13 thoughts on “What’s wrong with this statement?”
The lack of the adjective “strong” before “beer”?
I think its right either strong or weak. That being said, ‘mellows’ doesn’t mean better. I had a 1985 JW Lees harvest ale last year that was very mellow…and crappy.
But it is also wrong because many strong ales go sour – some well and some dreadfully.
I wonder if this is a difference between American and European beers? European beers, as Kristen said, do mellow with age. Of course, if you let it “mellow” too much or not enough, the result may be no better than the fresh beer. But there is nothing wrong with the statement if the only criterion is mellowing.
Punctuation. They intended to have a question mark at the end, not a period. Simple mistake the editors let slip through (I’m certain).
Michael Jackson has been quoted as saying, “If you see a beer, do it a favour, and drink it. Beer was not meant to age.”
Not all beer will mellow with age, just like not all wine will…
If Michael Jackson said that, he was completely wrong. The best beer I have ever drunk was a 30 year old Rochefort 10.
I’m trying to say out of this conversation. I find the comment educational.
But I do ask that everybody remain civil (so far that’s certainly the case).
And, Rick, thanks for making me smile.
I am more focused on the citation source itself. Outside magazine? “America’s leading active-lifestyle and adventure-travel magazine dedicated to covering the people, activities, gear, art, and politics of …”
Isn’t that like reading, “According to BeerAdvocate magazine, Seattle’s best day-hike is Comet Falls..” or “Wine Connoisseur ranked the Scrambler as the best entry-level ocean kayak…” ??
Lifestyles, Ryan, lifestyles.
it’s such a blanket statement. i could find plenty wines that become acrid or intense with age, same with beer, or way beyond mellow and just dull and lifeless. if the quote was “like some wines, certain beers melow with age,” i’d have no problem with it.
what was the context of statement?
I’m afraid that context might spoil the fun, Brooks.
I was struck by the statement because it gives you the impression wine and beer improve with age. In fact, most wine is best when it is released and an even higher percentage of beer begins to do downhill from the moment it leaves the brewery.
But the context: Outside includes “Brew Your Own” on its Life List. The author made a red chili chocolate porter from a kit. He concludes, “If that first batch puckers your lips, set it aside for a few weeks. Like wine, beer mellows with age.”
My experience with chile beers is that chile aroma and flavor will fade with time, but the heat won’t. It won’t be more mellow and it won’t be better.
I think the statement goes wrong at “Like wine”. Beer is not wine.
The lack of the adjective “strong” before “beer”?
I think its right either strong or weak. That being said, ‘mellows’ doesn’t mean better. I had a 1985 JW Lees harvest ale last year that was very mellow…and crappy.
But it is also wrong because many strong ales go sour – some well and some dreadfully.
I wonder if this is a difference between American and European beers? European beers, as Kristen said, do mellow with age. Of course, if you let it “mellow” too much or not enough, the result may be no better than the fresh beer. But there is nothing wrong with the statement if the only criterion is mellowing.
Punctuation. They intended to have a question mark at the end, not a period. Simple mistake the editors let slip through (I’m certain).
Michael Jackson has been quoted as saying, “If you see a beer, do it a favour, and drink it. Beer was not meant to age.”
Not all beer will mellow with age, just like not all wine will…
If Michael Jackson said that, he was completely wrong. The best beer I have ever drunk was a 30 year old Rochefort 10.
I’m trying to say out of this conversation. I find the comment educational.
But I do ask that everybody remain civil (so far that’s certainly the case).
And, Rick, thanks for making me smile.
I am more focused on the citation source itself. Outside magazine? “America’s leading active-lifestyle and adventure-travel magazine dedicated to covering the people, activities, gear, art, and politics of …”
Isn’t that like reading, “According to BeerAdvocate magazine, Seattle’s best day-hike is Comet Falls..” or “Wine Connoisseur ranked the Scrambler as the best entry-level ocean kayak…” ??
Lifestyles, Ryan, lifestyles.
it’s such a blanket statement. i could find plenty wines that become acrid or intense with age, same with beer, or way beyond mellow and just dull and lifeless. if the quote was “like some wines, certain beers melow with age,” i’d have no problem with it.
what was the context of statement?
I’m afraid that context might spoil the fun, Brooks.
I was struck by the statement because it gives you the impression wine and beer improve with age. In fact, most wine is best when it is released and an even higher percentage of beer begins to do downhill from the moment it leaves the brewery.
But the context: Outside includes “Brew Your Own” on its Life List. The author made a red chili chocolate porter from a kit. He concludes, “If that first batch puckers your lips, set it aside for a few weeks. Like wine, beer mellows with age.”
My experience with chile beers is that chile aroma and flavor will fade with time, but the heat won’t. It won’t be more mellow and it won’t be better.
I think the statement goes wrong at “Like wine”. Beer is not wine.
I touched on this irritating sentiment in my blog too: http://flagonofale.blogspot.com/2010/05/beer-and-food.html