Beerology 101: Anatomy of a beer

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Head: Created by the carbonation that rises to the top, this area gathers the beer’s aroma.  Stick your nose close to it and breathe deep; it’ll give you a good idea of the beer’s character and the flavors that reside within.

Body: The good stuff. This is what you drink; enjoy it. The majority of the beer experience happens here. The flavor, aroma, taste and color reside in the body. Drink it slow to enjoy the complexities of the drink, or just shoot it back and have a good time.

Carbonation: The bubbly stuff that makes you bloated when you drink too much. The little bubbles help to give the beer a unique character and mouthfeel. Pro tip: Bud Lite has too much carbonation. Don’t drink it.

Glass: Believe it or not, the shape of the glass makes a difference. Different shapes accentuate the colors of specific beer. Some are shaped to capture aromas, while others are shaped for ease of use and practicality.  Plus, different glasses make for different experiences. A beer drunk out of a chalice is not quite the same as slamming down a pint glass.

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