The Best Beers To Stock Up For Your Next Party

When it comes to choosing the right beer for a party, it's important to consider a variety of factors to ensure you cater to different tastes. A good place to start is with the season – lighter beers such as pilsners and wheat beers are perfect for hot summer days, while darker ales and stouts are more appealing in the winter. It's also worth thinking about the food you'll be serving and choosing beers that will complement the flavours of your dishes. For example, lighter beers go well with chicken and salads, while richer dishes like stews call for a heavier beer.

If you want to offer something for everyone, it's a good idea to include a mix of different types of beer, such as lagers, ales, IPAs, and stouts. Local craft beers are a great way to offer your guests unique flavours, and it's always a good idea to include some non-alcoholic options too.

So, what beers should you buy for your party? Classics like pilsners, wheat beers, and IPAs or pale ales are always a safe bet. If you're looking for something a little more unique, why not try a local craft beer? And don't forget to stock up – a good rule of thumb is to assume each guest will drink about 1 to 2 beers per hour.

Lagers, ales, IPAs, stouts and more

When it comes to throwing a party, it's always a good idea to have a variety of beers to cater to different tastes. Here are some tips on what to include when stocking up for your next gathering:

Firstly, it's essential to consider that not everyone has the same taste. So, offering a mix of different types of beer is a great way to cater to a wide range of preferences. This can include lagers, ales, IPAs, stouts, and more. For those who prefer something less intense, including a few light beers can be a good option. On the other hand, craft beer lovers may appreciate some craft options to add more variety and complexity to the selection.

Seasonal Selections

The time of year can also play a role in your beer choices. During the summer months, lighter beers such as pilsners and wheat beers tend to be more refreshing and quenching, making them perfect for hot and humid days. On the other hand, darker ales and stouts may be more appealing during the winter as their rich and full-bodied flavours can be ideal for sipping on chilly nights.

Food Pairings

When planning your party, consider the type of food you'll be serving and choose beers that will complement the dishes. For lighter dishes like chicken and salads, light beers with a lower alcohol content and milder flavour profile are a good choice. For richer dishes like stews, opt for heavier beers with a higher alcohol content and more robust flavours.

Local Craft Beers

Incorporating local craft beers into your selection is an excellent way to offer your guests unique and distinct flavours while also supporting local breweries. Local craft beers are typically produced in small batches with locally sourced ingredients, giving them a one-of-a-kind taste.

Non-Alcoholic Options

It's important to include some non-alcoholic options for those who prefer them or are designated drivers.

Crowd-Pleasing Beers

If you're looking for beers with broad audience appeal, look for those with a moderate ABV (4%-6%), a balanced flavour that's not too bitter or sweet, and a smooth, accessible taste profile. Lagers and pilsners, like Budweiser or Heineken, are often favoured for their crisp, refreshing taste. Wheat beers, such as Blue Moon Belgian White, offer a slightly fruity and spicy note that appeals to a wide range of drinkers. Amber ales, like Fat Tire Amber Ale, provide a nice balance of malt and hops with a touch of sweetness, making them easy to drink.

Light beers

When choosing light beers, it's a good idea to go for lagers, pilsners, and wheat beers. Lagers, such as Budweiser, Heineken, or Pilsner Urquell, are known for their crisp, refreshing taste and lighter body. Wheat beers, on the other hand, offer a slightly fruity and spicy note that appeals to a broad audience. Examples of wheat beers include Blue Moon Belgian White and Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier. If you want to support local businesses, you can also opt for local craft beers, which offer unique flavours.

When planning for a party, it's important to consider the number of guests, the duration of the party, and the drinking preferences of your attendees. A good rule of thumb is to estimate that each guest will drink about 1 to 2 beers per hour. For example, for a 4-hour party with 25 guests, you would need about 200 beers.

In addition to light beers, you may also want to include some non-alcoholic options for designated drivers or those who prefer them.

Craft beers

When it comes to craft beer, IPAs and pale ales are the most popular styles, known for their wide range of flavours and robust, hoppy bitterness. If you want to offer a balanced flavour to your guests, choose a craft beer that strikes a balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. For a summer party, wheat beers such as Blue Moon Belgian White or Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier offer a slightly fruity and spicy note that appeals to a broad audience. Amber ales, like Fat Tire Amber Ale, provide a nice balance of malt and hops with a touch of sweetness, making them easy to drink and enjoy.

If you're looking for a darker option, stouts and porters are a great choice for winter parties. The rich and full-bodied flavours of these beers, with their roasted malts and notes of chocolate and coffee, make them ideal for sipping on a chilly night. Anchor Porter is a great choice for those who enjoy dark beers.

To ensure you have enough craft beer for your party, it's a good idea to offer a variety of options and plan for each guest to drink about 1 to 2 beers per hour. So, for example, if you're having a 4-hour party with 25 guests, you'll need about 200 beers total.

In addition to craft beers, it's always a good idea to include some non-alcoholic options for those who prefer them or are designated drivers.

Seasonal selections

When it comes to choosing beer for a party, it's a good idea to consider the season. Seasonal selections can enhance the drinking experience, with different styles of beer better suited to different times of the year.

Summer

In the summer, lighter beers such as pilsners and wheat beers tend to be more refreshing and quenching. Their light and crisp nature makes them perfect for hot and humid days, whether you're at the beach or in the backyard. Beers to consider include:

• Budweiser
• Heineken
• Pilsner Urquell
• Blue Moon Belgian White
• Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier

Winter

In the colder months, darker ales and stouts may be more appealing. The rich and full-bodied flavours of these beers, with their roasted malts and notes of chocolate and coffee, make them ideal for sipping on chilly nights. Beers to consider include:

• Anchor Porter
• North Coast Brewery's Scrimshaw Pilsner
• Yuengling
• Shiner Bock
• Roughtail ERWO

Spring and Autumn

In spring and autumn, when the weather is milder, you could opt for beers that are not too light or too dark. Amber ales, for example, provide a nice balance of malt and hops with a touch of sweetness, making them easy to drink. Beers to consider include:

• Fat Tire Amber Ale
• Coors Light
• PBR
• Miller
• Bud Light

Food pairings

When it comes to food pairings, the general rule is to match light beers with lighter dishes and heavier beers with richer foods. For example, if you're serving lighter dishes like chicken and salads, opt for light beers with a lower alcohol content and milder flavour profiles. On the other hand, if you're serving stews or other rich dishes, choose a heavier beer with a higher alcohol content and a more robust flavour profile.

If you're serving a variety of dishes with different flavour profiles, you can also create food and beer pairings based on complementary or contrasting flavours. For instance, the tropical fruit notes in IPAs pair well with vibrant ingredients like mango salsa on fish tacos, while a piece of Stilton blue cheese can contrast the richness of a heavy imperial stout.

For a summer party, lighter beers such as pilsners and wheat beers are often a good choice, as they are more refreshing and quenching. Wheat beers, in particular, tend to be softer and fruitier, making them a good option for those who don't usually drink beer. Hefeweizens, with their aromas of banana, vanilla, and clove, or witbiers, with their citrus notes spiced with orange peel and coriander, are excellent choices.

For a winter party, darker ales and stouts are more appealing. These beers have rich and full-bodied flavours, with roasted malts and notes of chocolate and coffee, making them perfect for sipping on chilly nights.

Frequently asked questions