Beer Buying Guide For The Perfect Party

Choosing the right beer for a party can be a daunting task, especially if you want to please a variety of guests with different tastes and preferences. The type of beer you select can depend on several factors, such as the season, the food you'll be serving, and the type of party you're hosting. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice and create a diverse range of beer options that will cater to a wide range of preferences.

Light beers for summer

When the sun is shining, and the days are long, a cold, light beer is the perfect drink. Light beers are ideal for summer, and there are plenty of options to choose from, whether you're looking for something crisp and refreshing or fruity and flavourful.

Lagers

Lagers are a great option for summer drinking. They are often light and crisp, making them perfect for hot days. If you're looking for a lager to serve at your party, Narragansett is a popular choice. This New England lager is available in tall boy cans, and there's even a retro Jaws edition. Genesee Light is another classic lager, brewed in Rochester, New York. It's hard to find, but well worth it. For something a little more widely available, Miller High Life, the self-proclaimed "champagne of beers", is a solid choice. Or, for a craft beer option, you could try Beach Report by Allagash Brewing Company. It's a sustainable, low ABV lager, perfect for summer.

Fruit Beers

Fruit beers are a fantastic option for summer parties, offering a burst of flavour that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If you're looking for something tropical, try Vacation Reminder by Athletic Brewing Company. This non-alcoholic triple-hopped IPA blends tropical fruit with hops for a full-bodied, thirst-quenching brew. For something a little more unusual, SeaQuench Ale by Dogfish Head is a great choice. This beer is hard to define, with a lightly salty and tart flavour and notes of lime. Or, for a classic fruit beer, try a radler. These are low-alcohol blends of lager and citrus soda, and Jack's Abby Craft Lagers makes a great one, focusing on German beer traditions.

Wheat Beers

Wheat beers are another excellent option for summer parties. They offer a slightly fruity and spicy note that appeals to a broad audience. Blue Moon Belgian White is a popular choice, or, for something a little more unique, try Yuzu KSA Radler by Fort Point Beer Company. This beer is a kölsch-style ale with a dry finish and a heavy dose of citrus.

Pale Ales

If you're looking for something with a bit more hop character, a pale ale could be a good choice. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale offers a balanced flavour profile with a bit more hoppiness. Or, for an IPA option, try Daisy Cutter by Half Acre Beer Company. This complex brew blends resinous pine notes with tropical fruit for a dry, hoppy finish.

So, there you have it! A selection of light beers that are perfect for a summer party. Whether your guests prefer lagers, fruit beers, wheat beers, or pale ales, there's something on this list to please everyone.

Darker ales and stouts for winter

When the weather outside is frightful, darker ales and stouts are delightful. Their rich and full-bodied flavours, with roasted malts and notes of chocolate and coffee, make them ideal for sipping on chilly nights.

If you're looking for a dark beer to serve at your winter party, consider a porter. Anchor Porter, for example, is a popular choice for those who enjoy a dark beer. Porters tend to have a robust flavour and a slightly higher alcohol content, making them a good option for pairing with richer dishes.

Stouts are another excellent option for winter parties. Stouts tend to have a rich, creamy texture and a bold flavour that can stand up to heartier fare. If you're looking for a stout to serve at your party, consider a well-known option like Guinness, or opt for a local craft stout to add some variety and support a small business.

Belgian ales, such as Hoegaarden, are also worth considering for a winter party. This style of ale tends to have a slightly higher alcohol content and a complex flavour profile that can include spice and citrus notes. They often pair well with a variety of dishes, making them a versatile option for a party.

When selecting darker ales and stouts for your winter party, consider the food you'll be serving. These beers pair well with richer, more savoury dishes, such as stews or meat dishes. Offering a variety of beer options, including some lighter beers, is always a good idea to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Local craft beers

When it comes to throwing a party, one of the most important considerations is the drinks you'll be serving. If you're thinking of opting for local craft beers, here's everything you need to know.

Variety is key when it comes to pleasing your guests' palates. It's a good idea to offer at least 5 different types of beer, including lagers, ales, stouts, and perhaps even ciders. This ensures that there's something for everyone, catering to different taste preferences.

Choosing the Beers

When selecting local craft beers, aim for a range of options from different states, countries, or even continents. The climate and grain supplies in these various locations will result in vastly different flavours and aromas, giving your guests a diverse tasting experience.

