The Beer Snob's Guide To Buying Beer

Beer snobbery has grown alongside the craft beer industry, with some beer enthusiasts taking their passion to an extreme level. But what exactly is a beer snob? According to Merriam-Webster, a snob is one who tends to rebuff, avoid, or ignore those regarded as inferior and one who has an offensive air of superiority in matters of knowledge or taste. Beer snobs are often passionate about their beverage of choice and can be extremely critical of others' beer preferences. They are always on the lookout for the latest trending beer and are willing to try new styles, but they can also be very vocal about their dislikes. So, what beer should you buy for a beer snob? Some popular options include Odell Brewing's Friek Sour, Upslope Brewing's Brown Ale, and anything from Ommegang. If you're looking for something more unique, try Sawtooth Brewery's Mustache Ride Black Rye IPA or Warfield Distillery & Brewery's Toothy Grin British Bitter, served on a cask for an extra smooth and creamy mouthfeel.

Local breweries

When it comes to buying beer for a beer snob, it can be a tricky business. Beer snobs can be extremely passionate about their beverage of choice, and often have very particular tastes. They may be willing to try new things, but only if they meet their exacting standards. So, what should you do if you want to impress that beer aficionado in your life?

One option is to seek out local breweries, which often offer unique and interesting beers that can't be found anywhere else. These small-batch brews may be just the ticket to satisfying the beer snob's discerning palate. Many beer enthusiasts appreciate a good craft beer, and local breweries are known for their innovative and experimental brews. These breweries often use unique ingredients and techniques, creating beers with complex flavours and aromas that are sure to impress even the most discerning drinker.

When choosing a beer from a local brewery, it's important to consider the style and flavour profile that your beer snob friend prefers. Do they like hoppy IPAs, malty stouts, or crisp lagers? Perhaps they're a fan of sour beers or fruity ales. Knowing their preferences will help you select a beer that aligns with their tastes. Keep an eye out for seasonal offerings as well, as these limited-edition beers can offer a unique and exciting experience.

• Blackbird Oatmeal Stout from Flying Bison, a Buffalo-based brewery known for its high-quality beers at reasonable prices.
• Modus Hoperandi IPA and ESB Special Ale from Colorado's Ska Brewery, which have received best-in-class accolades.
• Dale's Pale Ale from Oskar Blues, another Colorado brewer that combines convenience with exceptional taste.
• Ellicottville Winter Witte, a unique take on the traditional style with citrusy hops and expected orange peel and coriander notes.
• Alpine Black IPA from Otter Creek, offering a harmonious blend of mellow hop bitterness and maltiness.
• Flying Bison Blizzard Bock, a firm malt body beer that pairs perfectly with hearty dishes.

Beer styles

The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) breaks beer down into 23 categories, with 78 styles in total. Here are some styles that will impress the beer snob in your life:

Belgian and French Ale

This category is divided into five styles: Witbier, Belgian Pale Ale, Saison, Biere de Garde, and Belgian Specialty Ale. Belgian yeast brings about a "bready" or "biscuity" flavour.

Basics

Basics include American lager, English pale ale, India pale ale, German Wheat and Rye ales, Belgian ales, porters, and stouts.

Dunkelweizen, Weizenbock, Rauchbier, and Dusseldorf Altbier

These styles sound cool and German and are great to drop in casual conversation.

Canned Beer

Craft breweries are increasingly putting their beers in cans, which are lined with a water-based sealant. Some highly-rated canned beers include Modus Hoperandi IPA and ESB Special Ale from Colorado’s Ska Brewery, Dale’s Pale Ale from Oskar Blues, and Porkslap Pale Ale from Butternuts Beer & Ale.

Local Brews

Beer snobs support local breweries and will go to great lengths to sample their beers. Local breweries often experiment with styles and ingredients, creating unique and interesting beers. For example, Shebeen Brewing in Connecticut has a coffee bacon stout, a pineapple wheat, and a cannoli beer.

Beer tasting

So, you want to impress your beer snob friends? Well, you've come to the right place. Here's a step-by-step guide to hosting a beer tasting that's sure to wow even the most discerning beer drinker.

Choose Your Beers

Selecting a variety of beers with distinct flavour profiles will make for an interesting tasting. If you or your guests are new to craft beer, it's a good idea to include some "crossover" beers that are similar to what you know—lighter styles like lagers, pilsners, and blonde ales. Bolder styles and overly hoppy beers can be a bit intense for the uninitiated.

If you're sticking to a budget, you can still impress your friends with your ability to pick out high-quality, affordable brews. Sierra Nevada, for example, is known for its reasonably priced yet "wildly good" seasonal ales.

Prepare Your Glassware

If you're drinking a bottle-conditioned beer, there will be a delicious layer of yeast at the bottom of the bottle. It's up to you if you want to drink it with your beer or leave it behind. If you choose to drink it, simply leave about half an inch of beer in the bottle, give it a swirl to agitate the yeast, and then pour it into your glass.

