Craft Beer Enthusiasts: What's Your Current Beverage?

Beer lovers, listen up! Whether you're a geek for geeking out over beer, a casual drinker, or somewhere in between, the world of beer is a wonderful place to be. With so many varieties to choose from, the options are endless. From mainstream lagers to cult-status IPAs, innovative craft stouts, and more, there's a beer for every taste and occasion. So, what beer are you drinking now? Are you a traditionalist who sticks to the classics, or do you like to experiment with new and exciting flavours? Perhaps you're sipping on a crisp, refreshing lager, or maybe you're indulging in a rich, malty stout. Whatever your preference, let's raise a glass to the golden age of beer and the endless possibilities it brings!

Beer recommendations for different preferences

Beer is a diverse and versatile drink, with a wide range of styles and flavours to suit every taste preference. Here are some beer recommendations tailored to different preferences:

For those who enjoy a classic, crisp lager, the Mexican lager Modelo Especial is a perfect choice. Its subtle toastiness and caramel notes, balanced by a dry, crisp finish, make it an ideal warm-weather beer. Alternatively, for a classic American lager, Miller High Life is a simple, refreshing option with a long history dating back to 1903.

If you're a fan of bolder, more assertive flavours, an India Pale Ale (IPA) might be more up your alley. The Cigar City Jai Alai IPA is a popular choice in this style, known for its big, bold flavours. For something with a more bitter punch, the West Coast-style IPA is a bright, herbal, and citrusy option. However, if you're looking for a less bitter IPA, the New England-style IPA offers a hazy, juicy, and tropical fruit character.

Those who appreciate a traditional German beer experience should try the Weihenstaphaner Hefe Weissbier, a German wheat beer with flavours of banana and clove. It's crafted by one of the world's oldest breweries, founded in 1040, and is a true classic.

If you're seeking a darker, smoother option, the Guinness Draught Stout is a legendary choice. With nearly 250 years of history, this Irish stout is known for its creamy foam and smooth, roasty flavours.

For fruit beer enthusiasts, the Schofferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen is a refreshing German wheat beer with banana, clove, and bread flavours elevated by tart citrus.

Lastly, for those who want to explore unique, experimental beers, the Anchor Steam Beer, also known as a California Common, is an original American craft beer. This malty yet light and smooth amber brew has been crafted in San Francisco since 1896, offering a taste of history.

These recommendations just scratch the surface of the diverse world of beer, but they provide a starting point for exploring and discovering new favourites. Cheers!

Beer and food pairings

When it comes to beer and food pairings, there are a few guidelines to consider to enhance your drinking (and eating!) experience. Firstly, understand the different styles of beer and their flavour profiles. Then, you can follow these four principles for successful pairings:

Contrast

Pick a beer or dish with one dominant flavour, such as sweet, rich, or oily. For example, oysters have a strong, briny flavour that pairs well with the rich texture and chocolatey notes of a stout.

Complement

This is a simple way to create a delicious pairing. Match rich foods with heavy and rich-flavoured beers, like stouts or porters. Conversely, pair light salads, fish, and wheat beers with light, refreshing beers.

Cleanse

Beer can be a great palate cleanser, especially with bold or intense dishes. For instance, a light beer can wash down the heat of spicy food, while an IPA's bitterness can be balanced out by fatty foods like French fries.

Avoid Overpowering Flavours

Be mindful of the flavour intensity of your food and beer. Medium and dark beers, for example, have rich and powerful flavours that can overwhelm certain dishes. A pint of Guinness, with its robust flavour, would overpower a delicate piece of salmon.

• Light lagers: Spicy food, burgers, and salads.
• Wheat beers: Spicy food and fruity desserts.
• India Pale Ales (IPAs): Steak, barbecue, and Mexican food.
• Amber ales: Pizza, fried food, and smoked pork.
• Dark lagers: Pizza, burgers, and hearty stews.
• Brown ales: Sausage, sushi, fish, and desserts.
• Porters: Seafood, coffee-flavoured desserts, and game meats.
• Stouts: Chocolate desserts, shellfish, and Mexican food.

Beer-based cocktails

Beer cocktails have been gaining popularity, and it's no surprise given the endless options and creative ways to mix and match different beers with spirits, juices, and other ingredients. Here are some beer-based cocktail ideas to get you started:

Michelada

The Michelada is a classic Mexican cocktail that is perfect for those who enjoy a savoury brunchtime drink. It typically includes a Mexican lager, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and various spices. For an extra kick, add a rim of salt or a combination of Old Bay, chili powder, and celery salt. You can also experiment with different types of beer as the base.

Margarita with Beer

Take your traditional margarita up a notch by adding beer to it! This cocktail combines tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and beer. For a fun twist, top it with a Mexican lager like Modelo Especial for an extra refreshing touch.

