light-bodied beers like pilsners are often crisp, while heavier beers like porters can be rich and creamy. It’s a key part of the tasting experience.
Chelsea: Definitely. Now, aftertaste – it’s crucial. Notice the finish of each beer. Hoppier beers might leave a lingering bitterness, while maltier beers could have a sweet or smooth aftertaste.
Liz: And for our foodies out there, let’s talk pairings. Like pairing a light, citrusy Belgian witbier with seafood, or a rich porter with grilled meats or chocolate desserts. The possibilities are endless.
Chelsea: To wrap it up, don’t forget to share and learn. Beer tasting is a community experience. Share your thoughts with friends or fellow enthusiasts and learn from their perspectives.
Liz: That’s all for today’s Ale Academy. We hope these tips help you become more beer-savvy and enhance your beer tasting adventures.
Interlude - Brew News Jingle
Brew News Segment
Chelsea: Now it’s time for BREW NEWS! This segment is dedicated to bringing you the latest in craft beer news, focusing on local highlights and industry-wide trends. We've handpicked these topics from the most buzzworthy articles of the past week, ensuring you stay informed and engaged with what's happening in the world of craft beer.
Liz: Facial symmetry doesn't explain 'beer goggles' phenomenon, research shows.
From phys.org NEWS: This phenomenon, where alcohol consumption is thought to make faces appear more attractive, doesn't significantly affect perceptions of facial symmetry. The research conducted experiments with participants viewing faces at different levels of alcohol consumption, concluding that alcohol does not notably change the perception of facial symmetry. The findings challenge the common notion of "beer goggles" affecting how we perceive others' attractiveness.
Chelsea: Left hand Brewing introduces Belgian White Nitro, the world’s first bottled wheat beer with nitrogen
From the Manual.com, Left Hand Brewing Company has introduced a new beer, the White Nitro, a Belgian-style wheat ale infused with nitro. This beer is distinguished by its creamy texture, achieved through nitrogenation, and it offers a unique twist on traditional Belgian wheat ales. The White Nitro combines the smoothness of a nitro brew with the characteristic flavors of a Belgian white, including notes of orange peel and coriander. The innovative brewing approach aims to provide a refreshing and flavorful experience.
After Years of Ups and Downs, Tivoli Is Taking on the Big Players With Outlaw Mile Hi
Tivoli Brewing Company is boldly challenging major beer corporations like Bud, Miller, and Coors with its Outlaw Mile Hi beer. CEO Ari Opsahl, a former Anheuser-Busch InBev executive, believes there is room for new brands in the light beer category and has focused on making Outlaw Mile Hi a significant part of Tivoli's production. The brewery has shifted its operations from the Auraria campus to the larger Gold Buckle Beer facility in La Junta to achieve scale and efficiency. Opsahl’s strategy includes making light beer competitive with big brands and expanding Tivoli's production to around 250,000 barrels annually to gain buying power and become price-competitive. While Tivoli continues to produce its craft brands, Outlaw Mile Hi, made with Kolsch yeast and known for its clean taste, is seen as a gateway to popularize Tivoli’s craft beers. The company plans to expand into Florida and Texas markets and aims to reach thirty states by the end of 2024.
Hoptimistic Inquiries & Community Stories Segment: Q & A
Chelsea: It's time for one of our favorite segments – Hoptimistic Inquiries and Community Stories. We've got some great questions from you, our listeners & viewers, and some heartwarming beer stories you've shared. Let’s dive in, Liz!
Liz: Let’s do it! Our first question comes from Jenna who asks, “What’s the best way to store beer at home to keep it fresh?” Great question! Ideally, you want to store your beer upright in a cool, dark place. This prevents light and heat from affecting the flavor. If it's a beer that benefits from aging, like a stout, a cool cellar or fridge works wonders.
Chelsea: Perfect advice! Here’s another one from Emily. They ask, “How do you know when to try a new beer style? I usually stick to lagers.” Well, Emily, our advice is to experiment gradually. If you love lagers, maybe try a pilsner next, which is quite similar. Then, move on to an ale or IPA. It’s all about expanding your palate step by step.
Liz: That’s the spirit of craft beer – exploration! Now, onto community stories. We received a heartwarming tale from Tyler in Boulder, CO. They shared how their grandfather used to make a homemade ale every Christmas, and the recipe has been passed down for generations. Now, Tyler continues the tradition, brewing this special ale every year.
Chelsea: That’s pretty awesome, keeping memories alive through beer. Here's another story from Alicia in Bend, OR. They told us about meeting their husband at a local brewery’s trivia night. What started as a friendly competition over beer trivia has actually turned into a beautiful marriage. It just shows how beer can bring people together.
Liz: These stories really highlight the community and connections built around beer. Whether it's preserving family traditions or making new friends, beer has this unique way of creating and strengthening bonds.
Chelsea: Totally! Beer is more than just a beverage; it's a catalyst for creating memories and bringing people together.
[Transition Music]
Chelsea: That wraps up our Q&A and Community Stories segment. We love hearing from you, so keep those questions and stories coming!
