At Sapwood Cellars this Wednesday, DBear and I were comparing Hallow Bright to Snip Snap.

Both ales are very good, but I prefer Hallow Bright. The main difference, Hallow Bright is all Citra hops, giving it much more aroma. Snip Snap, a very good beer, just doesn’t have that wonderful citrus aroma.

I mention this because I’ve just picked up a book from the library, “Flavor”, by Bob Holmes. He notes the affect of other senses on taste, particularly smell. Did you know, if you hold your nose, an onion tastes like an apple?

Mr. Holmes explains why salty nuts go well with beer. The salt flavor tames the bitter bite of beer. I remember a co-worker would always dump a finger full of salt at the bottom of his beer glass before taking a sip. I thought it was strange at the time, but I guess he was lessening the bitter.

Other senses also affect taste. Holmes notes that listening to the sounds of the seashore while eating oysters enhances their flavor. Many people reported the oysters tasting saltier when hearing waves crashing or the sound of gulls.

For me, having a beer with friends almost always makes the experience more enjoyable. Perhaps the feeling of companionship enhances flavors as well. I’m looking forward to finishing “Flavor” in hopes of learning better ways to express flavor and a greater understanding of how taste works.

Cheers!

Warren