Cliffs Notes Beer Guide Logo
  • Beer
    Basics
    • Bitterness (IBU)
    • Color
    • Glassology
    • Glossary
    • Gravity
    • Off-Flavors

    Brewing Process

    Learn about the brewing process, which involves mashing (extracting sugars from grains), boiling (adding hops and sterilizing the liquid), fermenting (yeast converting sugars to alcohol and carbon dioxide), conditioning, and packaging.

    Tasting Techniques

    Learn how to taste beer properly to appreciate its flavors fully. This involves observing its appearance, sniffing the aroma, sipping to experience the taste, and noting its mouthfeel and aftertaste.

    Glassware

    Discover how different glass shapes affect the beer's presentation and aroma. Certain beers are best enjoyed in specific glassware to enhance the overall experience.

    Alcohol Content

    Understand the alcohol by volume/Weight (ABV and ABW) of different beers. ABV or ABW indicates the percentage of alcohol present in the beer, and it can vary widely among beer styles.

    Beer Terminology

    Glossary to help familiarize yourself with beer-related jargon, such as IBU (International Bitterness Units, measuring bitterness), SRM (Standard Reference Method, measuring color), and other brewing terms.

    Cellaring

    Cellaring involves storing beer for an extended period to allow it to age and develop complex flavors. This practice is more common with certain beer styles, such as strong ales or barrel-aged beers. Proper cellaring conditions are crucial to avoid spoilage.

    Color

    Beer comes in a wide range of colors, from pale straw to deep amber or even black. Color is influenced by the type and amount of malt used in brewing. The color can provide indications of the beer's flavor profile, with darker beers often exhibiting roasty or malty flavors.

    Gravity

    Specific gravity is a measure of the density of the beer wort (unfermented beer) compared to water. It indicates the amount of sugar present, which affects the alcohol content. Original Gravity (OG) measures the sugar content before fermentation, while Final Gravity (FG) measures it after fermentation.

    Off-Flavors

    Off-flavors are undesirable tastes or aromas that can develop in beer due to various factors like improper brewing techniques, contamination, or aging. Common off-flavors include skunkiness, diacetyl (buttery flavor), acetaldehyde (green apple flavor), and oxidation (stale or cardboard-like taste).

    Pouring

    Proper pouring techniques can enhance the presentation and taste of beer. General guidelines include holding the glass at a slight angle while pouring, allowing a moderate amount of foam (head) to form, and serving the appropriate amount in the glass. Pouring methods can vary depending on the beer style.

    Malting Process

    Malting is the process of converting barley (or other grains) into malt. It involves steeping the grains in water, allowing them to germinate, and then halting the germination by drying them with hot air. This activates enzymes that convert starches into fermentable sugars, which are essential for brewing.

    Culture

    Beer culture encompasses the social, historical, and cultural aspects associated with beer. This includes the traditions, brewing techniques, beer festivals, and the role of beer in different societies. Exploring beer culture can be fascinating and provide insights into regional beer styles and customs.
  • Main
    Ingredients
    • Hop History
    • Hop Cultivation
    • Hop Science
    • Hop Varieties
    • World Hop Cultivaters
    • Malts (Barley)
    • Malting
    • Malt Varieties
    • Malt Varities
    • Malt Cultivation
    • Malt Science
    • Major Malt Manufacturers
    • Water
    • Understanding Malt Analysis

    Hops

    Hop History
    Hop Cultivation
    Hop Science
    Hop Varieties
    World Hop Production

    Malts

    Malts (Barley)
    Malt Varieties
    Malt Processing
    Malt Science
    Malt Cultivation
    Major Malt Manufactures
    Understanding Malt Analysis

    Water

    Water Science

    Yeasts

    Yeast - coming soon
  • Additional
    Ingredients
    • Adjuncts
    • Candy (Sweets)
    • Chili Peppers
    • Coffee
    • Fruits & Flavorings
    • Grapes
    • Herbs
    • Honey
    • Mushrooms & Fungi
    • Nuts & Seeds
    • Seafood & Fish
    • Spices
    • Sugar & Syrups
    • Tea
    • Unusual & WTF!
    • Vegetables
    Bladderwrack Seaweed,(fucus,Vesiculosus)

    Additives

    buckwheat groats

    Adjuncts

    M&M's Chocolate and Mascots

    Candy / Sweets

    Madame Jeanette pepper

    Chili Peppers

    Civet Cat eating coffee cherries to produce Kipi Luwak Coffee

    Coffeee

    Kiwi

    Fruits & Flavorings

    Muscat

    Grapes

    Elecampane roots and rhizomes

    Herbs

    Honey Bee pollinating sunflower.