Set the Temperature

The temperature at which you serve your beer can affect its authentic taste and aroma. Drinking beer that is too cold or too warm will impact the carbonation and bitterness. As a general rule:

• Lagers are best served at 40-45°F (4-7°C)
• Ales are best served at 50°F (10°C)
• Strong ales and barley wines should be served at 55-60°F (13-16°C) or "cellar temperature"

Pour the Beer

When pouring a bottled beer, hold the glass at a 45-degree angle and pour slowly down the side. Once the glass is about half full, straighten the glass and pour the rest of the beer in the middle while slowly raising the bottle. Aim for about an inch and a half of foam on top.

Take Your Time

When you take your first sip, let the beer roll around your tongue and flood your mouth. Try to detect the body, carbonation, warmth, and creaminess of the beer. Before you swallow, notice the dryness and any aftertaste.

Cleanse Your Palate

If you're tasting multiple beers, be sure to cleanse your palate between each beer with some water and a handful of crackers or bread. This will help you fully appreciate the unique flavours of each variety.

Now you're ready to host a beer tasting that's sure to impress even the snobbiest of beer enthusiasts!

Beer and food pairings

When it comes to impressing a beer snob, it's important to remember that taste is subjective. However, here are some tips and tricks for beer and food pairings that might just elevate your next dinner party.

Firstly, it's worth noting that beer is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. From spicy Thai food to rich desserts, there is a beer out there that will complement your dish. Speaking of which, there are two main approaches to pairing beer and food: contrasting and complementing.

Contrast

To make a pairing by contrast, pick a beer or dish with a dominant flavour, such as sweet, rich, or oily. A good example of this is oysters and stout. The stout has rich, chocolatey notes that can stand up to the briny flavour of oysters.

Complement

Complementing flavours is a simple way to create a delicious pairing. Match rich foods with heavy and flavourful beers like stouts or porters. Pair light salads and fish with light beers, and wheat beers with fruit-based desserts.

Cleanse

Beer can also be used to cleanse the palate, especially with dishes that have bold or intense flavours. For instance, the crisp and refreshing taste of a light lager can wash down the heat of Korean fried chicken. Similarly, fatty foods like French fries can help balance out the bitterness of an IPA.

Avoid Overpowering Flavours

Be mindful of the flavour levels in your food and beer. Medium and dark beers, for example, have rich and powerful flavours that can overwhelm certain dishes. For instance, the flavour of a pint of Guinness would likely overpower the taste of salmon.

Specific Pairings

• Burgers, buffalo wings, and fried food: wheat beers or amber ales
• Steak: brown ale or stout
• Barbecue: amber ale or stout
• Spicy food: wheat beers, IPAs, or light lagers
• Sushi: brown ales
• Shellfish: stout
• Chocolate desserts: stout
• Salads: wheat beers
• Cheddar, Parmesan, or Romano cheese: lager
• Gruyère, Emmental, and Swiss cheese: Belgian blonde ale or lager
• Smoked foods: stout
• Roasted meats: Belgian-style lager, pale or amber ale, brown ale, or stout
• Spicy buffalo wings: light lager or IPA
• Dessert: fruit-based lager, ale, or stout

And there you have it! Some general guidelines and specific pairings to impress your beer snob friends. Remember, it's all about finding that unique combination of food and beer that works for you.

Beer and glassware

Glassware is an important component of the beer-drinking experience. While some may write it off as a marketing gimmick, the shape of the glass can significantly impact the head development and retention of the beer, affecting its aroma and flavour. Different styles of glassware are designed to bring out the best in different types of beer.

For example, a pilsner glass is typically tall, slender, and tapered, capturing the sparkling effervescence and colours of a pilsner while maintaining its head. A pint glass, on the other hand, is near-cylindrical with a slight taper and wide mouth, making it easy to drink from and accommodating a generous serving.

For Belgian beers, a tulip-shaped glass is ideal, with a bulbous body and a lipped top to capture the head. This shape enhances the volatiles, or compounds that create the beer's aroma, such as hop oils and yeast byproducts.

If you're serving a wheat beer, a Bavarian Weizen glass is a must. These glasses showcase the beer's colour and provide ample headspace for the fluffy, sexy heads associated with this style.

For strong ales, a brandy or cognac glass with a wide bowl and tapered mouth is perfect for capturing the aromas.

When choosing glassware, it's also important to consider the practical aspects, such as ease of drinking, volume, and durability. Mugs, for instance, are heavy and sturdy, making them ideal for festive occasions and holding large volumes.

In addition to the glassware, it's worth noting that some beer snobs can be particular about the condition of their glassware. For example, they may prefer glasses that are hand-washed to avoid any residue from dishwashing, or they may decline a frosted glass to prevent condensation from diluting the beer.

Frequently asked questions