Q: What is wheat beer? How is it different from other beers? Are there different styles of wheat beer?

A: Wheat beer is made from a mixture of grains that contains from 45 to 70%raw or malted wheat. As a general rule, wheat beers tend to be lighter-bodied than their pure barley relatives and there is a higher degree of carbonation. They are usually more golden in colour and have a whiter head when poured.

Wheat beers are spritzy, tart, tangy and very refreshing, ideal for summer consumption. However, similar to beers made from barley, there is a wide range of styles available. While most wheat beers are top fermented, many are also bottle-conditioned (re-fermented in the bottle and left on the yeast lees until consumption), giving them greater shelf life and complexity. Schneider, one of the leading German producers of wheat beer, makes a very dark bock that is a strong, 8% ABV, and typically enjoyed in colder weather. Also, where a wheat beer is manufactured makes a difference. North American wheat beers (especially those from the Pacific Northwest) tend to be hoppier and slightly tarter than their counterparts from Germany and Belgium.

Q: What does the term "Neat" mean when applied to serving some liquors, i.e. "Serve Neat"?

A: "Neat" means that the liquor in question is served by itself, without ice or water. Many whisky aficionados maintain that it is the only way to properly appreciate fine spirits. Most tasters, however, say that adding a small amount of distilled water to the sample (after its aroma has been assessed) releases more flavours and is easier on the palate.