Girl Likes Beer

Top 10 Beer Capitals of Europe

2010-08-19T10:42:00.001-07:00

sally monster

Europe is a fascinating place to visit, with so many cultures, languages and influences. One of the most attractive aspects of this old continent, if you love beer, is the fact that Europeans too love beer! While almost every European country has its own national beer, we managed to round up these ten exciting cities where beer is not just a tradition but a way of life. Here are the Top 10 Beer Capitals of Europe:

1. Bruges

travlr

Famous for its delicious chocolate, Belgium also has a longstanding tradition of producing various types of beers. Over 120 breweries across Belgium produce more than 350 types of beers. This region of Belgium is responsible for the lambic beer – a beer produced by spontaneous fermentation, often with the addition of various fruits. Beer aficionados can start their journey with a visit to the Brugs Beertje (Little Bear) bar, where you can taste literally hundreds of beers typical of this region. They’ll also love breweries such as De Halve Maan (makers of Bruges Zot) and the De Gouden Boom Brewery.

2. Prague

lokon

Czech beer is world famous, partly due to the fact that Czechs are the most avid beer drinkers in the world, with 156 liters per capita per year. The biggest players in the local beer industry are Pilsner Urquell, Gambrinus, Budvar and Bernard. Klášterní pivovar Strahov (Strahov Monastery Brewery) is an excellent place to explore the Czech’s beer history, with a tradition dating back to the 17th century. Novoměstský pivovar (The New Town Brewery) has some great food and delicious beers that will leave you burping of joy. Don’t miss the stronger, dark beers, with as much as 12% alcohol.

3. Dublin

kawaidc

Ireland’s capital is most famous for Guinness, a dry stout with a distinctive burnt flavor. Since it first started making beer, over 250 years ago, the Guinness brewery has become the largest in the world and Ireland’s biggest export product. Now, it is produced in over 50 countries worldwide, in various sub-styles. Start your journey with Dublin’s oldest pubs, such as The Brazen Head, Doheny & Nesbitt or O’Donoghue’s. Seeing the Guinness Storehouse is mandatory for any beer lover passing through Dublin.

4. Amsterdam

needoptic

The Netherlands is home to the famous Heineken and you’ll see this brand proudly displayed all over its capital. The Dutch are huge beer drinkers and offer some exciting bars and local breweries to uncover the history of this mesmerizing liquid. Start beer O’clock with a visit to Wildeman, a quaint little bar offering a superb selection of around 200 beers. Other great stops are Beiaard, offering over 60 tasty beers and Arendsnet, serving unique beers from local breweries.

5. Brno

bobydimitrov

Brno is home to Starobrno, a beer brewery owned by Heineken and two popular brewpubs, U Richarda and Pegas. The latter is a small private brewery that makes beer right in front of the visitors. The traditional Brno beer is Starobrno, served in draught, with a sweet and rather unusual taste. For even more beer, schedule your visit in March, when the International Brewing Fair takes place.

6. Munich

kudo88

Apart from the popular Oktoberfest, Munich has some all year round attractions for beer tasters around the world. An experience you should not miss is the beer gardens – small islands of relaxation in the urban jungle, where you can enjoy traditional Bavarian golden drinks. Head on down to the Beer Garden Augustiner Keller, Munich’s oldest, the Aumeister or the Hischgarten. Visit the big breweries such as Löwenbräu, Augustinerbräu or Hofbräuhaus for a firsthand experience of authentic German lager.

7. Zagreb

ax2groin

Croatia’s capital doesn’t have as strong a beer tradition as Munich or Bruges, but it is definitely worth taking into account. The country’s national breweries are Karlovačka Pivovara, producing the Karlovačko pivo and Zagrebačka Pivovara, makers of the Ožujsko pivo. Another important traditional brew for the Croatians is Tomislav, produced by the Zagreb brewery since 1925. If there is the faintest chance of Croatian beer not satisfying your taste buds, don’t fret because most pubs in Zagreb also serve imported Kriek, Paulaner or Löwenbräu.

