Do you know some of the history and info behind one of Canada’s favourite beverages? BC is home to some of the nation’s most beloved breweries and micro-brews, and Salmon Arm is no stranger to good beer! Setters Liquor Store is proud to carry some of the best domestic and import brews you’ll find in the region, and to share our love of this tasty beverage with our customers.
Below, we’ll take a quick look at some of the history of beer, as well as the different kinds you can enjoy on a beautiful sunny day here in the Shuswap region. Read on to learn more!
How is Beer Made?
Beer is a unique beverage made from natural ingredients, with different styles requiring varying methods of preparation to achieve the desired result. Most beers are made out of barely, which offers plenty of different taste profiles.
The general process for making beer involves the following stages:
Mashing
In the earliest stages of brewing, malted barely grains are milled and then soaked in hot water, not unlike steeping tea. During this process, the barely will break down and transform its starches into sugar, which plays a key role in the eventual fermentation that results in the fizzy drink we all know and love.
Brewing
Once the mashing stage is done, the “wort” (what the barley is called after it releases its sugars) is boiled for an hour with hops to add body and aroma to the end product.
Fermentation
The sugar produced during the mashing phase requires yeast to fully activate the fermenting process, which gives beer its taste and carbonation. Yeast is added to your early-stage brew, and left to feast on the natural sugars, creating alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Bottling
Once fermentation is done, the waiting game begins. Your brew will wait for 1-4 weeks for everything to settle into place before being bottled for later consumption!
A style for Every Taste
Ales
One of the best things about beer is that it offers almost endless flavour variety. From smooth and fruity ales like popular IPAs and NEIPAs, which are bright and hoppy to more mellow red ales, this particular style is a staple at any pub, and definitely makes a welcome addition to any fridge at home!
Saisons
Saisons may be a type of ale, but they vary greatly from the taste profile of its more American-influenced cousins. Saisons are highly carbonated, sparkly and citrusy, making them perfect for patio weather, long summer days, and any occasion that calls for a refreshing drink!
Wheat Beers
Wheat beers tend to be more malty, giving them a subtle, creamy taste and texture that’s great for food pairings. Not to be outdone by the variety of ales, wheat beers have lots of options including tripels originating from Belgian monasteries, stouts that are dark and full of rich flavours (Guinness, anyone?, and other European-inspired brews that feature tons of delightful tastes to explore.
Lagers
Lagers are a smaller family within the beer world, but they are no less popular amongst aficionados. Lagers ferment longer and in a cooler environment than ales, with the result giving you an incredibly smooth flavour profile that’s perfect for almost every occasion. Some of the top lager styles include pilsners and North American domestic favourites like Molson, Bud Light, Kokanee, and more. What lagers may lack in “sophistication” and diversity they make up for with an incredibly reliable and consistent taste that pairs well with soul food like pizza, Mac n cheese, nachos, and your favourite snacks.
Find the Right Brew for Every Occasion
Setters Liquor store is proud to be Salmon Arm’s top choice for liquor in the Shuswap region! Open from 9am-11pm daily, we’re here to make sure you have the perfect beverage for every occasion. Visit us today in store to learn more!