Thailand for Beer Drinkers

Even though there are lots of disputes on how to slake you thirst on hot days, for many years people in different countries with a single heart have been showing preference for beer. But one shouldn’t think that good beer is prepared in Germany and Czech Republic only – good sorts of this drink can be found everywhere, including the exotic country of Thailand.

The first Siamese beer was brewed in 1933, and even though Thai sorts (mainly lager beer) faced cruel international competition, they occupied their own niche in regional and international markets alike. In modern Thailand beer is the most popular, almost a cult drink. Good proof for this can be found almost in every country’s spot, especially in large cities, like the country’s capital – Bangkok, where citizens drink beer almost without a break, sitting on open terraces in front of shopping malls or right on the move when they are in a hurry. Till recently, beer was sold only in 0,66-litre bottles. As for the 0,33 bottles, they appeared here only to please tourists. Local cuisine promotes the popularity of beer in Thailand – dishes are very spicy and pungent and it is next to impossible to wash them down with wine.

What can a tourist expect from local diversity of beer? The oldest Thai brand which is well-known abroad is called "Singha", translated as “Lion” and created by the “Boon Rawd” brewery. Three types of beer (Singha (6%), Singha Gold (4,8%) and Singha Draft (4,8%) are produced of Thai barley. The high quality of this beer is due to the fact that Bhirom Bhakdi, the company’s founder, was taught by Bavarian brewers. According to the producers, they named their beer after the mythic lion from ancient legends, which was the symbol of force, stability and grace. The golden lion adorning every bottle stresses the fact that "Singha" is the king of the Thai beer. This is actually the case, as many experts call it one of the best Asian beer brands. In its homeland it got so popular that when you order a beer and don’t specify which one you want, they will definitely bring you "Singha".

Some years ago another beer brand - "Chang", or "Elephant" appeared in Thailand, which could easily compete with "Singha". This beer has been produced by "Thai Beverages" from 1994. The name is also not a random one – in Thai history elephant is a mystical figure. "Chang" got known in many world countries after it became the sponsor for Everton football team from Liverpool. Chang is a lager beer, which is produced in two variants - 6,4% for regional market and 5% as an export variant.

Besides "Singha", "Boon Rawd" brewery also produces beer called “Leo” (5,5%) Leo Super (6,5%) and Mittweida (5%). Its rival, Thai Beverages, supplies the market with Archa (5,4%) lager beer.

Another famous Thai brand is called “Phuket” and is brewed in the Phuket province in the country’s south. Tropical Beverage International developed this brand for those in love with magical Phuket island and with beer. This is a bit sweetish 5% beer which has a colourful toucan bird on its label. In 2006 this brand got the “Monde Selection” Gold Medal.

Those who are fond of “knock-down” can try "Red Horse" (6,9%) produced by the "San Miguel" brewery. This is one of the strongest types of Thai beer and the company itself calls it “beer for the workmen”. “Blue Ice” (6,4%) is also produced by this company but is a bit less strong.

As for the less known brands, those are mainly produced in the country’s centre. "Siam" (5%), "Champ" (5,8%), Klassik (5,5%), "Thai" (6,5%), "Black Beer" (6,5%) and "Kloster" (5,2%) are brewed in Pathum Thani Province; "Asia Pacific Breweries" from Nonthaburi Province produces 5 % strong "Tiger" beer.

As you can see, there are lots of sorts of beer in Thailand. And if you don’t like local beer, you can always find imported one in Thai shops. Some European restaurants even have their own breweries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tatyana_Kogut

The Many Types Of Beer To Choose From

So what do the pharaohs of ancient Egypt and modern-day fanatical football fans have in common? Why, they all love to drink beer of course!

Beer is the oldest recorded alcoholic beverage in history, with origins dating back to ancient times, even as far back as ancient Egypt. Beer has been the drink of choice of many people, for a very long time.

So what exactly is beer and how is it made? Beer is basically an alcoholic beverage made from fermented starches. It main ingredients consist of water, malted barley (or other starch sources like wheat, cassava, etc.), hops, and yeast. They are then fermented through a process called brewing. After brewing the beer is ready to be consumed, though further processes like aging and carbonation can be practiced to improve the taste and quality.

Throughout the years, many different types of beer have been created around the world. These types of beers can vary in things like flavor, color and aroma. Various different cultures have invented their own distinct take on this famous beverage.

Beer is generally classified into two types or styles based on the yeast used for fermentation. These two types are ales, which uses top-fermenting yeast, and lagers which are brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast. These yeast give the beer their own unique characteristics, which can affect how the beer looks and tastes.

Ales along with using top-fermenting yeast, are fermented at a warmer temperature than lagers. They're fermented at about 15 to 23°C, 60 to 75°F and usually take a shorter amount of time to ferment. Ales tend to have a stronger more pronounced taste as well as a fuller body. Ales can also have a somewhat nutty or fruity taste that are the result of the warmer fermentation temperatures.

