Changes

The earliest written records of hop cultivation come from 8th and 9th century A.D. from the Hallertau district in [[Germany]], now famous for their Hallertau Mittelfruh hop variety.  The earliest actual brewing records explicitly noting the addition of hops come from 14th century Germany.

The earliest written records of hop cultivation come from 8th and 9th century A.D. from the Hallertau district in [[Germany]], now famous for their Hallertau Mittelfruh hop variety.  The earliest actual brewing records explicitly noting the addition of hops come from 14th century Germany.

Although there are [[microorganisms]] that can spoil beer, such as [[lactobacillus]], there are no known human [[pathogens]] than can live in beer. This is commonly thought to be due to the alcohol in the beer, however it is actually due to the [[pH]]; typically in the range of 4.0 to 4.4. <ref>[http://www2.parc.com/emdl/members/apte/text.pdf Matadero Creek Brewery]</ref> <ref>[http://mi.water.usgs.gov/h2oqual/GWBactHOWeb.html U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey]</ref>

Although there are [[microorganisms]] that can spoil beer, such as [[lactobacillus]], there are no known human [[pathogens]] than can live in beer. This is commonly thought to be due to the alcohol in the beer, however it is actually due to the [[pH]]; typically in the range of 4.0 to 4.4.<ref>[http://www2.parc.com/emdl/members/apte/text.pdf Matadero Creek Brewery]</ref><ref>[http://mi.water.usgs.gov/h2oqual/GWBactHOWeb.html U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey]</ref>

==Categories==

==Categories==

Lagers are cold [[fermentation|fermented]] with the [[Saccharomyces pastorianus]] variety of [[yeast]], typically between 46 and 56 F.  Complete fermentation of lager beers takes from six weeks to nine months.  This brewing technique originated in [[Germany]],  where the word ‘lagern’ literally means "to store".  Common styles of lager beer are Pilsner and Bock. Most beers brewed by the major American breweries are lagers.

Lagers are cold [[fermentation|fermented]] with the [[Saccharomyces pastorianus]] variety of [[yeast]], typically between 46 and 56 F.  Complete fermentation of lager beers takes from six weeks to nine months.  This brewing technique originated in [[Germany]],  where the word ‘lagern’ literally means "to store".  Common styles of lager beer are Pilsner and Bock. Most beers brewed by the major American breweries are lagers.

Ales are fermented with the ‘S. cerevisiae’ variety of yeast, at temperatures higher than lagers, typically between 55 and 75 F.  The higher fermentation temperature of ales tends to produce beers with a more complex, fruity [[flavor]], usually derived from [[ester|esters]] produced by the yeast during fermentation.  Common varieties of ales include Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, and Brown Ale.

Ales are fermented with the ‘S. cerevisiae’ variety of yeast, at temperatures higher than lagers, typically between 55 and 75 F.  The higher fermentation temperature of ales tends to produce beers with a more complex, fruity [[flavor]], usually derived from [[ester]]s produced by the yeast during fermentation.  Common varieties of ales include Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, and Brown Ale.

Stouts are made with roasted malts and grains and top fermenting yeast.

Stouts are made with roasted malts and grains and top fermenting yeast.

Barley wine is a strong variety of beer as a result of the large quantity of malt used during fermentation. They are distinguished by their relatively long maturation periods, giving them a richness and variety of flavors. It is thought that the name "barley wine" was given in an attempt to give them equal standing in the drinks market with [[wine]] as it is conventionally known.

Barley wine is a strong variety of beer as a result of the large quantity of malt used during fermentation. They are distinguished by their relatively long maturation periods, giving them a richness and variety of flavors. It is thought that the name "barley wine" was given in an attempt to give them equal standing in the drinks market with [[wine]] as it is conventionally known.

===Bitter===  

===Bitter===

Bitters are light beers so-called because of the sharp flavor given heavier use of hops. Bitters are traditionally associated with British pub culture, although American varieties such as ''Goose Island Honkers Ale'' are available.

Bitters are light beers so-called because of the sharp flavor given heavier use of hops. Bitters are traditionally associated with British pub culture, although American varieties such as ''Goose Island Honkers Ale'' are available.

Beer was a staple on the Mayflower and colonists began home brewing early. Even Harvard College had its own brew house. Having greater stability in processing and storage, rum and whiskey soon became more common. With the coming of lager in 1842, however, new interest in brewing - by people with such names as Schaefer, Schmidt, Best, Pabst, Anheuser, Miller, and Busch - revitalized the popularity of beer. Milwaukee's supply of natural ice made it a prime location for the brewing industry, and by the 1870s beer had become America's drink of choice. Anti-German feelings combined with opposition to alcohol led to Prohibition. After an interlude in the 1920s when [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]] closed the breweries, they reopened in 1933. By World War II beer was no longer seen as "German" and was readily available to troops who continued to drink it when they returned to the United States.   

Beer was a staple on the Mayflower and colonists began home brewing early. Even Harvard College had its own brew house. Having greater stability in processing and storage, rum and whiskey soon became more common. With the coming of lager in 1842, however, new interest in brewing - by people with such names as Schaefer, Schmidt, Best, Pabst, Anheuser, Miller, and Busch - revitalized the popularity of beer. Milwaukee's supply of natural ice made it a prime location for the brewing industry, and by the 1870s beer had become America's drink of choice. Anti-German feelings combined with opposition to alcohol led to Prohibition. After an interlude in the 1920s when [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]] closed the breweries, they reopened in 1933. By World War II beer was no longer seen as "German" and was readily available to troops who continued to drink it when they returned to the United States.   

Major league baseball featured beer in its refreshment offerings and the working class found beer, baseball, and the saloon "places" of refuge and camaraderie. Since that time, beer has remained America's alcoholic drink of choice because of its appeal to the working class.<ref> Rudin (2002)</ref>

Major league baseball featured beer in its refreshment offerings and the working class found beer, baseball, and the saloon "places" of refuge and camaraderie. Since that time, beer has remained America's alcoholic drink of choice because of its appeal to the working class.<ref>Rudin (2002)</ref>

==References==

==References==

{{reflist}}

{{reflist}}

==External Links==

==External links==

*[http://www.coopsmaps.com/beer/hops.html Coops Maps - A short history of hops]

*[http://www.coopsmaps.com/beer/hops.html Coops Maps - A short history of hops]

*[http://www.alabev.com/history.htm A short history of beer]

*[http://www.alabev.com/history.htm A short history of beer]