Best Beers To Celebrate Your 21St Birthday

Turning 21 is a significant milestone for many young adults as it marks the beginning of legal drinking age. Choosing the perfect beer to celebrate this special occasion can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. To make the most of this memorable day, it is advisable to visit multiple pubs and bars, where bartenders might even offer you a complimentary drink to mark this milestone. If you are a beer enthusiast, you could opt for a beer on tap, ranging from fruity and dark beers to those served from a keg. For those new to the beer scene, a Bud Light or a Sam Adams Boston Lager could be a good starting point to appreciate the complexities of beer flavours.

Beer on tap vs bottled/canned

Turning 21 is a big deal, and your first drink is a memorable occasion. Whether you're into cocktails, shots, or beer, there's a lot to choose from. If you're a beer lover, you might be wondering whether to go for a beer on tap, or a bottled or canned option. So, what's the difference?

Manufacturing Processes

Beer on tap is served directly from a keg, a large container that holds the beer. The keg is pressurised with carbon dioxide to keep the beer fresh and bubbly. When you order a beer on tap, it's poured straight into a glass for you to enjoy. Bottled or canned beer is brewed and fermented in a large tank and then transferred to a can or bottle, which is then pressurised with CO2. Bottled or canned beers are usually stored at a cooler temperature to maintain their flavour and carbonation.

Taste

According to a study published in the academic journal "Beverages", people do notice a difference in taste between beer on tap and bottled or canned beer. The study found that beer from a bottle tasted better than from a can, and beer on tap was preferred over bottled beer. Beer on tap is typically fresher, served within a few weeks of being brewed, while bottled or canned beer may have been sitting on a shelf for months. The temperature at which the beer is served also makes a difference, with tap beer usually served colder, enhancing its flavours and aromas. Packaging can also impact taste, with cans and bottles sometimes imparting a metallic or plastic taste.

You might choose beer on tap for the experience. Drinking beer on tap at a bar or brewery is a social activity and gives you the chance to try new and different beers. Beer on tap is also typically fresher and considered to taste better.

Bottled or canned beer offers convenience. It's easy to grab a can or bottle from a store and take it with you anywhere. They're also simpler to transport and store than kegs. Additionally, canned or bottled beer is better for the environment, as they're recyclable, whereas kegs are not.

Asking for recommendations

If you're unsure about what beer to drink on your 21st birthday, the best thing to do is ask the bartender. They will likely ask you some questions to help them understand your preferences, such as what types of beer you normally drink or if you dislike certain flavours, like fruity or dark beer. If you don't have much experience with beer, let them know. Depending on the bar, they may offer you a beer that's available on tap, such as a Mic Ultra or a Bourbon Barrel Stout.

If you're looking for a specific beer, it's helpful to know what price range you're comfortable with and how many people you need to buy drinks for. You can also ask your friends for recommendations or to buy you a drink.

Online forums and communities, such as Reddit's /r/beer, can also be a great place to ask for beer recommendations. When asking for suggestions, it's helpful to provide some context, such as your price range, how many people you're buying for, and whether you have any preferences or past experiences with beer.

Remember, your first drink is a memorable occasion, and it's okay to take your time figuring out what your signature drink will be. Whether you choose a cocktail, a straight shot, or a beer, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Fruity vs dry

Turning 21 is a big deal, and choosing what drink to have on your birthday can be a daunting task. It can be a memory that lasts a lifetime, and it can set the tone for your drink of choice for years to come.

If you're opting for beer, you might be wondering whether to go for a fruity or dry option. Both have their pros and cons, and it's worth considering what flavours you usually enjoy.

Fruity beers are often associated with summer days and can offer a refreshing, natural sweetness. They are versatile and can be dark or light, sweet or dry. For example, Maui Brewing Co.'s CoCoNut PorTer has an earthy, roasted coconut flavour without being overly sweet. On the other hand, Lindemans Framboise Lambic is bursting with raspberries and is very sweet, making it a great choice if you have a sweet tooth. Fruit beers can be subtle and complex, challenging the preconception that they are overly saccharine. For instance, Bissell Brothers Brewing Co.'s Seed has a moderate amount of carbonation and a light body, with strawberry and raspberry flavours bursting through.

Dry beers, on the other hand, tend to be less sweet and can be more bitter or tangy. They may be preferred by those who enjoy more mature or sophisticated flavours. For instance, Moscow Mules, a blend of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice, are described as having a more mature taste.

Ultimately, the choice between fruity and dry beer depends on your personal preference. If you're unsure, you can ask the bartender for recommendations based on your usual preferences, or try a variety of different beers to discover new flavours and expand your horizons!

Beer tasting strong

Turning 21 is a big deal, and you may be keen to mark the occasion with a memorable drink. Beer is a great option, and if you're looking for something strong, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Firstly, it's worth noting that the recognised ABV (alcohol by volume) of a strong beer is considered to be around 6% and above. Anything above 8% is certainly going to pack a punch, and you'll want to sip these brews slowly to savour the flavour.

If you're after a unique drinking experience, you could try a Belgian beer. Belgian beers are known for their intense taste and high alcohol content. The North Coast Brother Thelonious Belgian Abbey Ale, for example, is a strong and dark Belgian ale with chocolatey and sweet flavours and a 9.4% ABV. Or, for something a little lighter, the Delirium Tremens Belgian Strong Ale comes in a unique ceramic bottle and offers a fruity and malty taste.

For a true craft beer experience, you might want to try a small-batch brew. The Epic Brewing Big Bad Baptista is a Mexican-inspired stout with a 12.2% ABV. It's packed with coffee, cacao, vanilla, and cinnamon flavours, making it a great after-dinner treat. Or, if you're a fan of IPAs, the Melvin 2x4 Double IPA is a smooth and citrusy brew with a strong ABV that will knock your socks off.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try one of the strongest beers in the world. The Brewmeister Snake Venom, for instance, has an astounding 67.5% ABV. This brew is best sipped like a spirit and has a flavour profile to match, with hints of smoked peat malt.

Whatever you choose, remember to drink responsibly and savour the experience. Happy 21st birthday!

Beer tasting complex

Turning 21 is a big deal, and your first drink is a memory that will stay with you forever. It's also the perfect opportunity to figure out your signature drink.

If you're heading to a bar to celebrate, you could ask the bartender for a beer recommendation. If you want to be a bit more adventurous, you could try a few different beers. Start with a light beer, like a Bud Light, and then move on to something a little stronger, like a Sam Adams Boston Lager. Take your time and savour each one, smelling and tasting the complex flavours.

If you're planning a pub crawl, you could ask your friends to buy you a different beer at each bar, or even ask the bartender for a recommendation and let them know it's your 21st birthday. You could also try a beer flight, which is a great way to sample a variety of beers and discover new favourites.

• Dogfish Head Midas Touch: a sweet and approachable beer that makes a great first beer.
• Miller High Life: a classic, crisp beer that's always a good choice.
• St. Bernardus Abt 12: a rare treat, best sipped from a proper chalice to savour the moment.
• Arrogant Bastard: an unorthodox, grapefruit-like beer that's not for everyone but is loved by some.
• Bourbon Barrel Stout: a strong, dark beer with a unique flavour.

Remember to drink responsibly and pace yourself, especially if you're planning on a big night out. And don't be afraid to try something new – you might just find your new favourite drink!

Frequently asked questions