Liz: And don’t forget, next time you’re enjoying a brew, think about the memories you’re making or the tradition you’re part of.
Main Segment
Chelsea: Because of the New Year, and often health is on a lot of our minds we wanted to take this opportunity to reminded everyone about being responsible and conscientious when we’re enjoying our delicious craft brew beverages. It's no secret that many of us enjoy a good brew, but how do we balance this with a healthy lifestyle? Liz, what's your take on this?
Liz: Great question. It's all about moderation and understanding. Beer, like any indulgence, can be part of a healthy lifestyle when enjoyed responsibly. Many people don't realize that beer actually has some health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Chelsea: That's right. Beer contains antioxidants and vitamins, especially those rich in malt like stouts and porters. Rember our sipisode on Guinness? There are protein elements as well, and the antioxidants can contribute to a healthy heart.
Liz: Absolutely, and let’s not forget about the social and mental health benefits of enjoying a beer with friends or family. It’s about the experience and the enjoyment, which is also a key part of overall well-being.
Chelsea: That's so true. However, it's also important to be aware of the calorie content in beer. Craft beers, especially those with higher alcohol content (ABV) or added flavors, can be higher in calories. So, balancing beer with an active lifestyle is key.
Liz: Definitely. Staying active and pairing beer with healthy food choices can make a big difference. Also, for those who are mindful of their alcohol intake, there are some fantastic low-alcohol or non-alcoholic craft beers out there that don’t compromise on flavor.
Chelsea: And hydration is crucial. A good rule of thumb is to alternate between a glass of beer and a glass of water. This helps to keep you hydrated and can also pace your drinking.
Liz: Right, and let's talk about mental health too. While enjoying a beer can be a great way to relax, it’s important not to rely on alcohol as a stress reliever. Being mindful of why and how we enjoy our beers is crucial for a healthy relationship with alcohol. It’s a slippery slope people.
Chelsea: That's such an important point. Beer is there to enhance the good times, not to be a remedy for the bad ones. Being conscious of our consumption habits helps us enjoy beer in a way that benefits our health and happiness.
[Transition Music]
Chelsea: That's our take on beer and health. Remember, it's all about balance, moderation, and enjoying the experience.
Liz: Alright, beer lovers, it's time for some beer facts! Welcome to the Beer Facts' segment where we chat about fun facts about beer!
*Sound of beer glasses clinking*
Sips of Wisdom: Beer Facts
Chelsea: I’m always excited to get into some Sips of Wisdom to share with you all. This is my absolute favorite part because these are the real conversation pieces that can last a shift or a lifetime.
DYK, in Belgium, there’s a beer pipeline!
The De Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges installed an underground pipeline to transport beer from the brewery to the bottling plant, spanning over 3 kilometers.
Let me tell you a little bit more. This pipeline, which was completed in 2016, stretches over 3.2 kilometers (almost 2 miles!!) from the brewery to its bottling plant. It was developed to alleviate the logistical challenges of transporting beer through the city's narrow, cobbled streets. Let me tell you, these streets are tight! The pipeline is 34 meters deep at its lowest point and was partially funded by a crowdfunding campaign, drawing significant support from beer enthusiasts. I mean, had I known about it, I’d definitely had been offering some cash for this one. The pipeline can carry different types of beer produced by the brewery, like Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik, in separate pipes.
*Brugse Zot Facts: Brugse Zot Blond is a fun fact within itself. Brugse Zot blond is a Flemish golden beer, translated as the Fool of Bruges. It is produced by brewing four different types of malt and two varieties of hop. The only beer that is brewed and lagered in Bruges.
*The fun facts continue for Straffe Hendrick as well, An amber coloured Belgian ale brewed using six different types of malts by the “Half Moon” Brewery in Bruges. It is the last authentic triple-style beer brewed in Bruges. Straffe Hendrik Tripel undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle.
So, the pipeline not only represents an innovative solution to a logistical problem but also serves as a testament to Belgium's enduring love for beer. In addition to its practical function, the pipeline helped ensure that one of Belgium's oldest breweries could continue operating and distributing its beer efficiently. It's also a point of interest for tourists, with the brewery offering guided tours where visitors can learn about this unique piece of brewing infrastructure and its history. So, the next time you’ll be swinging through the area of Bruges, perhaps this would be a good spot to stop and learn some history of beer!
Let's talk about the Vikings. They believed in a mythical goat whose udders provided an endless supply of mead. Now that's a legend I can get behind!
According to Norse mythology, the goat, named Heiðrún (Hy-droon) , grazes on the foliage of the tree Læraðr (Ly-rahder) and produces mead from her udders. This mead is provided for the einherjar (ayn·heh·ree·aar), the warriors in Valhalla, the majestic hall for those who died in battle. This story is mentioned in both the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, important sources for Norse mythology.
Heiðrún (Hy-droon) stands atop Valhalla, and the mead she produces fills a cauldron large enough for all the einherjar (ayn·heh·ree·aar) to drink their fill. This depiction of Heiðrún highlights the Vikings' respect and reverence for animals, which played significant roles in their daily lives and mythologies. the endless supply of mead from Heiðrún's udders is, perhaps, a fascinating example of how animals were integrated into Norse mythological narratives.