8. Copenhagen

tonyaustin

When one says København or Denmark, Tuborg or Carslberg immediately springs to mind. But if you’re looking for something more than what you know from home, know that this is the country with the most micro-breweries per capita in Europe since 2005. Carlsberg has recently opened ‘Jacobsen’, a new brew house in Varby that aims to showcase beer culture and produce rare beers for connoisseurs. Special brews can also be sampled at the Vesterbro Bryghus, Nørrebro Bryghus or Brewpub.

9. Leuven

superciliousness

Nicknamed the beer capital of the world, Leuven is the home of InBev, one of the world’s biggest breweries, making Stella Artois, Beck’s and typical Belgian beers such as Leffe or Hoegarden. Start your journey at the Old Market square, where most of the pubs and cafes are and head on down to the Domus brewery pub to feel the authentic Belgian beer experience. Domus has a selection of over 60 beers and offers tours to its brewery, producing 1000 hectoliters annually. Some unique beers served at the pub include Ochtend Kriek, St. Adriaansbier and Nostra Domus.

10. Kraców

vxla

This ancient Polish city with a beautiful medieval center is an excellent, low-cost destination, where beer is less than £1 a pint. To sample some of the traditional products, the Zywiec beer museum is a popular destination amongst beer pros. Tours of Tychy, a city with a long tradition of brewing, are also available, where you can learn about the technology behind beer making, sample a freshly brewed beer and see the premises. Żywiec, Okocim, Czarny Smok and Tyskie are some of the most popular Polish beers found in the pubs around Kraców.

via tripbase.com

A Polish city makes the list :-)

Why Do Men Drink Beer

2010-08-19T10:29:00.001-07:00

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Why Do Men Drink Beer?

Why are men drawn to beer?
Have you ever noticed that when men party beer is the first to get an invitation? Have you ever seen a man with a pink drink with a salty rim and an umbrella and thought that was just unnatural? Throughout history scientists, medical doctors, and world governments have thought about these same things. The only problem is they have been as clueless as the rest why men are attracted to beer. Well, here is some great news! The graphic above finally has answers to the age-old question why men drink beer.

Is there a connection between men’s brains and beer?
The human brain is composed of six main hemispheres. These hemispheres correspond to different interests and behaviors people have. In men’s cases, the large frontal lobe is home to their interest in beer and motivates them to find it. Essentially, it is the ‘I love beer’ lobe.

Does TV make men drink more?
Men are drawn to televisions. As a result of this close relationship between man and machine, men gather 57% of their knowledge from what they see on TV. Well, lo and behold, a staggering 50% of the information which men take in from the television comes from beer ads.

Why do men like beer with meat?
It is not simply that men are thirsty with every steak dinner or barbecue which comes their way. An amazing quality of beer is that it makes meat tastier -- 20% more flavorful in fact.

Do drinking games impact men drinking beer?
Men and competition go hand-in-hand. Make beer part of the competition and drinking games become a contributing factor. After all, the man-sport beer pong cannot be played without beer.

Are there health benefits for men drinking beer?
Every man wants to be a macho man, and beer can help him on his way to becoming one. Drinking beer, like spinach to Popeye, can increase men’s muscle mass by a huge 75%.

Can beer help men block out unwanted noise?
With a little creativity and a lot of stretching, beer bottles can be used as ear plugs. Note: especially effective against nagging wives and girlfriends.

Does beer affect the way men see?
Though it is sometimes called being impaired, drinking extra beer endows men with ESP, extra-sensory perception, otherwise known as ‘beer goggles.’ It is known for making women appear hotter than they are.

Is there an economical reason to drink beer?
Compared to mixed drinks and whole meals, beer is an affordable alternative on a tight budget.

Is drinking beer a manly thing to do?
Drinking beer is very manly, considering the alternatives! Men would not even consider ordering ‘Froo froo drinks’ with bright colors and little umbrellas, and all the other girly substitutes for beer. Men love beer because real men drink beer.

via chacha.com

Behance on beer

2010-08-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

I've searched the Behance network (great place btw) and this beer related items caught my eye.

some posters

an ad

a beer crate

The beer holder contains water. You can put into the freezer.

A short announcement

2010-08-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Koreb Miodowe (#90)

2010-08-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

This week I continue with Polish beers. I bought Koreb in a farmer's market on a New Town marketplace in Warsaw. And...

