Beer Buying: A Guide To Making The Right Choice

Whether you're stocking up for a party or just want to unwind after a long day, buying beer can be a tricky business. With over 7,000 breweries in the US alone, there's a lot to choose from. But how do you know which beers are worth your money? And does it matter where you buy them?

Where to buy beer

When it comes to buying beer, you're spoilt for choice. You can purchase beer from liquor stores, big-box stores, online retailers, and even directly from breweries. If you're getting groceries, it's often easiest to pick up a few bottles or cans from the grocery store.

However, it's worth noting that the beer selection at grocery stores may be more limited, and the beer may not always be stored properly, especially in the case of IPAs, which should always be kept cold. If you're looking for a specific type of beer or want to ensure freshness, you may want to try a dedicated liquor store or a smaller store with a higher turnover of stock.

In some states, grocery stores sell all kinds of alcohol, while others restrict sales to beer and wine only. Additionally, some states have restrictions on the days of the week or times when alcohol can be purchased, so be sure to check the local laws before heading out to stock up.

If you're looking for craft beer, you may want to try a specialist craft beer store. These stores offer a wide variety of craft beers, often with knowledgeable staff who can guide you in your selection. Some popular craft beer stores in Burlington, Vermont, include Beverage Warehouse, Burlington Wine Shop, and Cheese & Wine Traders.

Online retailers also offer a convenient option for purchasing beer, especially if you're looking for a specific brand or type that may not be available in your local stores. They can also be a great way to discover new beers and have them delivered directly to your door.

In summary, when deciding where to buy beer, consider your priorities. For convenience and a basic selection, grocery and big-box stores are ideal. For a wider range, fresher products, and expert advice, specialist liquor and craft beer stores are the way to go. And for unique finds and doorstep delivery, online retailers are a great modern option.

Beer freshness

Beer tastes best when it's fresh. While some beers taste better with age, such as high-alcohol stouts and Belgian beers, most beers are best consumed as soon as possible after bottling. Beers that are best fresh include IPAs, pale ales, and hefeweizens.

When buying beer, it's important to look for the "bottled on" date, which is usually printed on the label or bottle. If this isn't available, look for an "enjoy by" date. As a general rule, avoid buying IPAs or pale ales that were bottled more than a month ago, and avoid beer that is within two months of its "best by" date.

The reason for this is that beer has four main enemies: light, heat, oxygen, and time. Over time, a beer's flavours will dull and disappear, and it will eventually develop a skunky aroma or a cardboard and cooking sherry flavour. Hoppy beers, in particular, lose a significant amount of aroma and can taste like cardboard if exposed to oxygen.

To maintain freshness, beer should be kept cold. Higher alcohol, less hoppy beers can be stored at room temperature, but cold storage is always better for maintaining freshness. Beer should also be protected from direct sunlight, as this will affect its taste.

Beer storage

Temperature Control:

Keep your beer in a cool, dark place, ideally between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit for packaged beer. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme heat, as this can cause "skunking," altering the beer's flavour and aroma. Refrigeration is recommended to slow ageing and maintain freshness.

Container Considerations:

Store beer upright in its original container, whether it be bottles, cans, or kegs. Upright storage minimises the surface area of the liquid in contact with air, reducing oxidation. Additionally, avoid moving kegs excessively to prevent excessive foaming when tapped.

Beer Type and Ageing:

The type of beer impacts its shelf life. Lighter beers, such as pale ales, IPAs, and wheat beers, are best consumed fresh and stored in a beer fridge. On the other hand, heavier beers like stouts and porters have a longer shelf life of about six months. Barrel-aged beers, including sour ales and imperial beers, can benefit from ageing and should be stored in a cellar-like environment.

Home-brewed Beer:

Home-brewed beer requires special attention. Store it in a warm place during the final stage of fermentation, then move it to a cooler environment for drinking. Consider using kegs for more control over carbonation, but note that home-brewed beer is more susceptible to environmental factors.

