Page 2 - Beer Guides

We've already taken a peek into Belgium's rich brewing culture, but we simply couldn't ignore the weird and wonderful sour side of Belgian beer. Spoiler alert: there's going to be lots of wild yeast floating around!

Tendrils of fog creep through the dark streets, curling round the ankles of figures in masks and robes as they stomp through flurries of fallen leaves calling out "Trick or treat!" Yes, Halloween is just around the corner, and you can bet that we've got some treats in store for you...

Now a popular and widely available beer style, saisons were originally brewed in little Belgian farmhouse breweries for the seasonal workers (the 'saisonniers') who were hired in to work on the farm during the busy summer season. As the farm workers were entitled to about eight pints of beer a day(!), saisons were brewed to be refreshing, hydrating and not too strong, around 3 - 3.5% ABV. In recent years the strength of a typical saison has shifted upwards, and Saison Dupont, which is widely regarded as the quintessential saison, is 6.5% ABV.

Say it with me: "Belgian beer". A phrase which conjures up thoughts of quality, heritage, and - well, let's be honest - a fairly high ABV! Belgium is well known for its blonds, dubbels and tripels, among others; of course, we already know that the Belgians make a good witbier. Beer is very important in Belgium, and most Belgian breweries have their own custom glasses designed to enhance the aroma and flavour of the beer. Ornate chalices are undoubtedly elegant, but the most eye-catching contender has to be the Kwak glass, which comes balanced in a wooden stand.

Oh Germany, land of beer! Maggie told us all about Oktoberfest yesterday and gave us a recipe for some classic pretzels, so let's carry on with our celebration of German beer. Make sure your trusty stein is full to the brim, and let's dive in...

Here in Britain we have a unique brewing heritage, and I think that it's fair to say that beer is a big part of our national identity. We now have over 1,400 breweries in Britain, which means that we've got more breweries per head of the population than anywhere else in the world! Most of those breweries are brewing ale (top-fermented beer) rather than lager, although these days you can easily find good British lager, especially with the recent interest in hoppy lagers such as Celt House Lager and Weird Beard Faceless Spreadsheet Ninja which have all of the big citrus flavours you'd expect from an IPA alongside the crisp, clean character of a lager.

When you think of British beer, you'll probably think of a foaming pint of amber bitter, although bitter is a notoriously difficult term to define! It originated as a casual name for pale ales, which were hoppier and therefore more bitter in flavour than other common beers such as milds and porters, and covers a broad range of strengths

Now, we all know that beer style choices needn't be entirely weather dependent - a stout is for life, not just for Christmas! - but I must admit that on a hot sunny afternoon, a glass of wheat beer often feels like the only sensible choice. From classic Belgian witbier and German weissbier to unusual modern twists, wheat beer can be a marvellously diverse style to explore.

By going to the pub with the gents or stopping by the off-licence on the way home from work, your Dad's been hinting all year long that he really wants beer for Father's Day. That, as opposed to a new tie or a "this coupon entitles bearer to one free car-wash so long as there isn't something good on the TV or I'm otherwise busy" gift.

Have no fear if you know nothing about beer, this guide will give you some tips on how to pick the perfect beer gift and have you rocketing to the top of the inheritance list amongst your siblings. Besides, he deserves it, doesn't he?

• First thing's first: take a look at what's already in the fridge. This is the no-brainer; buy him more of what he already likes!

• Pay attention to what he drinks at the pub. Often, his favourite cask ale is available in a bottle and lagers almost always are.  If he already

Oh boy--this opens a can of worms. Either this brings about images of massive cleavage on a pump clip or a froo-froo beer cocktail with an orange garnish. Nevertheless, the concept of "lady beers" isn't something that brewers should be embarrassed about.