My thoughts on the beer... I am glad I did.

Beer meets art meets music

2010-08-03T13:40:00.001-07:00

Innovative audiovisual performance to celebrate the 2010 Beck's Vier Music Inspires Art Programme. DJ Cheeba performs an exclusive live mix using Beck's Vier beer taps to trigger audio samples and lighting effects across a grid of 600 LED-lit Beck’s bottles.

Beer shark

2010-07-31T07:34:00.001-07:00

For those loving beer and afraid of sharks... See they also like beer.

via Beeriety

Mazowieckie (#89)

2010-07-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

Finally a Polish beer reviewed properly (in case you were wondering, properly = Polish national football team jersey).

My thoughts on the beer... go to a spa, have a tasty beer.

How they make a Sapporo beer

2010-07-25T00:40:00.001-07:00

Sapporo - Legendary Biru from CRUSH on Vimeo.

Nice beer commercial

2010-07-25T00:36:00.001-07:00

Made by one of us, and not an ad agency.

Beer from Piotr Bargiel on Vimeo.

Gralsburg (#88)

2010-07-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

A German or Swiss lager gets a quickest review ever. Not saved by the bell it was.

My thoughts on the beer... Doesn't even look good.

Feldschlossen (#87)

2010-07-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

Back from the trips, I change my neighborhood and review a Swiss beer in a new flat.

My thoughts on the beer... Be patient and you will feel the bitterness.

Kiper (#86)

2010-07-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

During my stay in Bieszczady I tried another interesting Polish beer, it's supposed to have a noble taste of bitterness.

My thoughts on the beer... for a straight from a bottle tasting, I will say noble means sweet. Not too cool for a strong lager.

Leżajsk (#85)

2010-07-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Another GLB on tour review, this time from the mountains called Bieszczady, located in south of Poland.

My thoughts on the beer - right beer for a rainy day, especially after hiking. For more details see the video above (or here).

GLB has vuvuzela supporters

2010-07-01T13:10:00.001-07:00

Just go here. Or you can add vuvuzela sound right in a Youtube video. See below.

See the full gallery on posterous

Cheers - the football/soccer style

2010-07-01T12:38:00.001-07:00

You can get these posters here ($25).

via Visualize

Wschowskie Pils (#82)

2010-06-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a first microbrewed beer on GLB. Time to have another.

This video is also available on YouTube.

1. [PRE-REVIEW]

brewery: Edi brewery, Poland
type of beer: lager
bought in: farmer's market in Zamość
container grade (bottle): regular bottle

2. [REVIEW]

the looks: head (none), body (more lemon less gold)
the taste: not hoppy, little bitterness with sweet layer on top
the smell: a mystery;)

3. [RECOMMENDATION]

Roasting/toasting a fellow beer connoisseur

2010-06-25T06:53:00.001-07:00

Posted via email from Girl Likes Beer podcast

Beer meets lamp...

2010-06-21T12:23:00.001-07:00

via somuchpun.com

What the what?

Wschowskie Malinowe (#81)

2010-06-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

First micro-brewed Polish beer on Girl Likes Beer podcast. We're getting fancy. Sort of. There's some funny moment in the video so I suggest you watch it.

Cheers!

This video is also available on YouTube.

1. [PRE-REVIEW]

brewery: Edi brewery, Poland
type of beer: raspberry ale
bought in: farmer's market in Zamość
container grade (bottle): regular bottle

2. [REVIEW]

the looks: head (fat and very, very, very big), body (pastel gold)
the taste: strong bitterness covered with a nice layer of raspberries
the smell: raspberries

3. [RECOMMENDATION]

Beer drinkers guide to the World Cup

2010-06-13T10:09:00.001-07:00

Every country described by their beer. That's what I like:)

The funniest turtle in Brahma beer commercials

2010-06-13T09:59:00.001-07:00

Kasztelan (#80)

2010-06-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

Another Polish beer I got in Zamość (very cool town btw). A little delayed but I hope you'll enjoy the episode nonetheless.

This video is also available on YouTube.