The amount of beer you'll require depends on factors such as the number of guests, the duration of your party, and the drinking preferences of your attendees. A good rule of thumb is to estimate that each guest will consume about 1 to 2 beers per hour. For example, if you're hosting a 4-hour party with 25 guests, you can expect to need approximately 200 beers. It's always better to have a little extra, and you can always save any unopened beer for another occasion.

Pairing Beer with Food

When planning your party menu, consider the type of food you'll be serving and choose beers that will complement the dishes. For lighter fare like chicken and salads, opt for lighter beers with a lower alcohol content and milder flavour profiles. If you're serving richer dishes like stews, go for beers with a heavier body, higher alcohol content, and more robust flavours.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Remember to include some non-alcoholic beverages as well, for guests who prefer them or those who are designated drivers.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to hosting a fantastic party with a superb selection of local craft beers that will have your guests raving!

Non-alcoholic options

It is always a good idea to include some non-alcoholic options for those who prefer them or are designated drivers.

When choosing non-alcoholic drinks, it is important to offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes. This can include non-alcoholic beer, mocktails, soft drinks, juices, and water. Here are some specific suggestions:

• Non-alcoholic beer or craft beer: There are several non-alcoholic craft beers available that offer a unique and distinct flavour. These can be a great option for those who want to avoid alcohol but still enjoy the taste of beer.
• Mocktails: Mocktails are non-alcoholic cocktails that can be just as fun and delicious as their alcoholic counterparts. Get creative and offer a variety of mocktails, such as virgin mojitos, non-alcoholic daiquiris, or mock mimosas.
• Soft drinks: Provide a selection of soft drinks, including colas, lemonades, and ginger ales. Look for interesting and unique flavours to add some extra flair to your offerings.
• Juices: Offer a variety of fruit juices, both fresh and packaged. This can include orange juice, apple juice, and more exotic options like mango or acai berry juice.
• Water: Don't forget to provide plenty of water! Both still and sparkling water are essential to keep your guests hydrated. You can even set up a self-service water station with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber for guests to add their own flavour.

Remember to clearly label all non-alcoholic options, so your guests can easily identify them. You may also want to provide some fun garnishes, such as fruit slices or herbs, to add a special touch to these drinks.

Crowd-pleasing beers

When it comes to throwing a party, choosing the right beer can be a daunting task. The key to pleasing your guests lies in offering a variety of beers that cater to different tastes. From refreshing lagers to robust stouts, here are some crowd-pleasing options that are sure to be a hit:

Lagers and Pilsners

Light lagers and pilsners are always a safe choice for a party. Their crisp, refreshing taste and lighter body make them a favourite among many. Some popular options include Budweiser, Heineken, and Pilsner Urquell. These beers are known for their delicate balance of malt and hops, making them perfect for those who want something smooth and easy to drink.

Wheat Beers

Wheat beers offer a slightly fruity and spicy note that appeals to a broad range of palates. Blue Moon Belgian White, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, and Hoegaarden are excellent choices in this category. Their distinctive hazy appearance and smooth texture make them stand out. These beers are best served with a slice of orange, enhancing their zesty character.

Amber and Pale Ales

If you're looking for a nice balance of malt and hops with a touch of sweetness, amber ales are the way to go. Fat Tire Amber Ale is a popular option that is easy to drink and enjoy. For something with a bit more hop character, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a great choice while still maintaining its broad appeal.

IPAs

For the hop lovers, IPAs are a must-have at any party. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA is a bold and hop-forward option, harmoniously blending rich maltiness with citrusy and piney hop flavours. Another popular choice is Lagunitas IPA, which offers a burst of hoppy goodness with a blend of caramel malt sweetness and citrusy bitterness.

Stouts

For colder months or when you're looking for something richer, stouts are the way to go. With their full-bodied flavours, notes of chocolate and coffee, stouts are perfect for sipping on chilly nights. A well-loved example is Anchor Porter, a favourite among dark beer enthusiasts.

When in doubt, it's always a good idea to include some local craft beers to offer unique flavours and support local breweries. Additionally, don't forget to provide non-alcoholic options for those who prefer them or are designated drivers.

Frequently asked questions