How do you get rid of hop burns?

Answered by Bill Hernandez

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that and cannabis are indeed closely related, but they are not exactly the same. While both plants are members of the Cannabaceae family, the THC compound that is responsible for the psychoactive effects in cannabis is not found in hops. So, drinking that contains hops will not get you high in the same way that consuming cannabis does.

The buzz or feeling you get from drinking beer is primarily caused by the content in the . The more alcohol you consume, the stronger the effect will be. It's important to note that the effects of alcohol can vary depending on a variety of factors such as your body weight, metabolism, and tolerance to alcohol.

There are also other factors that can influence the way you feel when drinking beer. For example, the food you have eaten prior to drinking can affect the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream. Eating a meal before drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol and may reduce the intensity of the buzz.

Medications you may be taking can also interact with alcohol and affect how you feel. It's always important to check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there are any potential interactions between your medications and alcohol.

The amount of carbonation in the beer can also play a role in how you feel. Carbonated beverages can increase the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream, potentially leading to a faster onset of the buzz.

In terms of getting rid of hop burns, which is a sensation characterized by a lingering bitterness or astringency in the mouth after consuming hoppy beers, there are a few techniques that can help alleviate this.

1. Drink : Sipping on water in between sips of beer can help cleanse your palate and dilute the hop flavors, reducing the intensity of the hop burn.

2. Eat something: Consuming food while drinking beer can help balance out the bitterness and provide a counterbalance to the hop flavors. Opt for foods that are rich in fats or have a sweet or savory profile, as these can help mellow out the hop bitterness.

3. Try different beer styles: If you find that hoppy beers consistently give you hop burn, you may want to explore different beer styles that are less hop-forward. Styles like wheat beers, amber ales, or -forward beers tend to have a more balanced flavor profile and may be more enjoyable for you.

4. Experiment with different hop varieties: Not all hops are created equal, and each variety brings its own unique flavor characteristics. If you enjoy hoppy beers but find that certain hop varieties give you more hop burn than others, try exploring beers brewed with different hop varieties to see if you can find ones that are more to your liking.

Remember, everyone's taste preferences and tolerance to bitterness can vary, so it's important to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to experiment and explore different beers and flavors to find the ones that you enjoy the most.