Latest news with #ImperialCreamStout
Time Out
04-06-2025
- General
- Time Out
What is hops and how does it change the taste of beer?
"Humulus lupulus" is not a magic trick from the new Harry Potter series, although it does have something magical, especially when we talk about beer. This technical term refers to hops, defined by experts as the secret (and fundamental) ingredient of this beverage because it balances its flavor (adding bitterness) and defines its aroma. You might also be interested in: What to drink when temperatures drop Hops is a climbing plant that belongs to the Cannabaceae family—a close relative of cannabis—and has antioxidant properties, which help slow down the deterioration of the drink. Although it may have become trendy recently with the hype around IPA (a variety in which bitter flavors and citrusy and floral aromas predominate), it has been an ingredient accompanying beer production since the year 800. How does hops influence the flavor of beer? There are many varieties of hops that contribute different notes and define each beer style. Some are used to add bitterness, others to accentuate aroma. The first define the beer's profile depending on their amount: more 'malty' or sweet (when malt predominates) or more 'hoppy' or bitter (when hops do). The latter vary depending on their origin: some are associated with citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit, orange), others more with tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, passion fruit), and others more earthy (fresh-cut grass, pine, herbs). Thus, an Imperial IPA, which is made with two varieties of hops, has a rather bitter taste and a distinctive aroma. On the other hand, an Imperial APA, which has only one variety, achieves a more moderate taste and a more intense aroma than the former because, once brewed, it is dry-hopped. This final touch makes it more complex and intense to the nose but not as bitter when it hits the palate. You might also be interested in: What food pairs best to enjoy a beer An Imperial Red will have predominant malts and low hops, so it will be rather sweet; the same goes for an Imperial Cream Stout, which is characterized by a chocolaty flavor thanks to its blend of roasted malts. More hops, more spices Since at Time Out we like to always give you tips and recommendations, here is a rule that will help you next time you want to pair a beer with a dish: If it's a more 'hoppy' beer (like an Imperial IPA), always choose a spicy dish, such as Mexican, Indian, or something with high fat content like roasted meats or dishes with melted cheeses. If you're going for a more 'malty' beer (like an Imperial Red), the best match will always be foods with sauces, slow-cooked meats, or cured cold cuts.
Time Out
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Time Out
Beer guide for the cold: what to drink when temperatures drop
This article is, without a doubt, a passionate defense of the winter team and beer lovers—a drink that knows no seasons or time of year. The first thing we want to do is debunk a myth: beers are not only refreshing, light, and smooth; there are also other varieties with more complex structure and higher alcohol content, ideal for enjoying in winter or on cold days. 'If you like beer, in winter you should choose styles with more body. These drinks are characterized by having a more intense composition. To enjoy them fully, the best is to drink them at a temperature between 2 and 3 degrees Celsius,' explains Jaime Gironès, beer sommelier and member of the Mexican Sommeliers Association. If you like beer, in winter you should choose styles with more body There are more than 150 beer styles worldwide that vary in alcohol content, malt roast level, spices, or additives. Some styles that go well with winter are: Winter Ale (a malty, spiced beer with a warm and comforting flavor) Porter (a dark beer with sweet caramel notes balanced by roasted malts) Others that pair very well with cold temperatures and can be found in many restaurants, bars, and supermarkets in Argentina are: Imperial Cream Stout (a creamy beer with coffee and chocolate flavors thanks to its roasted malts) Imperial Red (an amber-colored beer, light-bodied, with delicate notes of caramel and nuts) 'Stouts tend to be dark and very powerful, with intense flavors. Reds are an excellent option because their malty and lightly roasted taste pairs very well with cold weather,' adds Gironès, also mentioning other varieties like Altbier. A key factor in enjoying these drinks (anytime of year, but especially in winter) is the temperature. All beers should be served between 2 and 16 degrees Celsius, always. Serving them below that range dulls flavors and aromas. Serving above it makes the bubbles disappear, emphasizes the alcohol taste, and the beer starts to oxidize. What is considered a winter beer? Alcohol content and color are two fundamental and easy-to-recognize factors, according to Gironès. 'The higher the alcohol content of a beer, the more liquor-like it tends to be and the more warmth it projects in the mouth. Also, in those cases, the serving temperature tends to be higher. Regarding color, malts with a certain level of roast — reddish, coppery, and dark — can be good winter beers,' he specifies. When the alcohol content of a beer is higher, it tends to be more liquor-like and projects more warmth in the mouth Other things to keep in mind: the glass, as these beer styles often require 'bulbous' containers; and whether the beer was barrel-aged (just like wine), since these tend to be the best for enjoying in winter. What pairs well with beer in winter? When we think of winter foods, stews, braises, strong cheeses, chocolate desserts, and rich or heavily seasoned dishes come to mind. You might also be interested in: Federal Map of Snack Plates For each of these options, there is a 'winter' beer that pairs perfectly. For example, if the chosen meal is pasta with meat stew, an Imperial Red with its subtle caramel notes pairs very well. If the dish is barbecue or roasted meat, an Imperial Cream Stout can accompany it thanks to its roasted malts — the same goes for desserts with chocolate or coffee, like tiramisu. Having said all that, the winter team can comfortably score another point: beer can definitely be enjoyed in cold weather, especially when paired with good food and good company.
