Beer Offers and Deals

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain, typically malted barley, water, hops and a yeast. The beer-making process involves mashing grains to extract sugars, boiling the mixture with hops to add bitterness and flavour, fermenting with yeast to convert sugars to alcohol, and conditioning to develop final flavour and carbonation. Beers come in many styles and varieties, ranging from pale lager to dark stout, each with their own unique flavour profile and character.

Beer is made through a process called brewing, which involves several key steps:

-Malting: The grains of barley are soaked in water and allowed to germinate, during which the starch is converted into fermentable sugars. In order to stop the germination process, the germinated grains are then dried in a kiln.

To start the germination process, barley grains are soaked in water.

Enzymes in the grain begin to convert starch into fermentable sugars, such as maltose, as the grain germinates.

The germination process is stopped by drying the grains in a kiln. The degree of drying affects the malt's flavour profile, with lighter malts for lagers and darker for ales and stouts.

-Mashing: In a process called mashing, the malted barley is crushed and mixed with hot water. This extracts the sugars from the grains and produces a sugary liquid known as the wort.

The malted barley is then crushed into a coarse powder known as the grist.

The grist is mixed with hot water in a vessel called a mash tun. To activate the enzymes in the malt that convert the starch to sugar, the temperature and duration of the mashing process are carefully controlled.

The resulting liquid, called wort, contains the sugars needed to ferment, along with proteins, vitamins and other compounds that contribute to the character of the beer.

-Boiling: The wort is boiled and hops are added. Hops add bitterness, flavour and aroma to the beer. Boiling also sterilises the wort.

The wort is transferred to a kettle and boiled.

Hops add bitterness to balance the sweetness of the malt, as well as flavour and aroma. These vary according to the hop variety and when it is added.

Boiling also helps to sterilise the wort by killing off unwanted micro-organisms.

-Cooling: After boiling, the wort is quickly cooled down to a temperature that is suitable for the fermentation process.

After boiling, the hot wort is rapidly cooled down to a temperature that is suitable for the fermentation process. This is usually done using a heat exchanger or by circulating cold water around the outside of the kettle.

Rapid cooling helps to prevent off-flavours from developing and ensures that the yeast in the wort is able to thrive.

-Fermentation: Fermentation begins when yeast is added to the cooled wort. Alcohol and carbon dioxide are produced as the yeast consumes the sugars in the wort. This process can take several days to weeks, depending on the type of beer.

Once the wort has cooled, it is transferred to a fermentation vessel, which is often a fermenter or a series of fermenters.

Yeast is added to the wort. Yeast is a micro-organism. It consumes the sugars in the wort and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide as by-products.

Fermentation can take place at different temperatures depending on the type of beer being brewed and the yeast strain used. Ale yeasts ferment at warmer temperatures (approximately 60-75°F or 15-24°C), while lager yeasts ferment at cooler temperatures (approximately 45-55°F or 7-13°C).

-Conditioning: Once the fermentation process is complete, the beer is conditioned to develop its flavour and carbonation. This may be done by tank or cask ageing, and sometimes extra hops or other ingredients are added for extra aroma.

Some beers are then conditioned to further enhance the aromas and clarify the flavour.

This may be done in the same tank used for fermenting (for example, conical fermenters) or in separate conditioning tanks or vats.

During conditioning, the beer may be aged with additional hops (dry hopping) or other flavourings to enhance its flavour and aroma.

-Filtering and packaging: The beer is filtered to remove any remaining solids and then bottled, caned or kegged for distribution and consumption.

After the beer has been conditioned, it is filtered to remove any remaining yeast, proteins or solids that could affect the clarity and stability of the beer.

The filtered beer is then packaged into bottles, cans or kegs using specialised equipment.

Some beers may be further aged or carbonated before packaging, depending on the style of beer and the brewer's preferences.

To achieve the desired beer style, flavour profile and quality, each step of the brewing process requires skill and precision. The final product can be significantly affected by small variations in ingredients, temperatures and fermentation conditions.