Rye House Spring Beer Cocktail

This seasonal cocktail is a unique blend of genever, applejack, loganberry liqueur, lime juice, ginger syrup, and lager beer. It's the perfect drink to welcome warmer weather and enjoy on a sunny afternoon.

Grapefruit Beer Cocktail

This cocktail is a refreshing take on the classic Greyhound or Salty Dog. It combines gin, grapefruit juice, and a grapefruit-flavoured wheat beer. For an extra touch of sweetness and bitterness, add some strawberry-infused Aperol to the mix.

Shandy

The Shandy is a well-known and versatile cocktail that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. It's typically made by blending beer with a non-alcoholic drink like ginger ale, ginger beer, or fruit juice. For a fun twist, try using wheat beer with simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and soda water for a refreshing summer drink.

Blackberry-Chipotle Michelada

This cocktail puts a tangy and smoky spin on the classic Michelada. It combines the flavours of tangy blackberries and smoky chipotle with a refreshing effervescent beer.

Espresso Beer Martini

For coffee lovers, this cocktail is a delightful blend of stout and coffee liqueur. The roasty flavours of the stout complement the coffee, making it an ideal pick-me-up for brunch or an after-dinner treat.

Remember, when creating beer cocktails, balance and flavour are key. Experiment with different types of beer and ingredients to find your perfect combination!

Beer-drinking occasions

• Social gatherings: Beer is often associated with socialising and can be a great way to connect with friends. Whether it's a casual hangout, a party, or a barbecue, beer can be a perfect drink to share and enhance the atmosphere.
• Food pairings: Different types of beers can complement various cuisines and dishes. For example, a Mexican lager like Modelo Especial goes well with warm-weather gatherings and barbecues. On the other hand, a Newcastle Brown Ale, with its light and bready flavour, can be a classic choice to pair with menu items at pubs or restaurants.
• Seasonal celebrations: Beer can be a festive drink for various seasons and holidays. For instance, a pumpkin beer is often associated with autumn and holiday movies. Similarly, an Oktoberfest/Marzen beer brings to mind large boots of beer and crazy stories from past Oktoberfest experiences.
• Exploring new tastes: With the wide variety of beers available, from mainstream lagers to craft stouts, beer enthusiasts often enjoy trying new styles and discovering unique flavours. Whether it's a New England IPA, a Belgian blonde ale, or a traditional German wheat beer, each beer offers a distinct tasting experience.
• Relaxation and leisure: Beer can also be enjoyed during moments of relaxation and leisure. For instance, a stout drinker may relate to enjoying a lazy afternoon with a dreamy, creamy stout. Similarly, a barrel-aged stout enthusiast might savour their beer while unwinding after a long day.
• Sporting events: Beer and sports often go hand in hand. Whether it's watching a game at a bar or attending a live sporting event, beer can enhance the excitement and camaraderie of the occasion.

Beer-related travel destinations

There are many beer-related travel destinations around the world. Here are some places you can visit to learn about and taste different beers:

Germany

Germany is famous for its annual Oktoberfest celebration, which takes place from the end of September to the first Sunday of October. The festival features beer tents from renowned German brands, as well as food, a carnival, and rides. Germany is also home to many breweries that offer tours, such as the Weihenstephan Abbey, said to be the oldest working brewery in the world.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is home to the Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the history of this iconic Irish stout. The Temple Bar Pub, in operation since 1840, serves a variety of Irish beers and is known for its lively atmosphere and live music.

Belgium

Belgium is home to 5 of the 10 Trappist monasteries around the world that produce beer. While the monasteries themselves are not open for visits, you can find the beers in town, such as Westmalle beer, brewed at the country's oldest Trappist brewery. Delirium Café Brussels holds a Guinness World Record for the most number of beers available for tasting, with over 2,000 options.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Heineken, the second-largest brewer of beer in the world, has its origins in Amsterdam. The Heineken Experience offers several different tours, including one with a canal cruise and one with a rooftop bar drinking experience. Brouwerij 't IJ, the longest-running craft brewer in the city, has been brewing since 1985 and is located next to the biggest windmill in the country.

Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has a long history of brewing beer, dating back to 993 AD. Pilsners were invented in the town of Pilsen, and the Pilsner Urquell brewery is the biggest in the country. Prague also offers beer gardens during the summer and autumn months, such as the one in Letna Park, which boasts panoramic views of the city's old town.

Melbourne, Australia

Australia is becoming known as a premier destination for craft beer, with over 700 craft breweries across the country. Moon Dog World, for example, offers a unique experience with a theme park-like setting, a huge retractable roof, a beer garden, a lagoon, and even a waterfall.

Frequently asked questions