Beer From The Keg - The Natural Choice

Beer is a well loved and revered beverage that\'s been part of society for hundreds of years. No matter the style, beer is enjoyed by millions of people every day. The brewing of beer has remained much the same over time, but how it reaches the consumer has changed dramatically over the last century.

Regardless of style, beer is brewed essentially the same. There are subtle differences of course, but all beer has a mix of ingredients mixed and fermented by brewing experts with the help of technology. Technology has revolutionized the beer industry, not so much through brewing techniques, but packaging and transportation methods.

Bottled and Canned Vs. Kegs

Bottling and canning beer became big business in the early to mid 20th century. New technologies were implemented allowing brewers to ship their beer over long distances to reach new thirsty markets. As markets changed, the brewing industry trend moved toward large regional brewers and away from small local breweries. That same consolidation trend continues today, as large brewers with big advertising budgets are better able to brand and distribute both nationally and internationally.

With the consolidation in the beer industry, small local breweries began to close, and with it went the concept of fresh, local beer. It is fair to say that most consumers now drink beer just as they buy it, directly from the bottle or can. We are a society of convenience, and it\'s convenient to consume beer directly from the packaging. However, beer wasn\'t meant to be consumed this way.

Beer is a perishable food product, and like any food product, beer doesn\'t improve with age. Bottled beer and canned beer are pasteurized and added carbonation is injected to ensure a long shelf life without need for refrigeration. While there\'s nothing wrong with this process as it allows product availability to a wider spectrum of consumers, it is not beer in its natural state.

Have you ever been on a brewery tour? Notice how you\'re served your samples at the end of the tour. The brewery wants to put its best foot forward - they want to serve you their best and give you the best impression. As a result, you\'re served beer directly from the keg, not from a bottle or can. That\'s beer in its natural state - fresh from the tap.

Here\'s a little experiment to try the next time you\'re out enjoying beer. First, enjoy your beer only from the bottle or can. Now, the next time out, drink beer only on tap (from the keg). Notice the difference in how your digestion is affected. You\'ll have less intestinal gas (burping!) from keg beer, as there\'s no additional carbonation added. The beer is smoother, mellower, and less carbonated, making for a better tasting experience.

Beer is a great and well loved beverage, no matter how it\'s consumed. However, next time out, enjoy your beer as the brewer intended - direct from the keg. You\'ll appreciate the smoother taste!

Article Source: http://www.thedrinkingplace.com/articles2

Jim Hofman is a beer lover who learned to enjoy keg beer from his father. Jim is the owner of a website devoted to keg beer , and all things beer.

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