Canned Beer Vs. Bottled Beer – Is there a difference?

There has been a lot of debate on the beer boards about whether beer is negatively affected if it is packaged in a can. The truth is, despite what some know-it-alls say, once you pour it into a glass you can’t tell the difference.

In fact, if anything cans are better than bottles for three reasons. First, cans are less prone to breakage. Secondly, they are lighter – so it costs less to move them around. Thirdly, cans protect beer from harmful UV rays better than glass. And fourthly … well, cans are just better ok?!

Ok, ok, so in the name of science I got a six-pack of bottled Pilsner Urquell and a four-pack of canned Pilsner Urquell. I poured them into glasses and tasted them both.

The result? They taste the same. I drank one, then the other. Then I tried it again. And again. And then one more time, just to be really sure.

My wife was walking by while I was doing this, and asked me what on Earth I was doing. I explained it to her, and she graciously volunteered to help taste. She drank my beer until it was gone and confidently announced there was no difference.

A part of me suspects she was just thirsty and wasn’t really all that interested in my little experiment. Sometimes she doesn’t share my zeal for this stuff.

Of course, there is another side to this. Glass is more enjoyable to drink out of than metal. Since many people drink out of whatever the beer is packaged in, this might also explain why many beer snobs prefer bottles to cans.

Not us. We’re civilized Drunks, so we pour our beer into a glass the way we’re supposed to.

Beginners Guide to All-Grain Equipment

If you have been homebrewing for a while and you are using extracts, then you are probably a little curious about all-grain brewing. What is necessary to make the leap? Is it really as difficult as it seems?

As usual, the process of brewing your own beer from grain is much less complicated than many brewers would have you believe. But it does require some specialized equipment, and that’s what our first all-grain article is about.

Read our article on All Grain Equipment for Beginners.

Beer Review – Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale

Uh oh… Samuel Smith disappoints! As much as it pains me to say it, I just cannot recommend this beer. It isn’t that it’s BAD. It’s just that… Well, read our Review of Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale

Beer Review 2 Below

I was driving on I-70 with a friend of mine last week when I saw it – the New Belgium beer truck. And that was when it dawned on me that if I was going to hijack any beer truck, this should be the one. Right here, right now… Read our Review of New Belgium’s 2 Below

Beer Review – Never Summer Ale

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I opened this beer, but the hops are so strong that the taste hit me in the face like a shovel – I just wasn’t expecting it. Therefore I would say that if you like hops a lot, or if you like to be hit in the face with a shovel, then you’ll really like this beer. That’s not a bad thing either… Full Review of Never Summer Ale

Beer Review – Samuel Adams – Winter Lager

Our second installment in our “Winter Brews” beer review is the Samuel Adams Winter Lager.

If you happen to live in a part of the country that doesn’t usually have a very good beer selection, then the Sam Adams offering is usually a good bet, and this one is no exception.

The beer is a wheat lager, and it really delivers on taste, body and texture. This is a great beer! Read our review of Samuel Adams Winter Lager.

Or, better yet, buy a six pack and try it yourself!

Drinking Game – Super Quarters

I’m pretty sure I played super quarters when I was in college. I think that’s why I can’t remember any of the Thursday nights of my sophmore year.

It probably would have been better if we could have tried playing the game with something other than Icehouse sometimes.

Ahhh the memories…or lack thereof.

If you would like to get a nice game of super-quarters going at YOUR house, here are the instructions:

www.drunkmansguide.com/games/super_quarters.php

Beer Review – Snow Plow

We have decided to start our “Reviews” section here at Drunk Man’s Guide. That means that each week we will feature a new beer, liquor or wine and give you our honest opinion.

The rating scale will be in beers, and the scale goes like this:

	5/5 is a “Must Try” beverage. This is a rare rating that we will only bestow on the most deserving beverages. You should definitely try these.
	4/5 is a “Damn Good” beverage. If you see these in the store, then you can’t go wrong with a 4/4 beverage.
	3/5 is a “Good” beverage. This is worth buying – especially if it is on sale.
	2/5 is an “OK” beverage. Keep it is someone gives it to you, but don’t buy it. It’s ok to regift a 2/5 beverage, but only to someone you don’t care about, and who doesn’t know much about alcohol.
	1/5 is a “Only Drink it On A Dare” beverage. Don’t drink this beverage even if it’s free. Use it to marinate meat, or distill it for fuel; but only drink it if you are getting PAID to drink it.

Our first review is of a really good beer that we knew we wanted to include in a review as soon as we tasted it. The beer is called “Snow Plow” by Widmer Brothers, and it receives a 5/5 rating. Definitely seek out this beer and try it. Especially if you like stouts.

Since it’s a seasonal, who knows how long it will be on store shelves. View our review of Snow Plow here: www.drunkmansguide.com/reviews/snowplow.php

Chasers – Popular Beer/Liquor Combos

When we talk about chasers, we usually are talking about taking a shot and then “chasing” it with a beer. However some people do it the opposite way, they chug a beer and chase it with a shot. Many recipes also call for dropping a shot of liquor into a beer, or layering the liquor with the beer.

Check out our Chasers page for a five great recipes that combine beer and liquor.

Friday 5 o’clock Cocktail – Beer

This is, of course, Super Bowl weekend. So, we aren’t going to yuck it up with a bunch of fancy-pants drinks. If you’re watching the game, then you don’t want to be busy shaking up cocktails. This weekend, it’s beer.

How to make a Beer

Ingredients:
1 Can or Bottle of Beer

Directions:
Open your can or bottle of beer and pour into glass. Consume. Repeat.