41 replies to this topic

[HarvInSTL]

We are having a lively debate within our local homebrew club. One member is saying that he doesn't consider Eisbeer beer. I'm saying that it is beer.What say ye?

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

We are having a lively debate within our local homebrew club. One member is saying that he doesn't consider Eisbeer beer. I'm saying that it is beer.What say ye?

i say beer.

[Big Nake]

I've seen these conversations before and I have heard of some people saying that they would be afraid to enter an Eisbock into a comp for fear they would be arrested for distilling. I'm not sure I even understand the process. Supposedly, the style was discovered when ice chunks were fished out of partially frozen barrels of beer. What is the process (distilling?) that would make it illegal and possibly not beer? I vote beer.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

I've seen these conversations before and I have heard of some people saying that they would be afraid to enter an Eisbock into a comp for fear they would be arrested for distilling. I'm not sure I even understand the process. Supposedly, the style was discovered when ice chunks were fished out of partially frozen barrels of beer. What is the process (distilling?) that would make it illegal and possible not beer? I vote beer.

it's not illegal b/c it's not really distilling is my understanding of it.

[HarvInSTL]

it's not illegal b/c it's not really distilling is my understanding of it.

Which is exactly how I understand it. When you distill something you are removing the alcohol from the wash/mash/etc (As the alcohol vapors condense and collect). You don't remove alcohol when you make Eisbeer, you remove frozen water.I think I'm remembering this right.

[MtnBrewer]

Whether it's considered distillation or not under US law is irrelevant. It's still beer.

[earthtone]

Whether it's considered distillation or not under US law is irrelevant. It's still beer.

truth!the idea that this is distillation is reinforced by the term I have heard several times of freeze distillation. I believe it is actually known as fractional freezing, is definitely not distillation or illegal and MUST be beer. I say must because if not then any of the many beer sold here at least with the word "ice" in the title would also not be beer.like this one: Though you might also say that the above is not "beer" for other reasons.....

[djinkc]

It's beer.Regretfully though, I have turned all of you in.

[ncbeerbrewer]

Its Beer Yes!!

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

Quite the one sided poll.

[RommelMagic]

it's not illegal b/c it's not really distilling is my understanding of it.

+1I also voted beer. It is simply beer with some of the water removed via freezing rather than boiling.

[Deerslyr]

It is beer in the sense that we would call it beer. However, IIRC, some regulations say that if a portion of the alcohol content was acheived through a process other than fermentation, then the state takes issue with it. Removing water from the "alcoholic beverage", whether it is from taking chunks of ice or heat distillation, is an act that concentrates the alcohol. Allows them to tax it differently.

[Winkydowbrewing]

ill stir up the waters. If i understand correctly there are some countries which do not consider it beer, while others (US included) do. So, i would be more inclined to say I am 50/50 on the matter. Me personally, I would rather use more of any source of sugar then find a work around to jack up the abv of my beverage....plus all grain makes better tasting beer! haha

[Big Nake]

I would be more inclined to say I am 50/50 on the matter.

This poll needs a "sans coulottes" option.

[djinkc]

ill stir up the waters. If i understand correctly there are some countries which do not consider it beer, while others (US included) do. So, i would be more inclined to say I am 50/50 on the matter. Me personally, I would rather use more of any source of sugar then find a work around to jack up the abv of my beverage....plus all grain makes better tasting beer! haha

I suppose I used to know this but forgot until poking around a little.. jacking

[Big Nake]

Oh, 2 people voted NO. Who ruined the fun?

[MtnBrewer]

In the state of Mejas (aka Texas), it would be classified as an ale.

[HarvInSTL]

This poll needs a "sans coulottes" option.

If a mod can edit the poll and add the option, its fine with me.

Oh, 2 people voted NO. Who ruined the fun?

I'm interested in both sides of this. If you voted no, I'd be interested to know why you feel that way.If you voted yes, I want to know why you feel that way as well.

Edited by HarvInCoMo, 04 March 2010 - 06:24 PM.

[MtnBrewer]

*searches for pool*

[HarvInSTL]

*searches for pool*

Good luckBAM!