How to distinguish beer from beer drink

The Russian market is replete with alcoholic beverages, which includes beer. Recently on the price tags under hop production began to show off the inscription "beer", that confused the average consumer of beer. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how to distinguish beer from beer drink.

The letter of the law

Alcohol may be made under either the GOST or according to the specifications agreed by the manufacturer with sanitary-epidemiological authorities in the Russian Federation. The most recent GOST R 51174-2009 reglamentary technical process of making beer and its composition. In paragraph 5.2 the requirements for raw materials include malt brewing barley/wheat, drinking water, sugar, hop/hops, barley, groats are a wheat/rice, corn grits, brewer's yeast. The presence of these ingredients suggests that the product, namely the beer, not beer. It should be noted that the older the publication date of the GOST, the smaller the part of the beer he reglamentary and, accordingly, the more natural and natural drink is consumed.

To be sure in the quality of beer, it is possible to cook yourself. The Internet presents a wide range of microbreweries, as well as ingredients for them.

Composition

First of all, beer by beer beverage can be distinguished as described in the back of the label composition. Most often in the composition of the beer drink you can find such ingredients as starch, barley, emulsions, flavors, flavor additives, etc. All this tells us that we have not beer, and beer, which may not correspond to GOST.

Few people know, but the beer produced under the brand "Ochakovo", received awards for good quality in overseas competitions manufacturers of intoxicating products.

Label

The consumer should be paying more attention to beer in that case, if the label flaunt such trendy and loud phrases like "beer", "wheat beer", "special taste", etc. can All indicate that, to give the desired flavor and aroma, the manufacturer used in the additional ingredients. Especially cherished is necessary to refer to a strong beer because to achieve the desired strength of the drink maker may add to the composition of molasses or starch, which greatly accelerates the natural process of fermentation.

Shelf life

The lower the shelf life of the beer, the more natural ingredients used for its production. Unpasteurized "live" beer, brewed according to GOST, kept a maximum of 3 months, light and other varieties can be stored for 1 year. The same applies to beer drink, but noted that they can be stored on the shelves for up to two years.

Cocktails

A low-alcohol cocktails at the stores, too, are beer drinks. In their composition are used so-called "specially prepared beer" which was discoloured and devoid of beer flavor. In this "beer" is added colors, flavors, or preservatives. The use of this "beer" is justified from an economic point of view, as it is cheaper than alcohol. Also, the manufacturer using these components saves on excise stamps.