True or False?
After reading this article, you’ll discover the truth behind ten common beer myths. Believe us — you’ll never look at beer the same way again.
10 BEER MYTHS
1. Is dark beer stronger?
False. The color of a beer doesn’t determine its intensity. Dark beers have a roasted flavor, often reminiscent of coffee or dark chocolate. However, lighter beers can sometimes have a higher alcohol content and a fuller body than dark beers. The color comes from the type of malt used and its roasting level, which also gives those coffee or chocolate-like notes.
2. Do canned beers taste metallic?
False. Blind taste tests show no difference between beers in glass bottles and cans. In fact, cans can even better preserve flavors and aromas over time because they limit exposure to light.
3. Is beer a suitable drink with meals?
True. Beer can pair wonderfully with food. There are no strict rules—experimenting with combinations can be fun:
Contrast: Pair opposing flavors. For example, a Super Bock Seleção 1927 IPA with a traditional “Pudim Abade de Priscos” creates a perfect balance between the bitterness of the beer and the sweetness of the dessert.
Complement: Pair similar flavors. Malt-forward beers with sweet, roasted notes, like Super Bock Seleção 1927 Munich Dunkel, work well with earthy ingredients like garlic-sautéed mushrooms or desserts like caramel and honey panna cotta.
4. Is moderate beer consumption good for health?
True. Studies show moderate beer consumption can have benefits. Beer is naturally fermented without added chemicals, is 90–95% water, and low in alcohol, making it relatively low in calories—about 82 kcal per 200 ml. Hops and malt are rich in antioxidants, while silicon in malt helps maintain collagen and bone density. Recommended moderate consumption: about 400 ml/day for men and 200 ml/day for women.
5. If beer is cloudy, is it spoiled?
False. Cloudiness doesn’t mean beer is bad. Sediment is usually unfiltered yeast, which is intentional in some styles, like German wheat beers (Weissbier).
6. Is beer always bitter?
False. Bitterness depends on the type of hops used. While bitterness is a hallmark flavor, beers can also be sweet, sour, or even salty, depending on ingredients and fermentation style.
7. Beer cannot be aged
False. Most beers are best enjoyed fresh because volatile compounds and proteins change over time. However, high-alcohol beers (8%+), wild-fermented beers, sour beers, and smoked malt beers can age beautifully. Aging can mellow intense flavors, allowing them to blend and develop complexity.
8. Beer should always be served ice-cold
False. Serving temperature affects flavor perception. Pilsners are typically enjoyed between 3–7°C, while a Porter can be served up to 13°C. Extremely cold beer can mute aromas, flavors, and bitterness, dulling your tasting experience.
9. Beer should be stored lying down in the fridge
False. Bottled beers with caps or crown seals should be stored upright to minimize contact with air. Bottles with corks, however, should be stored on their side to keep the cork moist.
10. If you don’t like beer, you’ll never like it
False. People who think they don’t like beer probably haven’t tried the wide variety available. Beers vary in bitterness, sweetness, and acidity—so it’s just a matter of exploring different styles.