President Jimmy Carter signed a bill in 1978 that legalized home brewing of beer in the United States.
On October 14, 1978, he signed bill HR 1337, which included the federal legalization of home beer- and winemaking. This bill primarily dealt with matters like excise taxes on commercial transportation, but thanks to the efforts of Senator Alan Cranston and Representative William Steiger, an amendment that legalized homebrewing was added. The legalization officially took effect on February 1, 1979.
Before this legislation, homebrewing was illegal at the federal level since the end of Prohibition in 1933. The concern had been that homebrewing grain could be used for making moonshine, which was often toxic due to impure ingredients and clumsy distillation methods. The legalization in 1978 was a turning point, allowing individuals to brew up to 100 gallons per person per year, or 200 gallons per household, without federal taxation.
This move by President Carter significantly impacted the craft beer industry, as it allowed homebrewers to legally experiment and develop their brewing skills. Many professional craft brewers today started as homebrewers. The American Homebrewers Association, founded by Charlie Papazian and Charlie Matzen, was established shortly after the bill's signing, further promoting the growth of homebrewing as a hobby and craft.
Chelsea: That’s it for the beer facts today. Stay with us for a round of 'Brew Bites' where we pair our favorite beer with, well, our favorite bites."
Brews & Bites Segment:
Liz Hess: We’re always excited for eats and drinks, and it’s always what is near and dear to us, the food and beer pairing! This is BREW & Bites!
Now, I don’t know about you guys, but at this point I’m pretty much over all the delicious stouts, browns and winter warmers I’ve consumed over the last couple of months. Also, the comfort foods that pair so nicely with them. Not to say that I don’t love them, I’m just taking a break. So we asked ourselves, what would we want to eat and drink at this point in the New Year? Some of you are going to journey down the dry January road, fitness consistency and lighter fare, etc. So we also want to include some N/A options for you.
To make the pairing as simple to follow as possible for both dry January challengers and non, we’ve decided to pair an herb-crusted chicken with an arugula salad to a pilsner, specifically czech pilsners, using Saaz hops, which are known for their mild, earthy, herbal, and floral characteristics.
For a non-alcoholic (NA) option that overlaps with the hop profile typically found in a Pilsner, in this case you would want to look for an NA beer or hop water that uses Saaz hops. Makes sense, right?!
Ok, so Pairing an herb-crusted chicken and arugula salad with a Czech Pilsner that uses Saaz hops creates today’s sensory experience:
Sight: The visual contrast between the meal and the beer is a striking one. The Czech Pilsner, with its clear, golden yellow hue and persistent, foamy head, presents a refreshing sight next to the golden-brown crust of the chicken and the vivid green of the arugula salad.
Smell: Saaz hops have a distinctive, yet subtle, aroma to the Pilsner – a blend of earthy, herbal notes with a hint of floral essence. This bouquet complements the aromatic herbs crusting the chicken, such as thyme or rosemary, and the fresh, peppery scent of the arugula. These smells should get your taste bud very excited. Perhaps even a Pavlov effect.
Taste: The Czech Pilsner, known for its balanced flavor profile – a mild malt sweetness with a light hop bitterness – complements the savory, herby chicken and the slightly spicy, tangy arugula salad. The herbal notes of the Saaz hops harmonize with the herb crust on the chicken, while the beer’s crisp finish offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish.
Touch/Texture: The crisp, light body and effervescent carbonation of the Pilsner provide a pleasing contrast to the textures in the meal and the crunchiness of the herb crust on the chicken and the fresh, slightly chewy texture of the arugula leaves. This combination of textures is engaging and both satisfying for our taste buds.
Sound: These sounds always contribute an element to our pairing. The gentle fizz of the Pilsner as it’s poured into the glass, the crunch of the herb crust as you cut into the chicken, and the rustle of the fresh arugula leaves as you mix the salad. These sounds add an often-overlooked dimension to the enjoyment of the meal.
Together, these sensory elements create our very much enjoyable pairing for the day. The Czech Pilsner with its Saaz hops is an excellent match for the herb-crusted chicken and arugula salad, offering a balanced interplay of flavors, aromas, and textures that enhance both the meal and the beer.
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End the Sipisode!
Chelsea: Thanks for joining us on this reflective journey through beer and memory. Remember, it's not just about what's in the glass; it's about the moments we create with it. Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in and supporting the podcast. If you haven’t already, please make sure to subscribe, like, and share on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. And make sure to follow us on all social media channels @bodybybeerpodcast.
Liz: Cheers to making more memorable moments! Join us next time on the Body By Beer Podcast for another sipisode full of insights and fun.
We’ll continue to explore more fascinating tales from around the world of beer. If you have any suggestions or stories to share, drop us a comment. Thank you for listening
[Ending Theme Music]
Chelsea & Liz: "Cheers!"
*Sound of a tavern bustling with chatter and laughter*
