Your Comments, Criticisms and Contributions - April 2006
Hello,
My name is Cameron and I am an American who recently moved to Germany near Dresden. I frequently visit the Czech Republic to sample and buy great (and inexpensive) beers, but am still confused by the marketing of the unusual %'s named on the label. The range seems to be from about ten percent to sixteen percent, but of WHAT? It is not the average alcohol; this is listed separately. What is this mystery ingredient or message? Also, the higher the percent, the higher the price. Any information you can offer me would be appreciated. Most of the research I have done leads to Czech web sites in Czech and I have lost my patience translating this language. Cheers!
- Cameron Townsend
The number you refer to is the degrees of gravity of the wort, or unfermented beer, prior to fermentation. It roughly and usually corresponds to the strength of the beer, hence the higher price, because the more sugar in the wort (ie: the higher gravity), the more there is for the yeast to convert into alcohol. It's a common point of confusion.
More than 20 years in Indonesia have made me an avid fan of locally brewed Bintang, a fine light lager, which is excellent in bottles or on draft.
- Brian
Thanks for the Indonesian tip, Brian. I'll make a point of giving it a try should I happen to find myself in a country where Bintang is sold.
While perusing The Celebrator, I read your slightly dated article "Boston Calling' & noticed you neglected naming one city... San Diego! I’m still waiting for the day when Double IPA is referred to as San Diego Pale Ale.
- Frank Lepiane
That's the first time I've heard a movement for the double IPA to be the San Diego pale, and I've got to say I like its acknowledgement of the fact that Double IPA was first brewed by Vinnie Cilurzo at the San Diego area brewery, Blind Pig and has some of its fiercest advocates in the region. The I2PA thing is probably too far along now, but the sentiment is certainly sound.
As for San Diego, I visited several area breweries in February and have written parts of the experience up in World of Beer (see last month's TOTM) and a new Czech beer magazine called Pivar.
I've been trying to find out who brews Shaftebury Cream Ale and where the brewery is located. I have been told by a not so reliable source that Shaftebury is the brewer, but I still would like a contact name and address if possible. Thanks for your time in this.
- Rosalyn Fisher
Shaftebury is now owned by Sleeman and brewed in Vernon at their Okanagan Springs facility. Visit www.shaftebury.com.
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