1. [PRE-REVIEW]

brewery: Sierpc, Poland
type of beer: lager
bought in: night store in Zamość
container grade (bottle): regular bottle

2. [REVIEW]

the looks: head (none but white), body (gold yellow with sparkles)
the taste: refreshing with thirst cut
the smell: mild hops

3. [RECOMMENDATION]

Worst Beer in America

2010-06-09T23:24:00.001-07:00

Bud Light Chelada

There's nothing wrong with tossing some lime juice and hot sauce in your beer. It's called a Michelada, and it can be mighty refreshing (try this recipe). What is wrong is Anheuser-Busch's experiment last year with beer, Clamato (that's clam and tomato juices), and some artificial lime flavoring. It looks like the color of grapefruit juice and tastes like the worst Bloody Mary you'll ever have.

via esquire.com

They do not make such crazy ones in Poland:)

Perła Czarna (#79)

2010-06-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

After Perła I though it would be interesting to try Black Pearl. Not the ship of course:)

This video is also available on YouTube.

1. [PRE-REVIEW]

brewery: Browary Lubelskie, Poland
type of beer: dark lager
bought in: night store in Zamość
container grade (bottle): regular bottle

2. [REVIEW]

the looks: head (none), body (dark yellow through orange)
the taste: sweet
the smell: malty

3. [RECOMMENDATION]

Perła (#78)

2010-05-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

After a series of American beer it's time to look at my own backyard. First Polish beer we'll see is called Perła, meaning 'pearl'.

The video is also available on YouTube.

1. [PRE-REVIEW]

brewery: Browary Lubelskie, Poland
type of beer: lager
bought in: night store in Zamość
container grade (bottle): regular bottle

2. [REVIEW]

the looks: head (thick and airy), body (light yellow)
the taste: nice and refreshig
the smell: hoppy with wet seed tiny somethig

3. [RECOMMENDATION]

Sam Adams Boston Lager (#77)

2010-05-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

Last American beer from Chad. This one is more within my normal line of tasting, if you know what I mean.

The video is also available on YouTube.

1. [PRE-REVIEW]

brewery: Boston Beer Company, USA
type of beer: Vienna lager
bought in: gift from Chad
container grade (bottle): small bottle

2. [REVIEW]

the looks: head (fat white but not pure), body (Irn-Bru like)
the taste: bitter and bitter
the smell: hops but dry ones

3. [RECOMMENDATION]

Dogfish Head IPA (#76)

2010-05-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Time to try an IPA. High expectations I have... Maybe too high.

The video is also available on YouTube.

1. [PRE-REVIEW]

brewery: Dogfish Head IPA, USA
type of beer: IPA
bought in: gift from Chad
container grade (bottle): small bottle

2. [REVIEW]

the looks: head (none or actually I forgot about it), body (femininine)
the taste: very bitter ale
the smell: malty, brown sugar

3. [RECOMMENDATION]

The Perfect Beer

2010-05-09T10:06:00.001-07:00

Has anyone tried this beer? It's Russian River Brewing Company's Supplication ale. They make it seem amazing.

Brown's Oatmeal Stout

2010-05-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

I continue with Chad's package. The second beer is a stout and comes out better than the pumpkin ale. See for yourself.

This video is also available on YouTube.

1. [PRE-REVIEW]

brewery: Brown's Brewing, USA
type of beer: stout
bought in: gift from Chad
container grade (bottle): small bottle

2. [REVIEW]

the looks: head (none or actually I forgot about it), body (totally black)
the taste: smooth with bitter finish, a bit watery
the smell: very dark chocolate

3. [RECOMMENDATION]

Imperial Pumking (#74)

2010-04-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

And I am back. Welcome to season 4 of Girl Likes Beer podcast. There are (or there will be) some few minor changes but not many.

I want to apologize for the delay. I really though I could start season 4 a month ago but this turned out to be impossible. I am really glad you were willing to wait. Enjoy the first episode! Cheers:)

The review is also available on YouTube.

