Your Comments, Criticisms and Contributions - October 2006
Stephen,
I'm a wine enthusiast and I've decided to explore the world of beer. I'd like to approach beer similar to wine with varietals, regions, and styles. Does this work? Can beer be reorganized as varietals instead of as lagers and stouts?
Thank you.
- Marc
A wine-based approach to beer will only get you so far, I'm afraid. True, there are two basic starting points, ale and lager, just like there's red and white, but beer style does not really parallel wine varietals in that there are only general taste guidelines, rather than ingredient specifics. An IPA, for example, can be anything from a seriously bitter, moderately strong blonde ale to a darker, milder and highly fruity brew.
Is Bahia beer and Baja beer the same beer with different packaging? Both have the marlin fish on the label. Both come from Guatemala.
- John
I forwarded your question to Greg Skaggs, the importer of both beers, and received the following in reply:
The quick answer is that; Bahia and Baja Beers are different formulas, separate brands and different labels. Sometimes the confusion is that both beers have Oval ACL labels.
Now the longer version; Bahia is the brand with the Marlin on the label. It has been brewed continuously for 6-years. ABV=4.0%. It is a formula that was created with the direct supervision of the Master Brewer who is a German who immigrated to Guatemala some 20+ years ago. The goal was to formulate a beer with a light taste but with body and a satisfying finish with low bitterness.
Baja is a proven formula used for over 100 years. The Baja label has a stylized name (branding) and a Palm Tree. Baja is brewed with imported European and American Hops and barley malt. Alcohol by volume is on average 4.5%, low to mid bitterness scale golden amber color and semi dense head.
Greg attached label graphics for both beers and I can easily see the confusion they might create.
Great site! I'm wondering if any records exist for the beer recipe supposedly used by Martin Luther's wife, Catherine von Bora. I've looked around online, but found few clues. Thanks for any help or thoughts!
- Dr. Brian Kay
I've got to admit that the good doctor's question has me stumped. Any thoughts or info out there, dear readers?
I wanted to congratulate World of Beer for an informative and entertaining decade. I have only been reading your articles on the net for a year and a bit but needed to let you know how important you are to us beer lovers.
Keep up the good, I mean, great work.
- A Fan
Thanks very much. Hard to believe it's been ten years already!
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