Tips on How to Pick the Best Beer for Any Occasion

A choice of beer for an occasion usually depends on the time and place. Not to mention that there are many beer types and brands out there, and each of them scratches that one particular itch that beer connoisseurs have.

Different beers are usually enjoyed according to the time and occasion. So if a special occasion is just right around the corner and you’re deciding what kind of beer you should have to spice up the night, there are tons of choices you can have for a party. However, choosing can be a little overwhelming.

Not only that, but you also have several factors you need to consider, like the ABV of a specific beer, your budget, and even your guests if you want to make your choice of beer perfect. Luckily for you, we will be talking about tips that you might want to consider the next time you pick a beer for an occasion. Here are some of them.

Pick Low-ABV Session Beers

Beer is usually a good companion throughout the night, especially during buffets and all-you-can-eat parties. However, you can quickly get drunk and have a not-so-fun morning the day after. That said, if you want a beer that can accompany your guests throughout the night with slow drinking but doesn’t want them to be wasted before the party ends, then you should pick a beer with a low ABV.

So if you’re picking a beer for mass consumption, pick a flavorful beer with an ABV in the range of 5%. Although some people will nitpick if you pick a slightly above 5% beer, you can play a little to make your party much more exciting. These beers are called session beers because they are most suited for a party in your backyard with all-night barbecuing or a pool party with your friends.

Before and After Dinner

If you’re looking for a beer that is an excellent drink to have specifically before a meal, then go for aperitifs. They are typically low ABV liquors and spirits that will keep you awake and will work an appetite, especially if you’re planning to have a big dinner for your party. Some of your choices would be:

• California Common Beer
• American Pale Ales
• Berliner Weisse
• Pilsner
• Lambic
• Flanders Red Ale

However, if you’re looking for a good beer after a big dinner, you can go for nightcap beers, which are big-bodied and robust. They usually have a higher alcohol content, hence why they are most suited for relaxation while your stomach is full. They are even good accompaniments for dessert. Some of your choices are:

• Old Ale
• Barleywine
• Eisbock
• Doppelbock
• Russian Imperial Stout
• Scotch Ale

Seasonal Choices

One of the best things about craft breweries is that they brew different beers depending on the season. That said, some of their beers are only limited to a season, so you can’t buy them for the rest of the year. This is good if you’re having a seasonal occasion like the Christmas holidays or summer parties.

Here are some suggestions according to the seasons.

Winter: These beers are typically medium to full-bodied beers, and they tend to be darker and have higher alcohol content. They are also brewed with specific spices, herbs, and fruits well suited for the season. If you’re also planning to give a gift to your guests, these types of beer can also be good gifts, especially if you put them in suitable containers from The Barrel & Bar Gift Factory. You can try Barleywine, Belgian Strong Ale, Old Ale, Scotch Ale, Wassail, and Spiced beers.

Spring: This is when most craft breweries tend to make the maltier beers. You can try Belgian Dubbel, Bock, Biere de Garde, Doppelbock, Stout, and Porter for your choices.

Summer: Summer beers are often light-colored, light to medium-bodied. They are often served cold, which is perfect for the summer sun. Your choices are Blonde Ales, Fruit Beer, Pale Ale, Saison, Pilsner, Weizenbier, and Witbier.

Fall: These beers are good mid-range ones, which are neither too dark nor too light and neither too heavy nor too light-bodied. Their alcohol content is also just a percent or two higher than summer beers, which is not much. You can try Amber Ale, Oktoberfest, Porter, Rauchbier, and Schwarzbier.

Just a Casual Friday Night of Poker and Pizza

If you’re just having a party with your friends that is nothing formal or too upscale, then you have a lot of choices on your plate. Usually, all it takes is a zippy and refreshing beer like an India Pale Ale, which is a good accompaniment for fried foods. You can pick a beer with a low ABV to keep your party exciting and long, which is great if you’re planning long poker sessions.

Final Words

Some people just opt for their favorite beer when picking one for an occasion. While this is okay if your friends or guests have the same taste as you, it can ruin the night if they don’t. That is why it’s important to pick the right beer for the occasion. What you want here is to keep the night going but without anyone getting too wasted and ruining the occasion.