Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages around the world. Many people enjoy drinking beer straight from the bottle or can. However, some prefer using a straw when drinking beer. This raises the question – does drinking beer through a straw really make a difference?
The science behind drinking beer through a straw
There are a few scientific reasons why using a straw to drink beer may change the experience:
- Bypassing the lips and tongue – When beer is consumed directly from the bottle/can, it first passes over the lips and tongue. These sensitive areas contain many taste receptors that allow you to detect flavors. By using a straw, the beer bypasses the lips and tongue, potentially decreasing flavor perception.
- Aerating the beer – Pouring beer into an open glass or bottle allows it to aerate before drinking. This exposure to oxygen brings out the complex aromas and flavors. Sucking beer through a narrow straw provides less aeration, reducing the release of aromas.
- Changing mouthfeel – Beer has a unique mouthfeel or texture. Carbonation and viscosity contribute to the full bodied mouthfeel. Drinking through a straw may change the texture and carbonation experience.
- Altering foam retention – The foam head is an important part of beer’s appearance and taste. Drinking through a straw right away eliminates this foam. It also may reduce foaming action in the mouth.
Based on the mechanisms above, using a straw has the potential to change several sensory aspects of beer, including flavor, aroma, carbonation, and mouthfeel. But does this translate to a dramatically different overall experience?
Experiments comparing drinking beer with and without a straw
Several sources have conducted sensory tests to see if people notice a difference when drinking beer through a straw:
- A 2016 study published in the Journal of Sensory Studies had panelists rate the aroma, flavor, carbonation, and overall enjoyment of beer samples consumed either directly from the glass or through a straw. Panelists noticed little difference in flavors between the two methods. However, aromas were perceived as significantly more intense when drinking directly from the glass rather than through a straw.
- Cook’s Illustrated performed a blind taste test comparing lagers and ales consumed through a straw vs. glass. Tasters discerned very minor differences but preferred the direct glass method.
- YouTube channel Brew reviewed straw vs. no straw beer tasting. They concluded that carbonation and head retention decrease slightly with a straw, but the differences are subtle.
In summary, scientific testing shows that straw use primarily affects aroma perceptions and carbonation/foam. The impact on actual flavor is minimal. Any differences are usually only detected through controlled side-by-side comparisons.
Why people choose to use straws with beer
If differences are subtle, why do some beer drinkers opt for straws? Here are a few reasons why you may see beer consumed through straws:
- Avoiding foam moustaches – Foam dripping down the glass and leaving a frothy moustache is undesirable to some. Straws prevent messiness.
- Keeping teeth clean – Hops and grains can stain teeth or leave an unpleasant coating. Straws minimize contact with teeth.
- Preventing ice cream headaches – Rapid chugging of icy cold beer can sometimes trigger temporary but painful "brain freeze" headaches. Straws allow slower sipping.
- Mixing liquor – Straws enable easy mixing of beer with liquor shots like the "boilermaker" combo.
- Avoiding germs – In bars, straws decrease contact of glass rims with mouths.
- Appearances – Some establishments provide straws for beer to maintain a uniform look with cocktails.
For these practical reasons, straws can make the beer drinking experience more convenient, comfortable, or tidy for some consumers.
Does bottle, can or glassware make a difference?
While straws may have a minor impact, the container the beer comes in likely makes much more of a difference on taste and drinking experience. Here’s a quick overview:
- Bottles – Protect beer well from light and oxygen. Provide portability. But limits aroma release and heading compared to glasses.
- Cans – Blocks light and prevents oxygen completely. Very portable and less fragile than bottles. But also limits aroma and provides less head than glasses.
- Glasses – Allows beer to aerate and release aroma. Shape enhances head retention and fits mouth well. But breakable and not portable.
The table below summarizes some of the key differences in tasting experience with different containers:
| Sensory Factor | Bottle | Can | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aroma | Medium aroma release | Low aroma release | High aroma release |
| Flavor | Full flavor | Full flavor | Full flavor |
| Carbonation | High carbonation | High carbonation | High carbonation |
| Mouthfeel | Crisp, bubbly | Crisp, bubbly | Smooth, creamy |
| Head Retention | Moderate | Low | High |
So while straws only have subtle effects, drinking from a glass can enhance the arouma, mouthfeel and head of the beer substantially compared to bottles/cans. But for portability, cans and bottles are far superior.
Serving temperatures
Serving temperature also influences beer’s taste. Here are recommended temperatures for major beer styles:
- Pale lagers and pilsners – 40-45°F (4-7°C)
- IPAs and ales – 50-55°F (10-13°C)
- Stouts and porters – 55-60°F (13-16°C)
- Belgian beers – 45-50°F (7-10°C)
In general, beers should be chilled but not ice cold. Lower temperatures mute flavors and aromas. Paying attention to proper serving temperature for the style of beer can really enhance enjoyment.
Conclusion
While using a straw does alter some sensory aspects of beer, the differences are found to be fairly minor through scientific testing. The container type (glass, bottle, can) and serving temperature have much more noticeable effects on the drinking experience. Ultimately, the choice of using a straw comes down to personal preferences around convenience, appearances or drinking style.
The key point is that if you want to maximize beer’s flavor, it’s ideal to drink from a glass at proper serving temperature. But in many situations, a bottle/can with or without a straw is just fine. So don’t feel the need to avoid straws entirely if that’s your preference. As long as you’re enjoying beer in a way that’s comfortable and suits the circumstances, that’s what really matters.