    Honey

    Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)

    Mushrooms & Fungi

    Hazelnuts

    Nuts & Seeds

    Squid

    Seafood & Fish

    Mace in Nutmeg

    Spices

    Sugar Beet

    Sugar & Syrups

    Cup of Whole Leaf Lapsang Souchong

    Tea

    North,American,Beaver,

    Unusual / WTF!

    Purple turnip or rutabaga growing

    Vegetables

  • Breweries
    Visited
    • US Map
    • US NorthEast
      • Delaware (5)
        • Big Oyster Brewery
        • Big Oyster Brewery (Fins Ale House)
        • Dogfish Head Brewery
        • Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
        • Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
      • Maine (9)
        • Casco Bay Brewing Co.
        • D. L. Geary Brewing Co.
        • Sebago Brewing Co.
        • Seadog Brewing Co.
        • Shipyard Brewing Co.
        • Stone Coast Brewing Co.
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • New Hampshire
      • New York
      • Pennsylvania
      • Washington D.C.
    • US SouthEast
      • Arkansas
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Kentucky
      • Louisiana
      • Tennessee
      • Virginia
      • West Virginia
    • Midwest
      • Illinois
      • Indiana
        • 3 Floyds Brewing Co.
        • Mad Anthony Brewing Co.
      • Michigan
      • Minnesota
      • Missouri
      • Ohio
      • Wisconsin
        • 841 Brewhouse
        • Ale Asylum Brewing Co.
        • Broken Bat Brewing Co.
        • Bullquarian Brewhouse
        • Capital Brewery
        • Cheez Head Brewing Co.
        • Cross Plains Beer Co.
        • Delta Beer Labs
        • Duesterbeck’s Brewing Co.
        • East Troy Brewery
        • G-Five Brewing Co.
        • Giant Jones Brewing Co.
        • Gray Brewing Co.
        • Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.
        • Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. (Hilldale)
        • Grumpy Troll Brewing Co.
        • Karben4 Brewing Co.
        • Lakefront Brewing Co
        • Lone Girl Brewing Co.
        • MillerCoors
        • Milwaukee Brewing Co
        • Milwaukee Brewing Co. – Alehouse
        • Minhas Craft Brewery
        • New Glarus
        • New Glarus Hillside
        • Octopi Brewing Co.
        • One Barrel Brewing Co.
        • Pabst Brewing Co.
        • Rock County Brewing Co.
        • Second Salem Brewing Co.
        • Sprecher Brewing Co.
        • Starkweather Brewing Co.
        • Sunshine Brewing Co.
        • The Borough Beer Co. & Kitchen
        • Wisconsin Brewing Co.
        • Wisconsin Dells Brewing Co.
        • Wizard Works Brewing Co.
        • Working Draft Beer Co.
        • Young Blood Beer Co.
    • Western
      • Washington
    • United Kingdom
      • England, U.K.
    • US Midwest (63)
    • US Southeast (51)
    • US Northeast (48)
    • US Southwest (4)
    • US West (14)
    • International (3)
    Edit Content
    ILLIONOIS
    9
    Pig Minds Brewing Co
    Off Color Brewing Co.
    Urban Forest Craft Brewing
    Prairie Street Brewing Co.
    Lagunitas Brewing Co
    Off Color Brewing Co.
    Goose Island Brewing Co.
    Short Fuse Brewing Co.
    RAM Restaurant & Brewery
    INDIANA
    2
    3 Floyds Brewing Co.
    Mad Anthony Brewing Co. Angola
    MICHIGAN
    2
    Atwater Brewery & Tap House
    B. Nektar Meadery
    MINNESOTA
    3
    Fulton Brewing Co. & Tap House
    Lakes & Legends Brewing Co.
    Modist Brewing Co. & Tap House
    MISSOURI
    1
    Anheuser Busch & Tap House
    OHIO
    6
    Birdfish Brewing Co.
    Collision Bend Brewing Co.
    Great Lakes Brewing Co.
    Market Garden Brewery
    Market Garden Brewery Brewpub
    Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.
    WISCONSIN
    41
    841 Brewhouse
    Ale Asylum Brewing Co.
    Broken Bat Brewing Co.
    Bullquarian Brewhouse
    Capital Brewery
    Cheez Head Brewing Co.
    Cross Plains Beer Co.
    Delta Beer Labs
    Duesterbeck’s Brewing Co.
    East Troy Brewery
    G-Five Brewing Co.
    Giant Jones Brewing Co.
    Gray Brewing Co.
    Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.
    Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. Hilldale
    Grumpy Troll Brewing Co.
    Karben4 Brewing Co.
    Lakefront Brewing Co.
    Leinenkugel Brewing Co. Barrel Yard
    Lone Girl Brewing Co.
    MillerCoors
    Milwaukee Brewing Co.
    Milwaukee Brewing Co. Alehouse
    Minhas Craft Brewery
    New Glarus Brewing Co.
    New Glarus Brewing Co. Hillside
    Octopi Brewing Co. / Untitled Art
    One Barrel Brewing Co.
    Pabst Brewing Co.
    Rock County Brewing Co.
    Second Salem Brewing Co.
