The Complete Guide to Drinking Beer for Students

The main objective behind a bottle of beer is to help you unwind, but not knowing your way around the world of beer could mean a satisfying drink session isn't on the cards for you. There are multiple options for brews, so much that it'd be dizzying listing the ranges. You can pick from an extensive range of Ales to Wibiers, Goses to IPAs, and Saisons to Pale Ales.

This guide can help you navigate your next drinking menu, from making the right pick to avoiding hangovers. You get to know the when and how of beers, so you never have to worry about horrible beer experiences. Here's everything you need to know about being a brew-minded student of legal drinking age. Yes, it would be best if you were of age before thinking about putting your lips to a bottle of ale to savor its taste.

Embrace the Foam

Ever wondered why many beer enthusiasts like to have their beer with its foam? It isn't that they can't wait for the bubbles to die down, or neither is it the bartender trying to pull a fast one. It's simple, the foam is a friend, and you should treat it as such. Yes, it's a result of CO2 bubbling to the surface of your drink, but it helps add a classic aroma to your brew.

The Cold — Ally or Foe?

The cold can be an ally or foe, depending on how you approach cooling your drink. Here's what you need to know about getting the best from it.

Cold is the temperature to aim for when drinking beer. Brews tend to lose their aroma and flavor at chilled temperatures. The appropriate temperature for serving beer is within the temperature range of 38-55° F. You'd have to adjust your serving depending on the drink's strength and style.

Consider drinking stronger and darker brews at warmer temperatures than those of weaker and lighter brews. A pro tip to remember when cooling your alcohol is never to freeze your glassware. Doing this could alter your beer's foaming and taste as it absorbs alien flavors from the refrigerator.

Never Prioritize Quantity Over Quality

Most times, it's not a good idea to put quantity ahead of quality, and in the beer world, this golden rule still stands. Avoid buying run-of-the-mill brands, especially when you're looking to unwind. College can be stressful, with many students asking, "how can I do my homework, attend to my chores, socialize with friends, study, and work?” You do deserve a treat after a hectic school week, and a bonus is that high-quality brews aren't that much more expensive than their low-grade counterparts.

The Art of Pouring Beer

There's a high chance that you've been filling your glass the wrong way. It's an act many drinkers fail at without knowing. Remember the foam and the goodness that comes with it? Filling your cup wrongly can have such an experience elude you. Here's how to get it right.

Start things off by tilting your cup or glass to a 45° angle. No, not upright, that comes later. Then fill the vessel with your alcohol till it's halfway full. Now you can place your cup upright and pour your beer to just below the brim. Remember, we're looking for that foamy goodness, and that needs room to be in our cup to make that happen.

Avoid the Next Day Hangover With Water

Parties are among the many highlights of college life, with beers often being the main attraction in such events. It's normal for students to lose themselves in the merriment and indulge themselves with more glasses than average. The result? A jackhammer hangover the next morning.

You can soften the headache of such scenarios, indulge yourself and have a good time by drinking water. Yes, it's that simple. Consider drinking a glass of water for every bottle of beer you take the night before, and you won't wake up with a loud hum in your head. Here's why.

Alcohol, just like coffee, is a diuretic and can have you using the restroom more often. So it would help if you stayed hydrated to avoid the ensuing hangover and thirst of the next day. The buzz and pain you feel in the morning is your body telling you it needs fluid.

When Only the Can Would Suffice

Yes, canned and bottled beer do have their perks, with the latter often being the go-to option for many beer enthusiasts. When we picture a classic actor taking a sip of the finest ale, chances we imagine a bottle in his hand instead of a can.

There are periods when you shouldn't consider buying a bottle but opt for the can's coolness. Avoid drinking or purchasing bottles if they've been in direct sunlight for too long, as exposing your beer to ultraviolet light can alter its taste. Such scenarios occur more often in clear bottles such as that of the Heineken brand. Cans can guard against such effects, leaving your beer with its naturally satisfying taste.

What You Should Know About the Different Beer Styles

Brown Ales

An excellent companion for breezy nights, brown ales are the darker and caramel champions of the brewery world. In the U.S., these beers tend to be bitter compared to their European counterparts' malty and nutty flavors.

Stout

Hearing this name and one famous brand always comes to many student's minds: Guinness. This beer is another night pint with a strong creamy and classic taste, often having recipes that date back centuries.

IPA

IPAs have a reputation for being the go-to option for drinkers who aren't beer enthusiasts. A hoppy, fruity aroma and flavor make this beer a popular choice with of-age students.

Lagers

Lagers, not to be confused with Ales, are light and often less boozy beers. They differ from the latter as they ferment from the bottom as opposed to the top. Coors, Bud, and other macro brews belong to this group.

Final Thoughts

As an of-age student looking to unwind after a stressful day at college, you would want nothing less than a satisfying drink solo or with friends. Considering the tips in this guide can help you achieve this feat.