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Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
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- Does anyone else get treated like a beer snob for ordering literally anything that isn’t a macro lager?
- Is there a polite way to refuse a beer that’s being served in the wrong glassware without making everyone at the table uncomfortable?
- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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Exploring the Psychoactive Potential of Hops in Beer
In the realm of craft beer enthusiasts, the debate surrounding the effects of hops continues to captivate attention. Recently, I shared my observations on how certain India Pale Ales (IPAs) affect me differently than traditional hopped beers. While the responses varied—some in agreement, others attributing my experiences to the higher alcohol content—my ongoing explorations have led me to some intriguing conclusions.
Through experimentation, I’ve found distinctions in the impact of various beer styles. Cold IPAs, while generally lower in hop content, maintain an alcohol by volume (ABV) that rivals that of their West Coast IPA counterparts. Conversely, Imperial IPAs often boast an excessive ABV without a significantly increased hop presence that resonates with me. Instead, I’ve discovered that a well-crafted West Coast IPA with a more moderate ABV offers a fulfilling sensation that truly hits the mark.
What sets the experience of consuming hoppy beers apart for me is not merely a buzz from alcohol; it is a distinct feeling that I categorize as energized and cerebral. This leads me to ponder the potential psychoactive properties of hops under certain conditions. Could the fermentation process enhance the bioavailability of certain compounds found in hops? Is there a synergistic relationship between hops and alcohol that amplifies these effects? Or perhaps the alcohol facilitates the crossing of specific hop compounds through the blood-brain barrier?
It’s worth mentioning that my experience does not align with any sensitivity to hops; I don’t encounter adverse reactions such as itching or hives. What I feel is pure euphoria—an elevated state that begs the question: why have hops become a staple in brewing history? While beer in its early days did not necessarily include hops, the collective consensus that developed around their use suggests a compelling reason behind their incorporation into beer.
As we delve deeper into the relationship between hops and their effects, there’s much to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or just starting your journey, it’s fascinating to consider the layers of flavor and experience that hops contribute to our favorite brews. Let’s raise a glass to the pursuit of understanding what makes hops so integral to the beer-drinking experience!