    Sprecher Brewing Co.
    Starkweather Brewing Co.
    Sunshine Brewing Co.
    The Borough Beer Co. & Kitchen
    Vintage Brewing Co.
    Wisconsin Brewing Co. / Lake Louie
    Wisconsin Dells Brewing Co. aka Moosejaw
    Wizard Works Brewing Co.
    Working Draft Beer Co.
    Young Blood Beer Co. / Sunshine Brewing Co.
    Edit Content
    ARKANSAS
    2
    Bosco’s Restaurant & Brewing Co
    Diamond Bear Brewing Co. Fins Ale House
    FLORIDA
    2
    Two Henrys Brewing Co. (Keel Farms)
    Lakeland Brewing Co.
    GEORGIA
    1
    Moon River Brewing Co.
    KENTUCKY
    1
    BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
    LOUISIANA
    1
    Jackson Brewing Co. Historical
    WEST VIRGINIA
    3
    Big Timberr Brewing Co.
    Mountain State Brewing Co.
    Stumptown Ales
    TENNESSEE
    7
    Big River Grille & Brewery
    Gordon Biersch Brewing Co.
    Jackalope Brewing Co.
    Smith & Lentz Brewing Co.
    Southern Grist Brewing Co.
    Tennessee Brew Works
    Yazoo Brewing Co. Baltimore
    VIRGINIA
    34
    Adroit Theory Brewing Co.
    Audacious Aleworks
    Back Room Brewery Historical
    BadWolf Brewing Co.
    Bike Lane Brewing Co.
    BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse
    Capitol City Brewing Co.
    Caboose Brewery
    Caboose Commons
    Crooked Run Brewing
    Fair Winds Brewing Co. Brookland
    Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. Tysons Corner
    Hardywood Brewing Co.
    Heritage Brewing Co.
    Hops Grill & Brewery
    Legend Brewing Co.
    Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery
    Lost Boy Cider
    Lost Rhino Brewing Co.
    Lost Rhino Brewing Co. Lost Rhino Retreat
    Mad Fox Brewing Co. Penn Quarter
    Mustang Sally Brewing Co.
    New District Brewing Co.
    Old Bust Head Brewing Co.
    Old Ox Brewery
    Ornery Beer Co. Potomac Yard
    Ornery Beer Co. Fairfax
    Port City Brewing Co.
    Portner Brewhouse
    Rock Bottom Brewery
    Rocket Frog Brewing Co.
    Sehkraft Brewing
    Solace Brewing Co. Outpost
    Star Hill Brewing Co.
    Edit Content
    DELAWARE
    5
    Big Oyster Brewery
    Big Oyster Brewery Fins Ale House
    Dogfish Head Brewery
    Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
    Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
    MAINE
    9
    Alagash Brewing Co.
    Atlantic Brewing Co
    Bar Harbor Brewing Co.
    Casco Bay Brewing Co.
    D. L. Geary Brewing Co.
    Seadog Brewing Co.
    Sebago Brewing Co.
    Shipyard Brewing Co.
    Stone Coast Brewing Co.
    MARYLAND
    9
    American Brewery Inc Historical
    Black Flag Brewing Co.
    Denizens Brewing Co.
    Franklins Brewery
    Granite City Food & Brewery Inner Harbor
    Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. Baltimore
    Heavy Seas Brewery
    Jailbreak Brewing Co.
    Silver Branch Brewing Co.
    MASSACHUSETTS
    1
    Boston Beer Co. Sam Adams
    NEW HAMPSHIRE (3)
    Portsmouth Brewery Sam Adams
    Smuttynose Brewing Co.
    Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery
    NEW YORK
    6
    Big aLICe Brewing Co.
    Brooklyn Brewery
    Fifth Hammer Brewing Co.
    Rockaway Brewing Co.
    LIC Brew Project Brewpub
    Transmitter Brewing
    PENNSYLVANIA
    6
    Appalachian Brewing Co. Harrisonburg
    GearHouse Brewing Co.
    Southern Tier Brewing Co.
    The Church Brew Works
    Victory Brewing Co.
    WASHINGTON DC
    13
    3 Stars Brewing Co.
    Atlas Brew Works
    Bardo Brewpub
    Bluejacket Brewery
    Capitol City Brewing Co.
    Christian Heurich Brewing Co. Historical
    DC Brau
    District ChopHouse & Brewery
    Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. Navy Yard
    Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. Penn Quarter
    Red Bear Brewing Co.
    Right Proper Brewing Brookland
    Right Proper Brewing Shaw Brewpub
    Edit Content
    OKLAHOMA
    2
    Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewing Co.
    Bricktown Brewery
    TEXAS
    2
    City Acre Brewing
    Saint Arnold Brewing Co.
    Edit Content
    CALIFORNIA
    5
    21st Amendment Brewery
    Anchor Brewing Co.
    Beach Chalet Pub & Brewery
    Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery San Diego
    ThirstyBear Organic Brewery
    COLORADO
    7
    Anheuser-Busch
    Breckenridge Brewery & BBQ
    Denver Chophouse & Brewery
    Flying Dog Brewery
    Great Divide Brewing Co.
    Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery Denver
    Wynkoop Brewing Co.
    WASHINGTON
    2
    Pike Brewing Co.
    Steam Plant Brewing Co.
    Edit Content
    Breweries map of England