Disposal of Old Beer:

Expired beer can be disposed of down the drain, recycled, or even put to alternative uses like bug repellent or rust dissolver. For large quantities, such as a keg, follow safety precautions, including wearing protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation.

Beer types

Beer can be broadly classified into two types: ales and lagers. The type of yeast used during the fermentation process is the key differentiator between the two. Ales are brewed with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a top-fermenting yeast that ferments at higher temperatures between 60°F to 75°F. This allows for a quicker brewing time and contributes to the complex flavours and aromas associated with ales. Common ale styles include pale ales, India pale ales (IPAs), stouts, porters, and brown ales.

On the other hand, lagers are brewed with Saccharomyces pastorianus, a bottom-fermenting yeast that ferments at cooler temperatures, ranging from 35°F to 55°F. Lagers have a smoother mouthfeel and a lighter, more refreshing character, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of beer enthusiasts. Common lager styles include Pilsners, Bocks, and Munich-style lagers.

In addition to these two main types, there is also a diverse category of specialty beers that includes unique ingredients and brewing techniques, such as fruit beers, sour ales, and barrel-aged beers. Specialty beers offer complex flavours and aromas, attracting those seeking new beer experiences.

• Pale ales are among the most popular beer styles globally, known for their golden to copper colour. They are brewed with pale malt and ale yeast, resulting in a light malt flavour with a hoppy and slightly bitter aftertaste. Pale ales are generally low in alcohol content and easy to drink.
• India Pale Ales (IPAs) are a type of pale ale characterised by their pronounced bitterness due to a high hop content. They often have a golden or amber colour and a robust flavour profile, with hints of citrus or herbal notes to balance the bitterness. IPAs tend to have a higher alcohol content, making them a stronger beer option.
• Pilsners are a popular lager style originating from Pilsen in the Czech Republic. They are light gold in colour, with a dry, slightly bitter taste and low alcohol content, making them a refreshing choice, especially during the summer.
• Stouts are dark-coloured ales made with roasted barley, which imparts chocolate or coffee flavours. They often have a thick, creamy head and a heavily roasted flavour, sometimes with hints of licorice or molasses. Stouts are excellent for pairing with desserts due to their rich and unique flavour profile.
• Porters, which originated in London during the 18th century, are similar in colour to stouts but have a crisper taste. They are made with roasted brown malts or barley, giving them a toasty aroma and strong notes of chocolate, toffee, and caramel.
• Brown ales range in colour from amber to brown and have a mellow yet flavourful profile. They often feature chocolate, caramel, citrus, or nut notes, depending on their origin. The English version tends to be dry and nutty, while the American version has a stronger hop presence.
• Wheat beers have a smooth texture and hazy body, with minimal hop presence. The flavour profile can vary depending on the type of wheat used, often showcasing citrusy and tangy notes. They are an excellent choice for a refreshing drink on a sunny day.
• Sour ales are brewed with wild yeast and bacteria, resulting in high acidity and a tart, sour flavour. Brewers often add fruits and spices to create a sweet and fruity profile, providing a unique alternative to the bitterness typically found in other ales.

Beer calories

The amount of carbohydrates in beer also contributes to its calorie count. The sugar extracted from barley and grains during fermentation influences both the alcohol content and the number of calories. In general, the more sugar present, the higher the ABV and the calorie count. However, some beers, like Bud Light Next, reduce calories by lowering both the alcohol and carbohydrate content.

When it comes to purchasing beer, it's important to consider freshness, especially for hoppy beers like IPAs. Buying beer that is close to its "best by" date or has been stored at room temperature may result in a loss of flavor and increased bitterness. To ensure the best quality, it's recommended to buy beer that is fresh and stored properly, either in the refrigerated section or a specialty store.

While beer calories can add up, there are ways to enjoy beer while being mindful of calorie intake. Lighter beers, such as Budweiser, typically have around 150 calories, and low-alcohol beers can have as few as 60 calories. Additionally, opting for a lager can provide a bigger pour without the extra calories. For those watching their weight, it's helpful to be aware of the calorie content and make informed choices.

Frequently asked questions