2nd Annual Hilton Head Bold Beer Fest

High gravity beer, also known as “big beer,” refers to beers with a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) than standard beers. Here are some basics about high gravity beer:

1. ABV: High gravity beers typically have an ABV greater than 7.5%, although the exact threshold can vary by style and region. Some high gravity beers can have ABVs well above 10% and even reach 20% or higher for extreme examples.

2. Flavor and Complexity: The higher alcohol content in high gravity beers can contribute to a richer and more complex flavor profile. These beers often showcase intense malt sweetness, robust hop bitterness, and a warming alcohol presence.

3. Styles: Many beer styles can be brewed to high gravity, including imperial stouts, barleywines, double IPAs, Belgian strong ales, and more. These styles often benefit from the additional malt and hop character that high gravity brewing allows.

4. Brewing Process: To achieve higher alcohol content, brewers use a larger amount of malt, which provides fermentable sugars for the yeast to convert into alcohol. This often requires more malt, longer boiling times, and sometimes multiple mashing steps to extract as much sugar as possible from the grains.

5. Aging: Some high gravity beers benefit from aging to allow the flavors to meld and mellow. This can be done in barrels or through bottle conditioning. Aging can also help to smooth out the intense alcohol presence in these beers.

6. Enjoyment: High gravity beers are often sipped and savored due to their complexity and higher alcohol content. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with rich, flavorful foods. When consuming high gravity beers, it’s important to drink responsibly due to their higher alcohol content. It’s also worth noting that high gravity beers can be more filling than standard beers due to their increased malt content.

Cigar Basics:

1. Construction: Cigars are typically made up of three main parts: the filler, the binder, and the wrapper. The filler is the blend of tobacco inside the cigar, the binder holds the filler together, and the wrapper is the outermost leaf that gives the cigar its appearance.

2. Shapes and Sizes: Cigars come in various shapes and sizes. The size of a cigar is often described by its length and ring gauge (diameter). Common shapes include Robusto, Toro, Churchill, and Corona.

3. Strength: Cigars are often categorized by their strength, which refers to the intensity of the flavor and the impact of the smoke on the palate. Cigars are generally classified as mild, medium, or full-bodied.

4. Storage: Cigars should be stored in a humidor to maintain their quality. A humidor is a specially designed box that maintains a constant level of humidity to preserve the cigars.

5. Cutting and Lighting: Before smoking a cigar, it needs to be cut to create an opening for smoking. There are various types of cigar cutters available. When lighting a cigar, it’s important to use a butane lighter or a wooden match to avoid tainting the flavor with chemicals.

6. Smoking: When smoking a cigar, puff it gently to avoid overheating and drawing too much smoke. Rotate the cigar to ensure an even burn and savor the flavors. Remember that enjoying a cigar is a personal experience, and preferences for size, shape, strength, and flavor can vary widely from person to person.