Lemons and Limes in Beer...?

Ninkasi · 08-18-2006, 04:28 AM

Just a general question to anyone who can shed some light into why lemons accompany many "honey wiess" beers (and other fruit "toppers" like limes with Coronas/many mexican beers, orange peels on Blue Moon and other Belgian style brews)? Is there a purpose for these "accessories"?

ruppe · 08-18-2006, 06:10 AM

Because that's the way other's make them............I assume limes in mexican lagers (because Americans put them in anyhow), oranges in Blue Moon (it's in there anyhow)Apperently the drinking public like lemon in American honey beers. Fight it, or make something better. You make what you like, the public buys what they like.

**Yuri_Rage** · 08-18-2006, 02:04 PM

Sometimes it's an attempt to hide "off flavors" or "skunked" beer - Corona is a prime example with its light flavor, clear bottle, and sometimes long journey in less than optimum storage. Citrus can mask many flaws in beer. Other times it's there to complement citrus flavors or fruity esters in the beer as in Blue Moon or Hoegaarden (usually wheat beers).

Purists say let the beer speak for itself and skip the fruity additions. I say try the beer both with and without the slice of fruit and drink it the way you like best.

Ninkasi · 08-18-2006, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yuri_Rage

Sometimes it's an attempt to hide "off flavors" or "skunked" beer

I think I heard once that lemons/limes can be used to balance the pH level of a beer. Is there any truth to that? That would kind of explain "off flavors" before adding the lemon/lime...

**kornkob** · 08-18-2006, 03:57 PM

Find how you like to drink your beer and drink it that way and ignore the heckling from the beer snobs.

You'll find all kinds of opinions about the right glass, condiments, temps, CO2 content, gas use for various types of beer. Ultimately if you don't ENJOY it, regardless of what the beer snobs tell you is wrong about how you like it, then 'right and wrong' don't enter into it.

It's no different than the 'right way' to do any number of other things. Like brats. There are some folks that pile all kinds of crap on the brats: catsup, onions, peppers but others swear that kraut is all a good brat needs.

**Brewpastor** · 08-18-2006, 04:04 PM

Isn't it obvious why wheat beer needs citrus? You need something to cover up the beer's real taste so you don't gag while trying to force the vileness down your throat.

Did I ever mention that I don't care for wheat beer?

**olllllo** · 08-18-2006, 04:38 PM

I heard that citrus keeps the flies off your bottle. Could be Urban Legend.

PT Ray · 08-26-2006, 03:51 AM

I think the acidity of the fruit works well with certain beers and adds a little different dimension, though is subjective and not for everyone. Mexi beers I'm game as it has nothing to lose. American wheats, okay but I wouldn't. True Weizens, save the fuit for the Mexi's.

Desert_Sky · 08-26-2006, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olllllo

I heard that citrus keeps the flies off your bottle. Could be Urban Legend.

Im going to keep that in mind next time I pick up a case of Pacifico. But the only time I put anything in my beer is when Im drinking Mexican beers. And its always one lime wedge and a pinch of salt.

cackxt · 08-26-2006, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chimone

...But the only time I put anything in my beer is when Im drinking Mexican beers. And its always one lime wedge and a pinch of salt.

Taste is subjective..."do what tastes right!"