    UK - ENGLAND
    3
    Bass Brewery
    H. P. Bulmers
    McMullen & Sons Ltd
  • Beer
    Styles
    • Ale Styles
      • British Origin Ale Styles
      • Irish Origin Ale Styles
      • North American Origin Ale Styles
      • German Origin Ale Styles
      • Belgian and French Origin Ale Styles
      • Other Origin Ale Styles
    • Lager Styles
      • European Origin Lager Styles
      • North American Origin Lager Styles
      • Other Origin Lager Styles
    • Hybrid/Mixed Lagers or Ale
    • Cider
      • Standard Cider and Perry
      • Specialty Cider and Perry
    • Mead
      • Traditional Mead
      • Fruit Mead
      • Spiced Mead
      • Specialty Mead

    Ale Styles

    British Origin Ale Styles
    Irish Origin Ale Styles
    North American Origin Ale Styles
    German Origin Ale Styles
    Belgian and French Origin Ale Styles
    Other Origin Ale Styles

    Lager Styles

    European Origin Lager Styles
    North American Origin Lager Styles
    Other Origin Lager Styles

    Hybrid/Mixed

    Hybrid/Mixed Lager or Ale

    Cider

    Standard Cider & Perry
    Specialty Cider and Perry

    Mead

    Traditional Mead
    Fruit Mead
    Spiced Mead
    Specialty Mead
  • Münchner
    Oktoberfest
    • 1810 Oktoberfest Beginnings
    • 1835 Pageant
    • 1842 Pageant
    • Große Zelte (Large Tents)
    • Kleine Zelte (Small Tents)
    • Bayerisches Zentral-Landwirtschaftsfest
    • Münchner Kindl
    • Costume & Riflemen’s Parade
    • Entry of the Hosts & Breweries
    • Traditional Women’s Clothing

