Navigate the world of ales with The Pocket Guide to Beer
In this extract they introduce the concept of the Beer Tube Map, where you will find the Lager, Epicurean and Aromatic Lines.
The map arranges beer styles on tube lines according to flavour so that the adventurous drinker can travel all the way from light to strong along the Lager Line, or connect at the Old Ale interchange for the more indulgent realm of stouts.
On our journey here travel the Aromatic Line from Kölsch to American IPA through the Belgian style Saison and Tripel and it’s just a short hop onto the Epicurean Line where you’ll find Gueuze, the king of beers.
The Aromatic Line (green) makes for a perfect, refreshing, summer excursion. These beers sit on the lighter side of the spectrum in terms of body, but not in flavour. Beers on the Aromatic Line are all fresh, with a healthy dollop of carbonation which kick-starts the palate.
Start at the northern end for lighter, drier styles which are less ‘in-your-face’ and then feel the intensity of the flavour increase as you travel down. The ales are perfect for watching the world go by and as you reach the bottom you come to the food-friendly Belgian beers, which will complement almost anything you eat with them.