This Tuesday in Beer! A cloud of alcohol in outer space and Corny Dogs Beer!

_{Yes, there is a giant cloud of alcohol in outer space. It's in a region known as W3(OH), only about 6500 light years away. Unfortunately, it is methyl alcohol (commonly known as wood alcohol, though this stuff is not derived from wood), so it isn't suitable for drinking.}

In today’s email:

• Beer Quirky Fact - Alcohol cloud floating in space?

• Beer Meme - Today’s beer meme!

• Beer News - Jimmy Carter, Corny Dogs Beer, and more!

• Our Beer Snippet - What makes beer bitter?

• Beer of the Day - Pliny the Elder beer?

• Beer Poll - The best mid-week beer?

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In the news:

• Fort Worth’s Martin House Brewing and Fletcher’s launch a weird beer for this year’s Texas State Fair - the Fletcher’s Corny Dogs Beer, yeah, with mustard flavor. Why? Because they don’t believe in ketchup… So, if you want ketchup-flavored beer, you have to keep looking, LOL.

  

  In the past, the brewery has crafted its own quirky creations, including a hot dog water-flavored seltzer and an Elf-themed beer inspired by Buddy the Elf's go-to meal: cold spaghetti topped with maple syrup and M&Ms. So, keep an eye out on them!

• A man plans on chugging a beer in all 650 parliamentary constituencies in the UK: 'Pubs bring communities together'. Jay Chan, from Birmingham, has so far made it to pubs in 16 different constituencies, he said – leaving 634 to go. The journey across the entirety of the United Kingdom could take 20 years, he said — and could cost more than $4,000 in drinks alone. Chan undertook this unconventional protest to show support for the British pub industry, according to SWNS. Pubs, Chan stated, are "an integral part of British life." In 2022, the Value Added Tax (VAT) for the tourism and hospitality sector increased from 12.5% to 20%, as reported by the BBC.

• A couple in Arkansas was arrested after they allegedly attempted to sell their 2-month-old baby for a six-pack of beer and a $1,000 cashier's check, court documents say. According to the defendants, "it was not working having three dogs and a baby."

• Raise a cold beer for Carter on his 100th birthday! - In 1978, President Carter signed legislation that federally legalized home brewing. At the time, most Americans drank a single dominant beer style—light lagers—from major breweries like Coors and Anheuser-Busch. However, once home brewers showcased the popularity of hoppy IPAs, malty stouts, and citrusy wheat ales, it sparked a HUGE surge in small breweries. Today, there are over 9,000 small and independent craft breweries.

Our Beer Snippet - Beer bitterness? Where does it come from?

Beer’s bitterness primarily comes from hops, the cone-shaped flowers of the hop plant, which are added during brewing. Hops contain alpha acids, specifically humulone, which are key to creating bitterness. During the boiling phase, these alpha acids undergo isomerization, a chemical process that transforms them into iso-alpha acids, releasing the bitter flavor. The amount of bitterness is measured in International Bitterness Units (IBUs), which can range from low (around 5-10 IBUs for light beers) to high (over 100 IBUs for certain hoppy beers like IPAs).

However, hops aren't the only source of bitterness. Dark roasted malts, used in stouts and porters, can add a subtle bitterness, which helps to balance the overall sweetness of the malt. Different hop varieties also influence the bitterness profile, with some contributing sharp, resinous notes, while others add more citrusy, floral, or herbal bitterness, depending on the beer style and brewing technique.

Beer of The Day! - Pliny the Elder - The Ultimate Double IPA!

Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing Company is one of the most iconic double IPAs in craft beer history. First brewed in 2000, it helped define the West Coast IPA style with its bold hop profile and balanced malt backbone. Named after the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, who documented hops in the first century, this beer quickly became a cult favorite among hop enthusiasts.

It boasts a mix of pine, citrus, and resinous hop flavors, with a solid malt presence that tempers the bitterness. At 8% ABV, it’s surprisingly smooth for a double IPA, with a dry finish that invites another sip.

For food pairings, Pliny the Elder complements spicy foods like buffalo wings, peppery barbecue, or even rich, oily fish like salmon. Its strong hop character also stands up well to sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda. As a highly sought-after beer, it’s often regarded as a must-try for IPA lovers.

Cheers!