Beer has been around for thousands of years, so it’s no wonder a few myths have bubbled up along the way. From how it’s made to how it should be enjoyed, there’s no shortage of strange (and hilariously wrong) ideas about beer. At PIG BEER, we’re here to set the record straight. So, grab a pint and get ready to have your misconceptions unmasked.
Myth 1: “Dark Beers Are Stronger”
Let’s kick things off with one of the most common myths out there: “Dark beers are stronger than light beers.” It’s easy to see why people might think this. Dark beers, with their deep, rich colours and robust flavours, feel like they should pack more of a punch. But here’s the truth: the colour of a beer has nothing to do with its strength.
The colour comes from the type of malt used during brewing. Dark beers like stouts and porters use roasted malts, which give them their chocolatey or coffee-like flavours but don’t necessarily increase the alcohol content. In fact, some dark beers have a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) than many golden ales or IPAs.
Truth Bomb: Just because a beer looks like a heavyweight doesn’t mean it’ll knock you out. If you’re unsure, check the ABV on the label—it’s the only way to know for sure.
Myth 2: “Beer Should Always Be Served Ice Cold”
Picture this: a frosty pint glass straight out of the freezer, beads of condensation glistening in the summer sun. Looks refreshing, right? But here’s the thing—serving beer ice cold can actually mute its flavours.
While a chilled lager or pilsner is perfect for a hot day, many craft beers are best served at slightly warmer temperatures to let their flavours shine. Dark beers like stouts or porters, for example, should be enjoyed closer to room temperature (around 10–13°C) to fully appreciate their complexity.
Truth Bomb: Cold beer is refreshing, but if you want to truly taste what the brewer intended, check the recommended serving temperature. Your taste buds will thank you.
Myth 3: “Canned Beer Tastes Worse Than Bottled Beer”
There’s a lingering belief that beer from a can doesn’t taste as good as beer from a bottle. Some people even claim they can “taste the metal” from the can. But modern cans are lined with a special coating that prevents any contact between the beer and the metal, making this myth completely outdated.
In fact, cans are better at preserving beer’s freshness because they’re airtight and block out light, which can cause beer to develop off-flavours. So, next time you’re debating between a can and a bottle, don’t let this myth influence your choice.
Truth Bomb: Cans aren’t the enemy—they’re beer’s best friend when it comes to keeping it fresh and flavourful.
Myth 4: “Adding Salt to Beer Improves the Taste”
This old wives’ tale probably came from a time when beer wasn’t as consistently brewed as it is today. Back then, adding a pinch of salt might have helped mask off-flavours. But in modern brewing, the quality of beer has improved dramatically, and adding salt is entirely unnecessary.
That said, there are some niche beer styles, like gose, that are brewed with salt as part of their flavour profile. But unless you’re drinking one of those, let’s leave the salt for your chips.
Truth Bomb: If your beer needs salt, it’s probably not a very good beer to begin with.
Myth 5: “Beer Can’t Be Paired with Fancy Food”
For some reason, beer has always been seen as wine’s less sophisticated sibling. But the truth is, beer can hold its own at any dinner table. In fact, its wide range of flavours makes it incredibly versatile for pairing with food.
Take PIG BEER’s CHERY, for example. Its fruity notes pair beautifully with BBQ ribs or a tangy dessert. Or our BLAK, which complements rich chocolate dishes like a dream. Forget the wine snobbery—beer pairings are where it’s at.
Truth Bomb: Beer is just as refined as wine when it comes to food pairings, and it’s way more fun to experiment with.
Myth 6: “Beer Is Bad for You”
Sure, too much beer isn’t great for your waistline, but moderate beer consumption has been linked to some surprising health benefits. Beer contains antioxidants, B vitamins, and even fibre (yes, you read that right). Studies have shown that a pint now and then could actually contribute to heart health.
Of course, the key here is moderation—nobody’s saying you should replace your morning smoothie with a stout (as tempting as that might be).
Truth Bomb: Beer, in moderation, can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Just don’t tell your doctor we said that.
Myth 7: “Beer Is Just for Men”
It’s 2024, and this myth should have been retired long ago. Beer is for everyone, regardless of gender. Craft breweries, including PIG BEER, celebrate diversity and cater to all beer lovers.
In fact, many historical brewing traditions were led by women, who were often the primary brewers in households. So, let’s leave this outdated stereotype in the past where it belongs.
Truth Bomb: Beer doesn’t discriminate—why should we?
Myth 8: “The Froth Is a Waste of Space”
How many times have you heard someone complain about a foamy pint? But the froth, or “head,” on a beer isn’t just for show—it’s an essential part of the experience. The head helps release the beer’s aromas, enhances its texture, and protects it from oxygen, which can cause it to go flat.
So, next time you see a frothy pint, don’t complain—it’s exactly how it should be.
Truth Bomb: The froth is your beer’s crown. Wear it proudly.
Myth 9: “Beer Is Just Barley and Water”
While barley and water are essential ingredients, beer is so much more than that. Craft beers, like those from PIG BEER, often feature unique hops, adjuncts (like fruit or spices), and specialised yeasts that create complex flavours and aromas.
For example, our CLOUD 9 IPA boasts vibrant citrus notes thanks to the carefully selected hops, while BLAK gets its rich flavour from roasted malts. Every ingredient has a role to play, and each brew is a labour of love.
Truth Bomb: Beer is a symphony of flavours, and every ingredient adds its own note.
Myth 10: “Beer Can Be Good for Your Hair”
This one is partially true. Beer contains proteins and vitamins that can strengthen hair, and it’s been used in DIY beauty treatments for decades. However, rinsing your hair with beer might leave you smelling like a brewery, and it’s definitely not a substitute for actual shampoo.
If you want to give it a try, go ahead—but we’d rather you drink your pint than pour it over your head.
Truth Bomb: Yes, beer can benefit your hair, but no, it’s not a miracle product.
Time to Try Something New
Now that we’ve busted some of the weirdest beer myths, why not put your newfound knowledge to the test? At PIG BEER, we pride ourselves on crafting unique, flavourful beers that challenge expectations and delight the senses.
From our bold IPAs to our rich stouts, there’s a PIG BEER brew for everyone. So, whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or just starting your craft beer journey, we invite you to visit us in the New Forest or explore our range online.
Cheers to good beer and even better conversations. 🍻
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