A fascinating journey through different cultures and civilisations, the history of beer spans thousands of years. Here is an in-depth look at the history of beer:

Ancient Origins of Beer:

Mesopotamia (around 5,000 BC): Ancient Mesopotamia, in what is now Iraq, has some of the earliest evidence of beer production. Early brewing techniques are credited to the Sumerians who lived in the region. They used a process similar to modern brewing, including mashing, fermentation and filtration, to make beer from barley.

Ancient Egypt (c. 4,000 BC): In ancient Egyptian society, beer was a staple food. It was a staple of the Egyptian diet and was consumed by people of all social classes, from labourers to royalty. The Egyptians brewed beer from barley and emmer wheat. The cultural importance of beer is illustrated by hieroglyphs and artefacts depicting scenes of its production and consumption.

Beer in Antiquity:

Ancient Greece and Rome (c. 2,000 BC - 5th century AD): Although not to the same extent as in Mesopotamia or Egypt, beer was brewed in both Greek and Roman civilisations. The Greeks and Romans often considered beer a barbaric drink, preferring wine. Nevertheless, beer continued to be brewed and consumed, especially in northern regions influenced by Celtic and Germanic traditions.

Medieval Brewing:

Middle Ages (5th - 15th century AD): Brewing, especially in monasteries across Europe, flourished during the Middle Ages. The monks became skilled brewers and refined the techniques used and developed new styles of beer. The monastery brewery was a major contributor to the preservation of brewing knowledge and the development of brewing techniques. It also saw the introduction of hop as a key component, adding flavour and acting as a natural preserving agent.

Brewing in the Renaissance and Early Modern Times:

Renaissance (14th - 17th century AD): With advances in brewing equipment and techniques, brewing continued to develop during the Renaissance. In many European societies, beer was consumed by people of all ages and became an integral part of everyday life.

Industrial Revolution (18th - 19th centuries): Brewing underwent significant changes during the Industrial Revolution. Steam engines and refrigeration revolutionised brewing on a large scale, enabling beer to be produced and distributed more widely. Lager beer, fermented at cooler temperatures, became popular during this period.

Modern Brewing and Globalisation:

20th century: The 20th century brought further brewing innovations like pasteurising, improving the quality and durability of beer. Beer in cans also became popular, making beer more accessible to the consumer. The globalisation of beer was aided by the rise of multinational breweries and mass production.

Craft Beer Revolution and Contemporary Beer Trends:

Late 20th Century to Present: The second half of the 20th century saw a resurgence of interest in craft beer. Small breweries with a focus on quality, traditional brewing methods and unique flavours became increasingly popular. A diverse and dynamic beer market emerged as craft brewers experimented with ingredients, styles and brewing techniques.

Today, with a rich history that continues to influence brewing practices and industry innovations, beer remains a popular beverage enjoyed around the world.

There are many types and styles of beer, each with its own unique flavour, aroma, colour and brewing method. Here's an overview of some of the most common types of beer:

Lager:

Pale Lager: Pale in colour, light, crisp and refreshing. Examples include Pilsner, Helles and American Light Lager.

Amber Lager: Medium amber in colour, malty and slightly sweet. Examples include Vienna Lager and Märzen (Oktoberfest).

Dark Lager: Rich and malty in flavour, with aromas of caramel and chocolate. Examples include Dunkel, Schwarzbier and Baltic Porter.

Ale:

Pale Ale: Balanced in bitterness with a fruity or floral hop flavour. Examples include American Pale Ale (APA) and English Bitter.

India Pale Ale (IPA): Hop-forward with a pronounced bitterness and a citrus, pine or tropical fruit flavour. Derivatives include American IPA, English IPA and Double IPA (DIPA).

Brown Ale: Malty with notes of caramel, nuts and toffee. Examples include American Brown Ale and English Brown Ale.

Porter: Dark and roasty, with notes of coffee, chocolate and caramel. Examples include Robust Porter and Baltic Porter.

Stout: Rich and full-bodied, with aromas of roasted malt and hints of dark chocolate and coffee. Subtypes include Dry Stout, Oatmeal Stout and Imperial Stout.

