Beer Buying Guide For The Office Party

Choosing the right beer for your office party can be a daunting task, but it's important to get it right to avoid facing the wrath of your colleagues and bosses. The type of beer you select can set the tone for the entire event, so it's worth considering various factors before making your decision. Firstly, it's crucial to work within your budget. Beer is generally more affordable than wine or spirits, but prices can vary widely within the beer category itself. The number of guests, the time of the party, and individual preferences should also be taken into account. While it's impossible to cater to everyone's tastes, trying to accommodate different preferences will ensure that most of your colleagues are happy. For instance, you could offer a mix of light and dark beers, catering to those who prefer a refreshing, easy-drinking option and those who favour a richer, more flavourful experience.

Beer types: From lagers to IPAs and stouts, choose a variety of beer types to cater to different tastes

When choosing beer for an office party, it's a good idea to cater to different tastes and select a variety of beer types. Here are some options to consider:

Lagers

Lagers are a popular choice for parties. They are generally crisp, refreshing, and easy to drink. Some well-known lagers include:

• Corona Extra: A Mexican lager known for its smooth, refreshing taste and light body. It is often served with a lime slice, adding a zesty touch.
• Pabst Blue Ribbon: An iconic American lager with a clean and crisp flavour.
• Heineken: This Dutch lager offers a distinct and stimulating taste with a bit of bitterness.
• Stella Artois: A Belgian lager with a refined, well-balanced taste. It is often served in a chalice glass for a touch of elegance.
• Budweiser: The self-proclaimed "King of Beers," this American lager is smooth and crisp, with a worldwide following.

IPAs

IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are known for their bold, hoppy flavours. If you're looking for an IPA, consider:

• Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA: A bold and hop-forward IPA with rich maltiness and citrusy, piney hop flavours.
• Lagunitas IPA: A crowd-pleasing IPA with a blend of caramel malt sweetness and citrusy hop bitterness.

Stouts

Stouts are rich, dark beers with robust flavours. They can range from smooth and creamy to intense and flavourful. Some popular stouts include:

• Guinness Draught: A signature Irish stout known for its smooth, creamy texture and hints of coffee and chocolate.
• Office Party by Abita Brewing Co.: A holiday stout with spices, cocoa nibs, and hints of vanilla and nutmeg.

Wheat Beers

Wheat beers are known for their crisp and refreshing character, often with subtle spice or citrus notes. Here are some options:

• Blue Moon Belgian White: A crisp and revitalizing wheat beer with notes of orange and coriander.
• Hoegaarden: A classic Belgian wheat beer with coriander and orange peel, offering a subtle spiciness and citrusy aroma.

Pale Ales

Pale ales offer a balance between malt and hop flavours, with a touch of bitterness. Some popular choices include:

• Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: A harmonious blend of Cascade hops and two-row pale malt, resulting in a delightful and aromatic profile.
• Sam Adams Boston Lager: A well-balanced amber lager with a rich maltiness and subtle hop bitterness.

When selecting beers for an office party, it's a good idea to offer a variety of types to cater to different tastes. Keep in mind the preferences of your colleagues and the overall budget for the party. Enjoyment will be guaranteed if you share a beer you yourself enjoy with your guests.

Budget: Beer can be budget-friendly, but prices vary. Set a clear budget to guide your choices

When it comes to buying beer for an office party, it's important to keep in mind that beer can be budget-friendly, but prices vary. Setting a clear budget will help guide your choices and ensure you don't overspend. Here are some tips to consider:

First, it's worth noting that the average amount of alcohol consumed by a person at an office party is around four beers. This can give you a starting point for estimating how much beer to buy. It's always a good idea to have a variety of drink options to cater to different tastes, but if you know that some people at your office primarily drink beer, you may want to allocate a larger portion of your budget to it.

When it comes to specific beer choices, there are a few strategies you can employ to stay within your budget. One option is to choose classic, widely available beers, such as Bud Light, which tends to be more affordable and easily accessible. These beers often have a low alcohol content, which means your guests can enjoy them throughout the night without getting drunk too quickly.

Another strategy is to opt for beers that come in larger formats, such as mini-drums with mobile tapping systems. This can be a more cost-effective option than buying multiple smaller packs, and it adds a unique element to your party.

If you're looking for more premium options, you may want to consider craft beers or imported beers. For example, Guinness Draught, a rich and flavorful beer, or Corona Extra, a popular Mexican beer, could be good choices. However, keep in mind that these options may be more expensive, so they might not be suitable if you're on a tight budget.

Additionally, the time of year can impact your budget. During the summer, for instance, it's more important to ensure drinks are chilled, and you may want to opt for lighter, more refreshing beers. In contrast, winter drinks can incorporate spices or cream, which tend to be more affordable and easier to manage in larger quantities.

