Best Places To Buy Your First Beer

Beer is one of the oldest human-produced drinks, with the earliest archaeological evidence of beer-making dating back 13,000 years. The drink has a rich history, with ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Chinese brewing and consuming beer. Today, beer is widely available in bottles, cans, and on draught in pubs and bars. When it comes to purchasing beer, consumers have a variety of options, including buying from liquor stores, supermarkets, and even directly from breweries. Online platforms, such as Amazon, also offer a convenient way to purchase beer and have it delivered to your doorstep. Additionally, for those interested in crafting their own beer, home brewing supplies and ingredients can be sourced online or from specialty beer brewing shops.

Online

Frost Beer Works is a Vermont-based brewery that crafts tropical, balanced, and delicious hazy IPAs. While the brewery doesn't seem to have an online store on its website, its beers can be purchased online through third-party retailers.

One option for buying Frost Beer online is through BeerMenus. BeerMenus is a website that allows users to search for specific beers and find nearby places where they can purchase them. While BeerMenus does not appear to offer direct online sales, it provides a list of retailers that carry the desired beer. Users can then contact these retailers directly to inquire about online purchasing options. According to BeerMenus, some Frost Beer Works beers, such as Frost Lush and Frost Plush, are not available at nearby places listed on the website. However, users can sign up to be notified when local businesses start carrying these beers.

Another possible online source for Frost Beer could be online liquor stores or beverage delivery services. These websites often offer a wide selection of beers, and users can search for Frost Beer Works within their platforms. It is worth noting that the availability of specific beers may vary by region, and some websites might not deliver to all locations. Therefore, it is advisable to check multiple websites and compare their offerings and delivery options.

Additionally, Frost Beer Works has a "Find Our Beer" feature on its website, which is designed to help locate its beers. While this feature might primarily focus on locating nearby physical retailers, it could also potentially provide information on online retailers or delivery services operating in the user's area. Checking this feature could be a useful step in finding online sources for Frost Beer.

When purchasing Frost Beer or any other alcoholic beverage online, it is important to ensure that the website is reputable and authorized to sell alcohol. It is also advisable to carefully read the product descriptions and shipping information to ensure that the desired beer is correctly selected and delivered according to the user's preferences.

Local speciality beer brewing shops

When it comes to buying hops for your home brew, you have a few options. If you want to buy in person, you can find a local speciality beer brewing shop by searching on Google or asking your friends and colleagues, as they may be homebrewers themselves.

If you're looking to buy speciality beer rather than brew it, there are many online retailers and supermarkets that stock a range of options. For example, Waitrose offers a variety of speciality beers on their website, including modern brews infused with tropical fruits like orange peel, peach, pineapple, mango, and passion fruit.

Specialty beers are known for their distinctive ingredients that are evident in the aroma, flavour, or overall balance of the beer. Some examples include sahti, steinbier, white IPA, and session IPA.

Supermarkets

• Variety: Supermarkets typically stock a diverse range of beer brands, including domestic and imported options, catering to various tastes and preferences. You can find popular mass-produced beers, as well as craft beers from smaller breweries.
• Packaging Options: They offer beer in different packaging sizes, such as cans, bottles, or even kegs. You can choose based on your needs, whether you're stocking up for a party or just grabbing a six-pack for the weekend.
• Promotions and Deals: Keep an eye out for promotions, discounts, and special offers exclusive to supermarkets. Buying in bulk or during sales can help you save money.
• Sampling Opportunities: Some supermarkets occasionally host tasting events or offer samples of new or featured beers, giving you a chance to try something new without committing to a full pack.
• Food Pairing Recommendations: Many supermarkets provide food and beer pairing suggestions, helping you choose the right beer to complement your meal. Look for display cards or ask staff for advice.
• Licensing Laws: Be mindful of the legal purchasing age and licensing laws in your region. Supermarkets are typically strict about checking IDs, so make sure you have valid identification if you appear underage.
• Location: When buying beer from a supermarket, consider the distance from your home or event venue. Opt for a store that is conveniently located to facilitate easy transportation of your purchases.
• Stock Availability: While supermarkets generally have a good selection, there may be times when specific brands or varieties are out of stock. It's a good idea to have a backup option in mind or to ask staff about potential restock dates.

Breweries

If you're looking to buy Frost Beer, there are a few options to explore. Frost Beer Works, the crafters of tropical, balanced, and delicious hazy IPAs, is based in Vermont, where the beer is distributed throughout the state with limited availability in other areas. Their website offers a Beer Finder feature to help locate their beer near you, although it's always a good idea to call the retailer to check availability.

Frost Beer Works brews a diverse range of beers, including double IPAs, American Pale Ales, Imperial Stouts, and more. Their beers showcase a variety of flavours, from citrus and spice notes to tropical and nutty flavours.

In addition to Frost Beer Works, another brewery to consider is Shiner (Spoetzl Brewery) from Shiner, TX. Their Shiner Frost is a Dortmunder-style brew, featuring a pale golden colour and notes of honey and subtle floral hops. It's described as crisp and refreshing, resembling a frosty Texas winter morning.

When it comes to purchasing Frost Beer, it's always recommended to check the availability with local retailers or use the Beer Finder on the Frost Beer Works website for specific locations.

Lastly, for those who appreciate variety, Frost Beer Works also offers a range of limited-edition and seasonal beers, such as their Research Series and Barrel-Aged beers, providing beer enthusiasts with an ever-evolving selection to explore and enjoy.

Pubs

City pubs are often crowded with groups of colleagues during lunch hours and after work. Theme pubs, a subcategory of city pubs, cater to specific interests, such as music genres or sports. Country pubs, on the other hand, are known for their charming interiors and cosy atmospheres, although some may offer more modern amenities like microwaved meals.

If you're looking for a unique experience, try visiting a destination pub, which people will travel miles to visit due to their exceptional food, beer gardens, character, or historical significance. Local pubs, as the name suggests, cater to a very specific local clientele and may not be the most welcoming to outsiders. However, if you're introduced by a local, you may receive a warmer reception.

When it comes to ordering your first beer, it's helpful to know the different types of beer available. Lager is a popular choice, and pubs often offer a lower-strength option (e.g. Fosters, Carling, Carlsberg) and a higher-strength, more expensive option (e.g. Stella Artois, Kronenbourg). If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore "actual" beers, including ales, stouts, and bitters, such as Doom Bar and Guinness.

Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations—the bar staff are usually happy to help. You can also check the pub's website or app beforehand if they have one, as many chain pubs provide their drinks menus online. Remember that in British pubs, beer is typically served at cellar temperature, not icy cold, as the locals believe that drinking it too cold masks the flavour.

British pubs offer a unique social experience, and with over 50,000 of them across the UK, you're sure to find one that suits your taste!

Frequently asked questions