The Best Beer Choices To Buy Tonight

With so many beers to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which one to buy. Whether you're looking for a mainstream lager, a craft stout, or something more adventurous, there's a beer out there for everyone. If you're feeling indecisive about which beer to buy tonight, why not try taking a drinking quiz or using a random beer generator to help you make a fun and unexpected choice? Alternatively, you could opt for a classic like Heineken, Corona, or even a higher-end beer like Chimay. If you're feeling adventurous, you might want to explore the wide range of IPAs, stouts, and ales available, including the Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA or the Bell's Oberon American Wheat Ale. Whatever your preference, there's a beer that's perfect for your evening.

Local beers

If you're looking to buy local beers, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, think about the type of beer you're in the mood for. Do you prefer IPAs, stouts, wheat ales, or something else? Knowing your preferred style can help you choose from the options available at your local breweries.

Another factor to consider is the reputation of the local breweries themselves. Do some research to find out which breweries in your area are known for producing high-quality beers. You can check online reviews, ask for recommendations from local beer enthusiasts, or even visit breweries that offer tours and tastings to get a first-hand experience of their products.

Now, let's take a look at some specific examples of local beers that you might consider buying tonight:

AJ's Ales (Walsall)

AJ's Ales is a microbrewery run by the husband-and-wife team, Andy and Charlotte Dukes. Andy Dukes founded the brewery in 2014, and he has created over 20 different ales since then. Their bestseller is the S.P.A 4.2%, a smooth pale ale brewed with Australian hops that give it a peach aroma and tropical fruity flavour.

Black Country Ales (Lower Gornal)

Beer has been brewed at the site of the Old Bull's Head in Gornal since 1834. The brewery was mothballed after World War II but was reformed in 2004. They produce several popular beers, including Pig on the Wall, Bradley's Finest Golden, and Fireside.

Bathams Brewery (Brierley Hill)

Bathams Brewery has been run by six generations of the same family since the 1870s. They produce three cask-conditioned beers: Best Bitter, Mild, and the 6.3% XXX. Bathams owns twelve pubs across the Black Country and is known for using traditional 54-gallon hogshead casks.

Davenports Brewery (Smethwick)

Davenports is famed for its 'beer at home' delivery service and produces a range of beers, including Original, Mild, IPA, and Gold Ale. They also operate a large number of pubs, hotels, and event venues in the region.

Enville (Kinver)

Founded by Will Constantin-Cort, a former glass designer, Enville has become established as one of the region's favourite beers. They have five regular offerings: Enville Ale, Enville Ginger, Old Porter, Enville White (a straw-coloured wheat beer), and Simpkiss Bitter. They also produce seasonal beers.

Fixed Wheel (Blackheath)

A relative newcomer, Fixed Wheel is an award-winning brewery founded by keen cyclist Scott Povey and Sharon Bryant. They have quickly become a staple at Black Country beer festivals with their main lines: Wheelie Pale, Through & Off session IPA, Chain Reaction pale ale, and Blackheath Stout.

Remember, when choosing local beers, it's always a good idea to ask for recommendations from local beer enthusiasts or retailers, as they can provide you with the most up-to-date and specific options available in your area.

Beer with food

Beer is an incredibly versatile drink when it comes to food pairings. Its wide range of flavours, from fruity and robust ales to crisp and delicate lagers, means that there is a beer to complement almost any dish.

If you're looking for a beer to enjoy with your meal, consider the weight of your food. Light dishes, like salads, vegetarian meals, and light seafood, pair well with light beers. Conversely, heavy dishes, such as braised meats and rich stews, are better suited to heavier beers. For example, a light and refreshing lager or pilsner is the perfect match for a greasy pizza, as the carbonation and hops stand up to the cheese and cut through the fat. On the other hand, a hearty stout or porter is an excellent choice for a rich beef stew, as the dark, bitter flavours complement the dish's depth of flavour.

Different types of beers also pair well with specific ingredients. For example, Mexican food, spicy food, and Asian cuisine are enhanced by ales, Hefeweizens, and wheat beers. The stronger, fruitier flavours of these beers complement the bold spices and complex flavours often found in these types of dishes. Similarly, barley wines and stouts are ideal for chocolate-based desserts, as the sweetness of the beer balances the bitterness of the dish.

When it comes to specific food and beer pairings, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Beer-battered fish tacos with a crisp, refreshing lager or pilsner.
• A juicy burger with a robust ale or a smooth stout.
• Spicy Thai curry with a pale ale to echo the dish's spiciness, or a dry, bitter lager to provide a pleasant contrast.
• Rich, braised beef short ribs with a dark, smoky porter.
• Chocolate stout cake with a malty Guinness—the perfect combination of sweet and bitter.
• Fried cheese curds with a crisp, golden lager.
• Grilled pork chops with a pineapple-turmeric glaze and a refreshing wheat beer.
• Cheddar, Gruyère, Emmental, or Swiss cheese with a lager or ale to bring out the nuttiness of the cheese.