Some common varieties of ales include:

Pale ale - Pales ales are ales that use pale malts, usually barley. They all tend to have similar characteristics, such as a strong hop taste and low to medium malt levels, though many countries have their own versions of pale ale like the English Bitter, Saison, and India Pale Ale each with their own slight variations.

Porter- A porter is a dark ale ranging from dark brown to black in color. It was originally created in the 1700's in Britain. A combination of three different kinds of ale, it was very popular among the porters of old London, hence the name. It was made from roasted malt barley giving it a rich aroma and full body.

Stout- Stout is a dark ale derived from porter. Like a porter it has a very dark coloring. This results from roasting the malted barley, used for brewing, until black. Irish dry stout like Guinness or Murphy's are known for their bitter, roasted taste. The ale's black color topped with distinctive creamy head gives it it's nickname the "priest's collar" and goes well with oysters.

The other type of beer are lagers. The word lager is derived from a German word "lagern". "Lagern" translated means "to store" and alludes to a time when brewers used to store beer in caves to ferment in cooler temperature.

Lagers are made with bottom-fermenting yeast at temperatures ranging from 8 to15 degrees C or 46 to 59 degrees F. At these cooler temperatures, the beer will generally take a longer time to ferment. Lagers are known generally be lighter in color than ales. They also have a distinctively clean and crisp taste that makes them very popular to the masses. They also tend to have a lower alcohol content than ales and are best served cold.

Some beers categorized as lagers are:

Pilsner- Considered the most popular type of beer in the world. Pilsners are generally light yellow to golden in color and usually well balanced in flavor, with a clean, crisp taste.

American style lagers- The common, mass produced type of beer in America is a type of pilsen. Light in color and flavor, it is also high in carbonation.

Bock- Bock is a dark lager originating from Germany. It's high in alcohol and malt making it a strong, full-bodied beer.

There are many more kinds of beers, each with their own distinct style and taste. There are enough choices to satisfy just about anyone's taste.

Beer has been around since even before people could write! With so many kinds of beer to choice from, and even more being invented all the time, there is no doubt that beer will be here to stay.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

Beer & Bar Jokes (2)

An Irishman, Englishman and Scottsman go into a pub and each order a pint of Guinness. Just as the bartender hands them over, three flies buzz down and one lands in each of the pints.

The Englishman looks disgusted, pushes his pint away and demands another pint.

The Scottsman picks out the fly, shrugs, and takes a long swallow.

The Irishman reaches in to the glass, pinches the fly between his fingers and shakes him while yelling, "Spit it out, ya bastard! Spit it out!"

Two gents were getting philosophical during happy hour at their local bar. One asks the other what he would do if he was told he had only six months to live.

"I'd move in with my mother-in-law," said the friend.

"Why would you want to do that?"

"Because it would be the longest six months of my life."

A man walks into a bar, looks around, then heads straight to a booth in the corner where there sits the only other customer in the bar. "May I buy you a drink?" he asks.

"Of course! Sit down" the man answers. They order and begin drinking.

The first man says "I couldn't help noticin' your accent? Where are ye from?"

"Ireland," the other customer replies.

"Well, I'll be! I'm from Ireland too! Let's drink to that!" And they both drink.

Then the man asks, "Where in Ireland, if I might ask?"

"Dublin," the other man responds.

"Begorrah!" the first man exclaims. "I'm from Dublin myself! Let's drink to that!" And they both drink.

"Now you've got me curiosity up," the first man says. "Where did you go to high school?"

"St. Mary's," the second man said. "I graduated in '62."

"That's incredible! I graduated from St. Mary's in '62 as well! Let's drink to that!" And they both drink.

Another customer walks into the bar, heads to the counter and asks the bartender, "What's up, Bob?"

"Not much," the bartender replies. "Except that the O'Riley twins are drunk again."

Brenda O'Malley is home making dinner, when Tim Finnegan arrives at her door. "Brenda, may I come in?" he asks. "I've somethin' to tell ya."

"Of course you can come in, you're always welcome, Tim. But where's my husband?"

"That's what I'm here to be tellin' ya, Brenda. There was an accident down at the brewery..."

"Oh, God no!" cries Brenda. "Please don't tell me..."

"I must, Brenda. Your husband Mick is dead and gone. I'm sorry."

Brenda reached a hand out to her side, found the arm of the rocking chair by the fireplace, pulled the chair to her and collapsed into it. She wept for many minutes. Finally she looked up at Tim. "How did it happen, Tim?"

"It was terrible, Brenda. He fell into a vat of stout and drowned."

"Oh my dear Jesus! But you must tell me true, Tim. Did he at least go quickly?"

"Well, no Brenda ... no."

"No?"

"Fact is, he got out three times to pee."

also see: The Humor System