Image courtesy of stlbeerweek.com
St. Louis has always been a leader in the world of beer, but in the past few years, the craft beer scene in particular has exploded. Many restaurants are incorporating craft beers into their selections, and places specializing in craft beers are popping up everywhere.
Although many drinking establishments are well-versed when it comes to serving craft beer, many home cooks underestimate the significance of communicating the ABV percentage to their guests and serving craft beer in appropriate glassware.
Understanding craft beer is more than knowing about hops or filtering processes. The “Alcohol by Volume” (ABV) level is not standardized with craft beer, and the contents vary greatly. For a typical, non-craft, 5 percent ABV beer, a standard size for one drink is 12 ounces. For a craft beer that is higher in alcohol, one drink can range anywhere from 6 to 10 ounces. For more information on the exact equivalency levels, you can check here.
If you are serving craft beer at a party, create your own chalk or paper menu like you see in many restaurants, informing your guests of the ABV on each beer, and offer appropriate glassware. (Check out this handy guide to beer glasses.) You will have the opportunity to demonstrate the beer expertise and awareness expected from a St. Louisan.