Finally, don't forget to factor in the cost of mixers, glasses, and other accessories. If you're serving beer, make sure you have enough glasses, and consider whether your beer of choice pairs well with certain foods. By planning ahead and considering these factors, you can ensure that your office party is a success without breaking the bank.

Guest preferences: Consider the tastes and preferences of your colleagues. Offer a mix of options

When it comes to an office party, it's essential to consider the tastes and preferences of your colleagues to ensure everyone has a great time. Here are some tips to help you offer a mix of beer options that will cater to different palates:

Firstly, it's a good idea to ask your colleagues about their favourite drinks. This way, you can stock up on the beers that get the most mentions and cater to the majority of your guests' preferences. If you know that some colleagues will only drink beer, make sure to have a good selection of those. However, it's always smart to provide a variety of drink options to please everyone, as different people have different tastes.

When it comes to the types of beer, you can choose from a range of options. Lager is a popular choice for parties, with Corona Extra, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Heineken, and Stella Artois being well-loved by many. These beers are known for their refreshing and crisp taste, making them perfect for social gatherings. If you want to offer an American classic, Bud Light and Budweiser are excellent choices, with Budweiser being dubbed the "King of Beers". For a rich, flavorful option, Guinness Draught is a perfect choice, offering a smooth, creamy texture with hints of coffee and chocolate. For a more hoppy flavour, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a fantastic option, with a toasted, light body and a hint of spice.

Additionally, if you want to offer something unique and stimulating, Hoegaarden, a Belgian wheat beer, is a great choice. It's brewed with coriander and orange peel, giving it a subtle spiciness and citrusy aroma. For a well-balanced American amber lager, Samuel Adams Boston Lager is a delicious option, with hints of caramel and toffee. Lastly, for a refreshing, zesty taste, Corona Extra is a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with a slice of lime.

Remember, the key is to offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes. By providing a mix of well-known and unique beers, you'll ensure that your colleagues can explore and discover new favourites while also enjoying their classic go-to drinks.

Occasion: The type of party can influence your beer choice. For example, opt for chilled beers in summer

The type of party you're hosting can influence your beer choice. For example, if you're hosting a party in summer, opt for chilled beers.

If you're looking for a beer that's widely available and has a refreshing taste, Corona is a good option. It's a top-selling beer in Mexico, known for its smooth and light-bodied taste. Bud Light is another classic brew with low alcohol content, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed night with your colleagues. If you want to add a slice of citrus to your beer, Blue Moon Belgian White is a crisp and revitalizing wheat beer with subtle notes of orange and coriander.

For a rich and flavorful beer, Guinness Draught is an excellent choice. It offers a smooth, creamy texture with hints of coffee and chocolate. Heineken is another popular option, known for its distinct and stimulating taste. It's a golden lager that combines malt sweetness and hoppy bitterness, best served chilled.

If you're looking for a more elegant option, Stella Artois, a Belgian lager, is a perfect choice. It has a refined taste and is best served in a chalice glass. For an American classic, Sam Adams Boston Lager offers hints of caramel and toffee, resulting in a full-bodied flavor.

Food pairing: Some beers complement certain foods. Think about any snacks or meals you'll be serving

When it comes to food and beer pairings, it's important to consider the types of snacks or meals that will be served at the office party. Here are some ideas to help you choose the perfect beer to complement your food offerings:

If you're serving pretzels, a German-style beer like Helles is an excellent choice. Its light and refreshing characteristics complement the salty, yeasty pretzels perfectly. Another option for pretzels is a brown ale or stout, which can also be paired with spicy chicken wings to balance out the heat.

For snacks with a bit of spice, such as chilli or jalapeño poppers, a malty Maibock (or Heller Bock) is a great option. These beers have a moderate alcohol content and won't be overpowered by the spiced flavours.

If you're serving guacamole, a dark Mexican lager like Dos Equis, Victoria, or Negra Modelo is an ideal pairing. These beers have a refreshing taste that goes well with the bold flavours of Mexican cuisine.

For dips, especially savoury and earthy ones like spinach and artichoke or French onion, farmhouse ales or saisons are a versatile choice. Their high carbonation and bread-like qualities make them a perfect match for these dips.

If you're serving a variety of snacks, including chips, dips, wings, and sausages, a pilsner or lager is a safe bet. These beers are typically crowd-pleasers and go well with salty, fatty foods. Heineken, for example, pairs well with a wide range of foods without overpowering other flavours.

When it comes to meals, consider a Baltic Porter for burgers. The dark malts in these beers create a robust pairing for juicy burgers with all the toppings.

For a heartier meal, such as grilled chicken and veggies, a Belgian beer like Blue Moon Belgian White or Stella Artois can add a refreshing touch. These beers have a light and crisp taste, with subtle notes that complement the food without overwhelming it.

In conclusion, when choosing beers for an office party, consider the types of snacks and meals being served. By pairing your beer selection with the food offerings, you can enhance the overall tasting experience for your colleagues.

Frequently asked questions