Remember, the most important thing is to drink what you like. So, if you have a favourite beer, don't be afraid to experiment and pair it with a variety of dishes. Cheers!

Beer to get drunk

If you're looking to get drunk, beer is a great option. Beer is comfortable and familiar, but it can also bring out shades of your younger, new-to-drinking self, which can be fun but also painfully immature.

There are many different types of beer to choose from, and your choice may depend on your budget, taste preferences, and how drunk you want to get. If you're on a tight budget, for example, you might opt for a cheaper beer like Bud Light or Coors. If you're looking for something a little different, you could try a peanut butter stout or a raspberry beer. For something on the sweeter end of the spectrum, go for a malted milk ball stout or a Vietnamese Porter. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a beer cocktail like a michelada, made with beer, lime juice, and hot sauce.

If you're looking to get drunk quickly, you might want to choose a beer with a higher alcohol content, like an IPA or a stout. IPAs, or India Pale Ales, tend to have a higher alcohol content than other beers, and they often have a strong, bitter taste. Stouts are also relatively high in alcohol content and have a dark colour and a creamy head.

However, it's important to remember to drink responsibly and to make sure you have a base layer of food in your stomach before drinking. Eating a hearty lunch is a good idea, but be careful not to overeat, as this may lead to a food coma instead of a night of partying.

Beer cocktails

Michelada

Michelada is a classic Mexican drink that is perfect for brunch or a savoury beverage. It is made by adding lime juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and an array of spices to a Mexican lager, such as Tecate or Modelo Especial. For an extra kick, try the Mayan Michelada, which includes a small pour of joven mezcal for subtle smoke and agave notes.

Rye House Spring Beer Cocktail

This seasonal drink is a unique combination of genever, applejack, loganberry liqueur, lime juice, ginger syrup, and lager beer. It is the perfect beverage to welcome the warmer weather.

Grapefruit Beer Cocktail

This cocktail is a refreshing twist on the traditional Paloma. It combines tequila and Stiegl radler, a grapefruit-flavoured beer, with fresh grapefruit and lime juices. It is a tall, cool, and slightly boozier alternative to the classic.

Beer Margarita

For a refreshing summer cocktail, top a traditional margarita mix of tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice with a Mexican lager like Modelo Especial. It is the ultimate drink mashup that you will crave all season.

Beer Aperitivo Spritz

Beer can hold its own with sweet liqueurs and juices, adding a savoury, bready twist. Try swapping the sparkling wine in an Italian aperitivo with a full-bodied, sweet, and smooth amaro liqueur. Serve this cocktail in a massive wine glass or a standard highball.

Blackberry-Chipotle Michelada

This cocktail is a tangy and smoky twist on the classic Michelada. It combines the effervescence of beer with the sweet and spicy flavours of blackberries and chipotle. Muddle fresh blackberries to release their fragrance and juices, then add your favourite beer and a dash of chipotle sauce.

Beer for a party

Beer is a versatile drink, perfect for any party. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right beer for your party. Firstly, think about the type of party you're hosting and the people attending. If you're having a casual get-together with friends, you might want to go for a variety of beers to suit different tastes. On the other hand, if you're hosting a more formal gathering, you might want to stick to classic or premium beers.

Another thing to consider is the food you'll be serving at your party. Just like wine, different beers pair well with different types of food. For example, if you're serving barbecue food, a Mexican lager like Modelo Especial would be a great choice. Its subtle toast and caramel flavours will complement the grilled flavours perfectly. If you're serving lighter dishes, a wheat beer like Bell's Oberon American Wheat Ale could be a good option, with its subtle fruit aromas and touch of spice.

If you're looking for something a little more unique to impress your guests, why not try a craft beer? These days, there are countless innovative craft beers on the market, from cult-status IPAs to experimental stouts. If you want to support local businesses, you can even look for beers brewed in your area. For example, if you're in Rhode Island, you might want to try something from the Revival Brewery, which is a local favourite.

Finally, don't forget to consider the time of year and the weather. Lighter, more refreshing beers like lagers and wheat ales are perfect for summer parties, while darker, more robust beers like stouts and porters are better suited for cosy winter gatherings.

• Modelo Especial (Mexican lager)
• Bell's Oberon American Wheat Ale
• Pilsner Urquell (classic Czech pilsner)
• Miller High Life (classic American lager)
• Cigar City Jai Alai (India Pale Ale)
• Newcastle Brown Ale
• Guinness Draught Stout

Frequently asked questions