As an experienced sommelier and brewer, I can offer some insights into the use of salt in beer. While it is not common practice to put salt directly into beer, there are certain styles where a touch of salt can enhance the overall flavor profile.
One such style is the Gose, a traditional German beer known for its slightly sour and salty character. Gose is brewed with the addition of salt, which contributes to its unique taste. The saltiness helps to balance out the tartness and acidity, creating a refreshing and complex flavor profile. If you are brewing a Gose, adding salt during the brewing process is essential to achieving the authentic taste of this style.
In contrast, adding salt to other beer styles, such as IPAs or Lambics, is not a common practice. These styles already have distinctive flavor profiles, and adding salt may alter their intended taste. However, there is an interesting phenomenon where salt can actually counterbalance the bitterness of a beer, making it taste slightly sweeter.
For individuals who are new to the world of beer and find the intense bitterness of double IPAs overwhelming, a sprinkle of salt can help cut down on that bitterness and make the beer more approachable. This is a personal preference and not a widely accepted technique among beer enthusiasts, but it can be a helpful tool for those who are acquiring a taste for bitter beers.
I must emphasize that adding salt to beer should be done sparingly and with caution. It is important to start with a small amount and gradually increase if desired. Too much salt can easily ruin the balance of flavors in a beer and make it unpleasant to drink.
In my personal experience, I have encountered instances where a pinch of salt has helped to mellow out the bitterness of a particularly hop-forward IPA. It can make the beer more enjoyable for those who are not accustomed to the intense bitterness commonly found in these styles. However, it is worth noting that this technique is subjective and may not be appreciated by all beer enthusiasts.
To summarize, while it is not customary to put salt directly into beer, there are specific beer styles like Gose that require the addition of salt during the brewing process. In terms of enjoying bitter beers like IPAs or Lambics, a small sprinkle of salt can potentially help balance out the bitterness and make the beer taste slightly sweeter. However, this is a personal preference and should be approached with caution. Ultimately, the decision to add salt to beer rests with the individual's taste preferences and experimentation.