Beer is one of the oldest drinks in the world, and with age comes… nonsense. People have been spreading half-truths, myths, and outright fabrications about beer for decades. Some are harmless, others just make you roll your eyes in the pub. Today, we’re putting on our thinking caps (and maybe pouring a pint while we do it) and debunking a few of the most persistent beer myths out there.
Myth 1: Dark Beers Are Always Strong
How often have you heard someone assume that because a beer is dark, it’s going to hit you like a freight train? I honestly think that when I started out on his journey I had this discussion at least once a month with colleagues at work. As a myth, it simply isn't true. Colour comes from the roasted malt, not the alcohol content.
I’ve had porters and stouts at 4–5% ABV that are smooth and easygoing, and I’ve had pale ales and IPAs well over 8% that’ll sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention. So don’t judge a beer by its jacket; sip it first, panic later.
Myth 2: Light Beers Are Flavourless
Some people look at a pale lager and say, “That’s just water, innit?”, I remember that a comment in one of my first ever Youtube Beer Reviews was basically "I don't drink anything under 4.5% ABV as it has no flavour", it's rubbish; light or pale beers can be crisp, balanced, and even surprisingly complex.
Take a Pilsner; subtle floral hops, a gentle bitterness, a refreshing finish… it’s delicate, not dull. Sometimes light is exactly what the occasion calls for, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Myth 3: Beer Has to Be Ice Cold
I’m as fond of a cold pint as the next Yorkshireman, but the idea that every beer must be served at sub-arctic temperatures is nonsense. Certain styles, particularly darker ales and stouts, reveal far more flavour when served slightly warmer.
Think of it as letting the beer tell you its story, rather than freezing it into oblivion. Plus, a pint that’s not too cold is easier to enjoy, slower… more of a proper session.
Myth 4: IPAs Are Always Bitter
Ah, the old “IPAs are all bitter” chestnut, I've had this told to me at work too, and the guy genuinely thought it was true!. IPAs can be bitter, yes… but bitterness is only part of the story. Modern IPAs, especially New England-style or fruit-forward ones, can be juicy, tropical, and almost sweet.
So, if someone grimaces at the word “IPA,” remind them that there’s a style for every palate, and some of the juiciest beers I’ve had have been called India Pale Ales.
Myth 5: Beer Doesn’t Go Well With Food
It's probably because I'm a northerner (or not a lardy dah wine connoisseur), but this one really grates on me. Beers pair brilliantly with food if you just think a little. Rich stouts with rich gamey foods or pies, hoppy IPAs with spicy curries, a crisp lager with fish and chips… the combinations are endless.
Beer and food is an art, not a crime. Don’t let anyone tell you wine is the only drink worthy of a plate of good grub. I’ve lost count of the meals I’ve enjoyed more because someone suggested the right pint to go with it.
Myth 6: You Can Tell Quality By Price
Price isn’t always a measure of quality. Some supermarket beers are surprisingly good, while some expensive “craft” bottles are all style and no substance.
Taste for yourself. A good pint is a good pint, whether it cost you a quid or over a fiver. Money might buy variety, but it won’t automatically buy enjoyment.
Myth 7: Old Beers Are Bad
Not always. Certain styles, strong ales, barleywines, and some stouts, actually improve with age. Sure, don’t expect your session lager to taste like nectar in ten years, but beer isn’t automatically “gone off” once it’s a few months old.
Some breweries even deliberately bottle beers for cellaring. So, if you fancy experimenting, don’t be afraid to let time work its magic.
Myth 8: Craft Beer Is Only Available in Cans
Here’s one that makes me raise an eyebrow every time I hear it, I remember being in a bottleshop when the very helpful assistant cae out with ths one and tied to claim that bottles were just for old men and mass produced beer. Really? That’s not how it works. Craft beer comes in bottles, cans, on tap, even in kegs, you name it. The idea that it must be in a shiny can to be “proper craft” is nonsense.
I’ll admit, cans are handy; they keep beer fresh, they’re easy to transport, and they won’t break if you drop them. But a lot of breweries still pour some cracking beers straight from the tap or bottle them the old-fashioned way. Black Sheep Bitter, for instance, comes in bottles and on hand pump in pubs, and it’s as craft as it gets, no aluminium required.
North Riding Brewery, Acorn, Glastonbury, Yorkshire Heart, Great Newsome - to name just a few - all bottle their beers
The real measure of craft isn’t the packaging, it’s the care that goes into the brewing, the flavour, and the character in your glass. So don’t get fooled by appearances, if it tastes good and it’s brewed with passion, it’s craft. End of story.
A Few More I Couldn’t Resist
There are plenty more myths I could debunk while sitting in the pub and nursing a pint. For example:
“You need a glass for every style” - As a reviewer I like to use different glasses to match the style, and sure, glasses can enhance aromas, but if all you’ve got is a pub glass, that’s fine. Enjoy your beer, don’t fret about the shape of your glass.
“Cheap beer is automatically bad” - I've kinda mentioned this above too, but sometimes a budget pint hits the spot perfectly. Don’t let price tags dictate pleasure.
“All traditional beers are dull” - OMG! soooo wrong! Some of the traditional beers from bigger national and regional brewers are amazing; these old school brews (old-school stouts, and English ales) have character that can rival any modern brew if you give them a chance.
Wrap-Up: Question Everything (Gently!)
Beer is complex, wonderful, and occasionally bewildering. Myths persist because people don’t taste enough, or because someone decades ago decided a story about beer needed a good exaggeration. The best approach? Try everything, think for yourself, and enjoy the pint in front of you.
If you ever feel confused, just remember: beer is meant to be enjoyed, not feared. And if someone tells you a strange “fact” about beer, smile, raise your pint, and let the beer do the talking.
Comments
Post a Comment