Daily Archives: June 15, 2009

NPR: Pairing beer and jazz

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National Public RadioI’m not a fan of jazz music, but I am a fan of National Public Radio. The idea of pairing beer with music isn’t new, but this is an interesting approach, pairing a particular song with a particular beer (and vice versa).

The Six Pack: Pairing Summer Jazz And Beer : NPR Music

On porches everywhere this summer, people are soaking up the sticky heat with beer in hand and music in the background. Jazz and beer are natural companions, but no one wants to mix the two inappropriately. So I [Lars Gotrich] approached the Washington City Paper’s “Beerspotter,” Orr Shtuhl, to pair bottles with Charles Mingus, Sun Ra and more.

On a recent Sunday afternoon, Shtuhl and I picked up a selection of delectable, summery beers. Back on my front porch with two willing participants (thanks, Mark and Kelly), I would describe the artist and the song we were about to hear, play it and then ask The Beerspotter to pair the song with a beer based on its attitude, its backstory and its notes (and, yes, that does work both ways). Three hours later, we matched up six impeccable pairings.

Interesting. At the very least I have a few beers that I’ve not heard of that I need to try to find.

What’s a perfect beer/song pairing for you?

North Coast Old Stock Ale

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North Coast Old Stock AleBeer-a-Day #166

Unlike yesterday’s selection, I actually did buy an extra one of these specifically to cellar for a year or so.

Like a fine port, Old Stock Ale is intended to be laid down. With an original gravity of over 1.100 and a generous hopping rate, Old Stock Ale is well-designed to round-out and mellow with age. It’s brewed with classic Maris Otter malt and Fuggles and East Kent Goldings hops, all imported from England.

Deep brown with red highlights. Head dissipates quickly; it almost looks like brandy. Cherry, viney, a bit of vanilla. Big flavor; now that’s a sipping beer.

North Coast Old Stock Ale

Beer hydrates better after exercise than water

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I guess I’m out of excuses for not exercising.

Researchers in Spain have discovered that beer after a workout re-hydrates the body better than plain water.

It’s Better To Drink Beer After Exercise Than Water

Professor Manuel Garzon, a member of Granada’s medical faculty, made the finding after tests on 25 students over several months. Researchers believe that it is the sugars, salts, and bubbles in a beer that may help people absorb fluids more quickly.

The subjects in the study were asked to run on a treadmill at temperatures of 104F (40C) until they were close to exhaustion. Once they had reached the point of giving up, researchers measured their hydration levels, motor skills, and concentration ability.

Half of the subjects were given two half pints of Spanish lager to drink, and the other half were given just water.

Garzon said that the rehydration effection in those who were given beer was “slightly better” than those who were given only water. He also believes that the carbon dioxide in beer helps quench thirst more quickly, and that beer’s carbohydrates replace calories lost during physical exertion.

(via Uncle Jack)