Wheat Beer:

Witbier: Light and refreshing Belgian-style wheat beer brewed with coriander and orange peel.

Hefeweizen: German-style wheat beer with banana and clove aromas, often cloudy due to yeast.

American Wheat Beer: Similar to the Hefeweizen, but with a cleaner yeast profile and sometimes more hoppy in flavour.

Sour and Wild Ales:

Berliner Weisse: A German sour wheat beer that is tart and often served with a fruit syrup.

Gose: Brewed with coriander and salt, sour and slightly salty.

Lambic: A Belgian-style sour ale that is fermented with wild yeast and bacteria, and is often fruity and complex.

Flanders Red Ale: A sour ale aged in oak barrels, with aromas of cherry and red wine.

Belgian Ales:

Belgian Blonde Ale: Light and fruity with the character of the Belgian yeast.

Belgian Dubbel: Malty and rich, with aromas of dark fruits and caramel.

Belgian Tripel: Strong and complex, with a spicy yeast character and a high alcohol content.

Belgian Quadrupel: Dark, rich and full of dark fruits, caramelised and spiced.

Strong Ales:

Barley Wine: Often aged for complexity, this is a strong, high-alcohol ale.

Old Ale: Malty and rich, with flavours of dried fruit and toffee.

Imperial / Double / Strong Ale: Generally high in alcohol and rich in flavour, with various sub-types such as Imperial IPA and Imperial Stout.

Speciality Beers:

Fruit Beer: Brewed with the addition of fruit to add extra flavour and aroma.

Spice/Herb/Vegetable (SHV) Beer: Brewed with spices, herbs or vegetables to create unique flavours.

Smoked: Brewed with smoked malt for a smoky flavour, often associated with German Rauchbier.

Showcasing the diversity and creativity of the brewing world, these are just some of the many types and styles of beer available. Making beer exploration an exciting journey for beer lovers, each type offers a different experience.

Beer selection can be an enjoyable experience, especially with the wide variety of styles and flavours available. Here are a few tips to help you choose the beer that is right for you and your tastes:

Know your preferences:

Think about the flavours that you enjoy in other types of food and drink. Do you like citrusy flavours, rich and malty profiles, hoppy bitterness or fruity aromas?
Use this as a guide and think about the types of beer you've enjoyed in the past. You might want to explore other hop-forward beers if you liked a particular IPA, for example.

Consider the occasion:

Looking for a refreshing beer for a hot day, a hearty brew for a cosy evening or something to accompany a particular meal?

Lighter beers like lagers and ales are great for casual drinking. Stouts and porters are often enjoyed with dessert or after dinner.

Explore beer styles:

Try to familiarise yourself with the different styles of beer and their characteristics. This will help you narrow down your choices based on flavour profiles.

To discover new favourites, try tasting beers of different styles. Many breweries offer mixed packs or flights that allow you to try a range of beers.

Read labels and descriptions:

Pay attention to how the beer's labelled and described. This often tells you about the ingredients used to make the beer, and how it tastes and smells.

Look for key words that indicate the style of beer, such as "IPA", "Stout", "Pils", "Wheat", etc. This will give you an idea of what to expect.

Ask for recommendations:

Ask friends, bartenders or knowledgeable staff in beer shops and breweries for recommendations.

Tell them what tastes or qualities you're looking for and they may be able to suggest beers that meet your tastes.

Consider food pairing:

Think about food pairing if you're planning to drink beer with food. Lighter beers like lager and light ales are good for seafood and salads, while darker beers are good for grilled meat and rich dishes.

Look for suggestions or ask for recommendations based on your menu, as some beers are brewed specifically to go with certain foods.

Experiment and have fun:

Beer tasting is an adventure. Don't be afraid to try new things and explore different styles.

To expand your palate and discover new favourites, keep an open mind and be willing to try a variety of beers.

You can choose beers that suit your taste and enhance your enjoyment of beer drinking by considering your preferences, exploring different styles and asking for recommendations.