    OKTOBERFEST HISTORY

    EVENTS

    ATTRACTIONS

    CULTURE

    OTHER
    The First Oktoberfest
    München Kindl
    Große Zelte (Large Tents)
    Traditional Women’s Clothing
    Official Posters
    1835 Pagent
    Entry of Hosts & Breweries
    Kleine Zelte (Small Tents)
    Men’s Clothing (Coming Soon)
    Die Oide Wiesn
    1842 Pagent
    Costume & Rifleman's Parade
    Fahrgeschäfte (Coming Soon)
    Oktoberfest Food
    Zentral-Landwirtschaftsfest
  • Beer &
    Cheese
    • Fresh Cheeses
    • Soft Cheeses
    • Semi-Soft Cheeses
    • Semi-Hard Cheeses
    • Hard Cheeses
    • Blue Cheeses
    Fresh-Cheese-Myzithra

    Fresh Cheese

    Fresh cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta, have a mild and creamy flavor.
    Soft Cheese - Brie

    Soft Cheese

    Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert cheeses have a rich and buttery texture.
    Semi-Soft - Ami du Chambertin

    Semi-Soft Cheese

    Semi-soft cheeses have a slightly firmer texture and a mild to medium flavor profile.
    Semi-Hard Cheese - Cheddar

    Semi-Hard Cheese

    Semi-hard cheeses have a firmer texture and a more pronounced flavor.

    Hard Cheese - Swiss

    Hard Cheese

    Hard cheeses have a firm and granular texture with intense flavors.

    Blue Cheese - Bleu des Causses

    Blue Cheese

    Blue cheeses like Gorgonzola, or Stilton have a strong and pungent flavor.
  • Prohibition
    in the US
    • Temperance, a Social Movement
    • Temperance Organizations
      • American Tract Society
      • Prohibition Party
      • Scientific Temperance Federation
      • Woman’s Christian Temperance Union
    • Notable Men of Prohibition
    • Notable Women of Prohibition
    • The Prohibition Era & its Effects
    • Bootleggers & Gangsters
    • The Speakeasy
    • Notable Enacted Laws
      • The Webb-Kenyon Act
      • The 18th Amendment
      • The Volstead Act
      • The Medicinal Liquor Prescriptions Act
      • The Cullen-Harrison Act
      • The 21st Amendment

    Prohibition

    Temperance, a Social Movement
    The Prohibition Era & its Effects
    Notable Men Of Prohibition
    Notable Women Of Prohibition
    The Speakeasy
    Prohibition Era Bootlegging
    Bootleggers & Gangsters

    Temperance Organizations

    American Tract Society
    Anti-Saloon League
    Prohibition Party
    Scientific Temperance Federation
    Woman’s Christian Temperance Union
    The largest distillery ever uncovered in Detroit was raided and prohibition officers are seen inspecting tanks and vats in one part of the plant, on Jan. 5, 1931. Each of these vats have a capacity of 15,000 gallons and there were thirteen on this floor alone.

    The largest distillery ever uncovered in Detroit was raided and prohibition officers are seen inspecting tanks and vats in one part of the plant, on Jan. 5, 1931. Each of these vats have a capacity of 15,000 gallons and there were thirteen on this floor alone.

    June 6, 1921, NY State's troopers help enforce the dry laws, members of Troop K, chasing suspect in automobile carrying booze.

    June 6, 1921, NY State's troopers help enforce the dry laws, members of Troop K, chasing suspect in automobile carrying booze.

    Activities of the Internal Revenue Dept. to enforce prohibition Dr. A. B. Adams, head of the division of technology of the Internal Revenue.

    Activities of the Internal Revenue Dept. to enforce prohibition Dr. A. B. Adams, head of the division of technology of the Internal Revenue.

    Largest still in captivity

    Largest still in captivity

    Notable Enacted Laws

    The Webb-Kenyon Act
    18th Amendment
    The Medicinal Liquor Prescription Act
    The Cullen-Harrison Act
    21st Amendment
Cliffs Notes Beer Guide Logo

The Ultimate Guide to Beer, everything from basics, beer styles, ingredients, history, oktoberfest to visited breweries, and much more….

Quick link

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Booking
  • Menu
  • Contacts

Contact

82 S. Randall Ave, Janesville, WI 535432

(703) 725-3186

cliff@cliffsnotesbeerguide.com

Message Us

    Copyright © 2023 Cliffs Notes Beer Guide.  All Rights Reserved.

    • Terms of use
    • Privacy Environmental Policy