Red Horse is one of the popular beer brands in the Philippines, brewed by San Miguel Brewery Inc. Its popularity is attributed to high alcohol since it is one of the strongest beers in the region. The beer’s strength has also made it popular outside Philippines, and more people want to understand why it is stronger. So, why is Red Horse beer so strong?
Why Is Red Horse Beer So Strong?
Red Horse beer is strong because of the ingredients used during brewing and the effort brewers put into ensuring a high ABV. The beer is brewed with high-quality malted barley, a special yeast strain, and hops than a regular beer. These ingredients ensure the beer (Red Horse) has a higher alcohol content of 6.9% to 8.0%.
So, how do these ingredients contribute to high ABV? Well, higher-quality malted barley ensures there are enough fermentable sugars for the yeast to work on. The special yeast strain ensures all the fermentable sugars extracted from malted barley are consumed and turned into alcohol and CO2. Hops, however, add bitterness that balances the sweetness in wort. It also keeps beer fresh and adds hoppy aromas and flavor.
Regarding the taste and food pairing, this beer is top-notch. Red Horse is a deep-gold lager with a smooth bitterness and sweet taste. The distinguished sweet taste is perfectly balanced with hop flavors, leading to a strong alcohol kick. Regarding food pairing, the beer pairs well with Philipino foods, such as crispy pork belly, sausages, pizza, and Caprese stuffed chicken breast.
How Red Horse Beer Is Strengthened
As we know, most beer brands have an alcohol content of 5%ABV. However, this is a different case with Red Horse, which has a slightly higher ABV. The question you may be asking yourself is, “How is this potency achieved?” Here are some of the techniques the company is using to increase the alcohol content of this beer:
- The use of special malt: The company uses a special malt that is usually roasted for longer than those used in brewing the normal beer. This type of malt also provides enough sugar for yeast to work on and produce CO2, plus a higher alcohol content.
- The use of a special yeast strain: The type of yeast used in producing Red Horse Beer can tolerate an alcohol concentration of 6.5–10% before being killed. This yeast also consumes a large amount of fermentable sugars, resulting in a beer with a higher ABV.
- Using enough sugar: Yeast needs enough sugar to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. So, one of the company’s techniques is having more fermentable sugars for the yeast to work on, which later produces a higher ABV. Some of the sugars used include maltose, fructose, sucrose or dextrose.
- Adjuncts: Adjuncts are added to beer to enhance flavor, texture, or alcohol content. This beer uses corn grits as an adjunct, which can contribute to a higher ABV and a smoother finish.
What Makes Red Horse Beer So Popular?
Red Horse is now available in most parts of the world. For the beer to reach this far, there must be something behind it that may have accelerated its popularity. So, what things are making this beer penetrate the global market? Let’s dive in and see:
- High alcohol content: A higher ABV is why this beer has gained popularity globally. The beer is known for its high alcohol content of 6.9%. This is higher than most beers in the Philippines and other parts of the world.
- Marketing Campaigns: The company has worked hard to ensure the beer penetrates a wider market. It has launched several successful marketing campaigns that have helped increase the popularity of Red Horse Beer among beer lovers in the Philippines and beyond. One of the successful campaigns launched is known as “Muziklaban Campaign.” The campaign has attracted both young old consumers.
- The flavor: The beer has a distinct strong flavor that appeals to many beer enthusiasts. It has a slightly bitter taste with a hint of sweetness, plus a smooth finish. This provides a unique and enjoyable drinking experience.
- Affordability: Despite having a higher ABV, the beer is relatively low priced compared to other beers. This makes it popular for those who want to enjoy a good beer without breaking the bank.
The Best Way to Enjoy Red Horse
Beer lovers are yearning to have the best experience when drinking. So, before taking your first sip, you need to learn the best way to enjoy this beer. The following tips will help you enjoy Red Horse Beer to the maximum:
- Serve chilled: The beer is best enjoyed when chilled at 38 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. You can put it in the fridge for a few hours or use a beer chiller to get it to the perfect temperature.
- Use a glass when drinking: Many people do not know that serving beer in a glass enhances the taste and makes you appreciate the flavor plus aromas. A tall, narrow glass is recommended to help retain the carbonation and head.
- Sip the beer slowly: The beer is a full-bodied beer with a higher ABV. That is why you need to sip it slowly to appreciate the beer’s smoothness and complexity.
- Enjoy with friends: The beer is perfect for social gatherings and parties, and its high ABV content means you can enjoy it in moderation while still having a good time.
- Drink responsibly: It is always good to practice responsible drinking to avoid accidents and other unforeseen problems. The beer has high ABV content. So, know your limit and stick to it.
- Pair with food: This is another great way of enjoying Red Horse beer. Pair it with burgers, grilled meat, chicken, and desserts. This will help complement the beer’s flavors and aromas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Beer So Strong?
Beer’s strength lies in its unique ingredients. Malted grains, mainly barley, undergo fermentation, converting sugars into alcohol. Unique hops add bitterness and aroma. The brewing process, including yeast selection, contributes to each beer’s distinctive strength, flavor, and character.
Is Strong Beer Bad for You?
Excessive consumption of strong beer can be harmful. Moderation is critical; limit intake to recommended guidelines. Women should not take more than one (1) drink per day, while men should not consume more than two (2) drinks in a day.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Red Horse Beer?
The alcohol content of Red Horse Beer is 6.9% to 8.0% ABV. This alcohol range is achieved through meticulous brewing. A precise combination of malted grains, fermentation, and the brewing process contributes to this distinctive range. This helps deliver the bold and robust flavor that defines Red Horse Beer.
Conclusion
Red Horse beer is among the strongest and most popular beers in the Philippines and other parts of the world. It has a 6.9-8.0%ABV, which is significantly higher than most beers. The beer is available to persons over 18 years old at supermarkets, liquor stores, restaurants and online stores. Always drink responsibly to avoid adverse health effects.