Yes, at Organica Food & Wine, an online alcoholic beverages and beer shop, you can order beer online and get beer delivered to your door. Our range includes a selection of high quality beers from a variety of breweries, including craft beers, lagers, ales, stouts and special beers. Browse our beer collection, read descriptions and reviews, and place order of beer home delivery on our online platform.

In order to order beer online from Organica Food & Wine, your online beer shop, please follow these simple steps:

Visit us on the web:

The first step is a visit to our website, where you can browse our collection of beers and other beverages.

Browse through our selection of beers:

To browse our diverse range of beers, navigate to the beer section of our website. You'll find a variety of styles including lagers, ales, stouts, IPAs and speciality beers.

View product details:

To view detailed product information, click on the beers you're interested in. This includes beer descriptions, tasting notes, alcohol content, brewing details, beer prices and beer offers and deals.

Add to basket:

Once you've decided which beers you'd like to order, add them to your basket by clicking the "Add to Basket" button.

Check Your Cart:

Once you have added beers to your cart, check your order. Make sure you have the correct items and quantities. Don’t forget to check beer prices!

Proceed to Checkout:

To proceed to the checkout page, click on the shopping basket icon or the "Checkout" button.

Enter delivery details:

Enter your delivery address for your order of beer delivery, contact details and any special delivery instructions you may have.

Pay:

Use your preferred payment method to securely complete the payment process. We accept all major credit cards, debit cards and other secure payment options.

Place your beer order:

Place your order once payment has been confirmed. You will receive an order confirmation by email, confirming the details of your purchase and delivery schedule.

Track your order:

Track the status of your order online to keep abreast of its progress and estimated delivery time.

Receive your beer:

Sit back and relax while we prepare and deliver your beer order to the address you specify. Our delivery service ensures that your beers arrive safely and in excellent condition.

Here are some guidelines for the correct storage of beer and the preservation of its quality:

Temperature:

Beer should be stored at a constant cool temperature, ideally between 45°F (7°C) and 55°F (13°C). Fluctuations in temperature should be avoided as they can affect the flavour and stability of the beer.

Higher-alcohol beers such as strong ales and stouts can be stored at slightly warmer temperatures (50°F-55°F or 10°C-13°C), while lighter beers such as lagers and pale ales are best stored cooler.

Light:

Keep beer out of direct sunlight and away from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. Store beer in a dark or shaded area, such as a cellar, pantry or refrigerator, as exposure to light can cause chemical reactions in the beer, resulting in off-flavours and a "skunky" aroma.

Position:

Store beer bottles upright to minimise contact between the beer and the bottle top. This will help to prevent potential oxidation and off-flavours. If you're storing beer in cans, position them in an upright position to maintain their freshness and prevent damage to the can seal.

Humidity:

Maintain a moderate level of humidity in the storage area. Excessive humidity can cause mould to grow on labels and packaging. Avoid storing beer in high humidity or damp areas, such as flooded or damp basements.

Ventilation:

Ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the storage area to prevent stale or musty odours from affecting the beer. Avoid storing beer in close proximity to strong smelling items or chemicals that may affect the aroma of the beer.

Shelf life:

Different types of beer have different shelf lives. In general, hop-forward beers such as IPAs are best consumed fresh to enjoy their vibrant hop aromas and flavours, while strong ales, stouts and barrel-aged beers can benefit from ageing if stored properly. Check the recommended aging guidelines for specific beers, as some will improve with time, while others are best enjoyed fresh.

Refrigeration:

Refrigerate beer to maintain freshness and flavour for short-term storage (weeks to a few months). Most beers, especially hoppy styles, are best served and stored cold, but for long term storage you should consider a dedicated beer fridge or cellar with controlled temperature and humidity settings.

Glassware:

To enhance the drinking experience, use clean and appropriate glassware when serving beer. Different types of beer may require specific types of glassware to enhance their aromas and flavours. By following these beer storage tips, you can maintain the quality and flavour of your beer, whether it's for short-term enjoyment or long-term storage. Here's to storing beer the right way!