There is a massive difference between drinking a beer, and tasting it. For starters, drinking a beer is what you do at a Maltese summer event, when it's scorching hot. Tasting, however, is a sensory experience. It's about slowing down, unlocking those hidden flavour notes, and understanding exactly what the brewer intended to create. Tasting Guide to Master the art of Beer Tasting 1. The Setup: Glassware & Temperature Before you even think of opening a beer, you need to set the stage. Two rookie mistakes can ruin a premium craft, and thats drinking straight from the can, and serving it ice-cold. The Glass: Pouring your beer into a glass releases carbonation and opens up the aromas. Reach for a proper glass and pour your beer allowing the liquid to breath and drive those aromatic notes straight to your nose with every sip. The Temperature: A good beer shouldn't be freezing cold. The extreme cold numbs the tastebuds and masks the flavours. It's recommended that your...
If you’ve ever spotted ‘Double IPA’ on a beer menu in Malta and wondered what makes it ‘double,’ you’re not alone. A Double IPA (also known as an Imperial IPA) is a stronger, hoppier, and more intense version of a standard India Pale Ale. It’s bold. It’s aromatic. And it’s unapologetically full of character. For craft beer lovers in Malta, Double IPAs represent the bigger, bolder side of brewing, where hops take centre stage and flavour doesn’t hold back. What Makes a Double IPA Different? A Double IPA isn’t just a regular IPA with a higher alcohol percentage. It’s built differently from the ground up. Here’s what sets it apart: 1. Higher Alcohol Content Most Double IPAs range all the way up to 10% ABV, compared to standard IPAs at 5-7%. The increased malt base provides fermentable sugars to support the higher strength. 2. Bigger Hop Character Expect: Piney bitterness Bold citrus Tropical fruit Resinous, dank aromas Double IPAs use generous hop additions throughout the boil and ...