It’s really amazing how much beer has evolved over the years.

Thinking back to the times in England when we would go out to the pubs to catch a football (soccer) game on the television, I remember walking into the tiny pub in my hometown of Leeds and suddenly finding myself surrounded by the smell of beer being poured into pint glasses.

Bitter was and is the beer most served in English pubs. Bitter is an English term for a pale ale that is well-hopped and dry.

 The selection of beers was rather limited compared to the variety of specialty and craft beer we have today. It’s crazy and overwhelming that there are so many selections to choose from now. Beer is generally made from malted grains, water, hops and yeasts, and it is made all over the world.

Here are a few selections I would like to recommend:

Old Speckled Hen – England

This beer is a good example of a British Bitter Ale with its smooth flavor and rich, mellow taste. The bitterness strikes you at the back of the tongue, ending with a toffee and malt-smooth finish. It is a misconception that the beer in England is served warm. In reality, it is served between 50 and 57 degrees.

Samuel Smith Organic Chocolate Stout – England

This stout is a deep, rich, dark beer made from malt, barley, yeast and hops. This particular chocolate stout is made by using roasted chocolate malt. It is delicious and smooth. On a side note, I like to pour half a bottle over a roast in the crock pot and let it simmer on low for several hours. You can smell the delicious chocolate throughout the house. Yummy!

Lindemans Framboise Lambic – Belgian

Made with 30-percent pure raspberry juice, this fruity beer is deliciously sour and tangy. It is a wonderful accompaniment to chocolate and cheesecake.

Ayinger Celebrator Double Bock – Germany

Soft and rich with coffee malt flavors, this is by far one of my favorite beers here at Nino Salvaggio’s.

Let me know if you have a chance to try any of these. Which is your favorite beer?

Cheers,

Simone