1. [PRE-REVIEW]

brewery: Southern Tier Brewing , USA
type of beer: pumpkin ale
bought in: gift from Chad
container grade (bottle): thick and strong bottle

2. [REVIEW]

the looks: head (none or actually I forgot about it), body (awesome orange like Irn Bru)
the taste: strong, cleaning like
the smell: pumpkins with honey

3. [RECOMMENDATION]

Men with talent

2010-04-27T02:03:00.001-07:00

Just beautiful...

Another beer package

2010-04-21T01:05:00.001-07:00

Last week I received another beer package. This time from Australia. Want to see what I got:)

Another beer package from Girl Likes Beer on Vimeo.

Beer can do miracles

2010-03-25T22:50:00.001-07:00

See the full gallery on posterous

Beer madness - choose your beers

2010-03-19T05:09:00.001-07:00

March 17 - Start

March 24 - 1/8

March 31 - 1/4

April 7 - 1/2 and The winner

Info about the contest

Beer Madness, our annual quest for Everyman's favorite brew, returns with a twist. This year, we've included beers from 22 nations. Our panelists met for a blind taste test in early March, but we want to see where your votes different from theirs. Each week, we invite you to play along by voting for your favorite in each matchup. Vote by clicking on the name of the beer and clicking the "Submit" button when you're through.

Go choose your beers!

Girl Likes Beer interview

2010-03-16T11:05:00.001-07:00

Here's a short interview I made for Qype. Hope you enjoy it.

Design your beer label

2010-03-05T05:28:00.001-08:00

After fake choosing of beer names or pub names, I think you guys are ready to design your dream beer label. Just go to Newcastles brewery website and let your creative side do the rest.

The sweetest beer cooler

2010-03-03T10:09:00.001-08:00

Each of these bowls was made with an anodized aluminum inner layer that can be used to cool 6 Peroni lager bottles (small) or 12 Peroni bottles (large.) In fact, it was made with Peroni in mind, as the designer, Chi Dang, finds Peroni just kissably delicious.

Full lips in mind. The lid opens to reveal a flat serving tray which can be placed on the bowl, lid, or on its own. Also made of thermoplastic and definitely designed with the tongue placed firmly in the cheek.

Designer: Chi Dang

via yankodesign.com

Puma is making beer

2010-02-28T22:07:00.001-08:00

via joshspear.com

World gets crazier, every day;)

The Beer Name generator

2010-02-18T22:13:00.001-08:00

So you picked your favorite pub name. How about choosing the coolest beer name out there. Beer name generator can do the trick. I like this one: Efird Beer Inc. Dirty Poop - Japanese Rice Lager. Share your beer names in the comments.

English Pub Name generator

2010-02-18T09:53:00.001-08:00

If you ever wondered how you could name an English pub if you decided to open one, stop. Molly from My Beer Pix created this cool Pub Name Generator. Go check it out right away!

Here's a list of cool names that I got:

The Panther & Flag
The Tenrec & Indian
The Jaguar & Crop
The Mynah & Ferry

Girl Likes Beer podcast intro

2010-02-18T09:11:00.001-08:00

Just made this short intro for the podcast. Tell me guys what you think. I am making this with animoto.com so not a lot that I can change. Here's a few things that I do control:

music
number of videos (and which I use of course)
number of pictures (same as with videos)
text
order (more or less)

Beer and augmented reality

2010-02-12T23:57:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow marks the day of New Years in Chinese calendar. The upcoming year is the year of the Tiger. For this event the Tiger beer (reviewed by me in Copenhagen) has prepared an augmented reality iPhone app which directs users to the best restaurants in eight UK cities or so.

Girl Likes Beer loves you all!

2010-02-12T10:05:00.001-08:00

Kaliber beer

2010-02-11T08:57:00.001-08:00

If you drink beer for the percentage, here's a brand for you. Packaging is awesome. Had this beer been available I wouldn't get the non-alcohol ones:)

Product and label design for Kaliber Beer and Åbro Breweries Sweden.
Client: Åbro Bryggeri Sweden
Design by: MPS, Morris Pinewood Stockholm
Art Director: Mattias Frodlund

via thedieline.com

Beer flavoured lip gloss

2010-02-11T08:52:00.001-08:00

Crazy as it may sound or seem Heineken has just released a beer flavoured lip gloss. What do you think? Guys? Girls?