Why Do People Put Salt In Beer?

Beer with salt may sound strange to some, but many cultures around the world have enjoyed salted beer for centuries. Why do people put salt in beer?

Read on and find out the history and health benefits of salting beer, the different types of salt used, and how it impacts the drinking experience.

History of Salted Beer

Beer has been a part of civilizations dating back thousands of years ago due to its nutritional value and ability to preserve food. During the industrial revolution, brewers began adding salt to their beers in order to improve flavor and extend shelf life.

Salt was also widely available at this time so it wasn’t cost-prohibitive like other ingredients used back then such as hops or grain.

Health Benefits of Salted Beer

Studies have found that drinking salted beer can provide some health benefits such as reducing hypertension, aiding digestion, or providing electrolytes after a workout.

The electrolytes in the salt can also help replenish lost nutrients from alcohol consumption that would otherwise be lost through dehydration which can cause headaches for some people who drink too much alcohol.

Ceremony Of Salting Beer

In some countries such as Mexico and Colombia, there are special ceremonies where people will add salt directly into their beers with a ritualistic method known as “salting a beer” or “cebicheando una cerveza” (cebicheando being Spanish for salting).

Participants usually take turns pouring salt directly into their beers until they reach a desired level of salinity before consuming the beverage with friends.

Popular Types Of Salted Beer

Nowadays there are many craft breweries creating unique types of salted beer that cater to different tastes by incorporating different types of salts into their recipes.

Common salts used include sea salts like Maldon or fleur de sel as well as specialty salts like pink Himalayan sea salt or smoked sea salts which can add unique flavors to an already delicious beverage.

Varieties Of Salt Used To Enhance Flavor

Different types of salts can be used to accentuate flavors in beer by balancing bitterness or sweetness depending on the type used. For example, using a milder sea salt will result in a lighter flavor while using one with more complex minerals could bring out maltier notes from darker malts like roasted barley or chocolate malt which would pair nicely with stouts or porters.

Additionally, adding larger chunks of sea salt into the kettle during fermentation will help change up the taste even more by releasing subtle aromas that complement hop aromas perfectly giving off a nice balance between the two flavors which can make for an enjoyable craft beer experience.

Impact On Drinking Experience

The addition of salt in your favorite craft beers will give you an enhanced drinking experience no matter what type you prefer because it adds complexity and depth to each sip without overwhelming your palate like other ingredients might do if overindulged.

The best part about adding it is that it doesn’t mask any existing flavors from your brews but instead enhances them making them even more delicious than ever before!

Lastly, if you’re looking for something new or just want something different from your favorite brews then pick up some quality sea salts next time you hit up your local brewery for an enjoyable salted drinking experience!

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding just enough salt can really elevate any type of craft beer you enjoy no matter what style it is whether it is light lagers, hoppy IPAs, or dark stouts and porters!

From enhancing flavor profiles with unique aromas to providing electrolytes after a workout there are many reasons why people have been putting salt in their beers since ancient times – so why not give it try yourself? Cheers!