Beer noob needs help!
March 9, 2010 11:43 AM Subscribe
Beer noob needs advice!
I am a complete beer noob and generally an alcohol noob as well. I have had a couple rum and cokes, and a smirnoff ice or two. (literally... one or two). So, my experience with alcohol in general is pretty limited, and everything that i've had is pretty sweet.
I had my first beer the other day, a blue moon. It was tolerable, but I had it with hot wings, so I don't think that was a good pairing. Every time I took a sip I winced on the way down.
Last night I had a Bell's double cream stout, because a friend of mine suggested that I try a cream stout, as it would go down smoother than the blue moon. I winced a little more with each sip of it, and by the end of it, I could hardly bear it.
But, I really want to learn to like beer and appreciate it. I'm not interested at all in drinking bud light or coors or natty light, nor am I interested in getting drunk. I just want to be able to order a guiness at dinner and enjoy it.
So, what would your advice be on learning to like beer? What beers should I try, and how can I work up to something like a guiness? Are there any tips and tricks to learning to like the taste?
Thanks!
I am a complete beer noob and generally an alcohol noob as well. I have had a couple rum and cokes, and a smirnoff ice or two. (literally... one or two). So, my experience with alcohol in general is pretty limited, and everything that i've had is pretty sweet.
I had my first beer the other day, a blue moon. It was tolerable, but I had it with hot wings, so I don't think that was a good pairing. Every time I took a sip I winced on the way down.
Last night I had a Bell's double cream stout, because a friend of mine suggested that I try a cream stout, as it would go down smoother than the blue moon. I winced a little more with each sip of it, and by the end of it, I could hardly bear it.
But, I really want to learn to like beer and appreciate it. I'm not interested at all in drinking bud light or coors or natty light, nor am I interested in getting drunk. I just want to be able to order a guiness at dinner and enjoy it.
So, what would your advice be on learning to like beer? What beers should I try, and how can I work up to something like a guiness? Are there any tips and tricks to learning to like the taste?
Thanks!
Best answer: The best website for learning more than you can possibly use about beer is Beer Advocate.
The best way to learn to appreciate beer is to sample a variety of styles to learn to identify different flavors, and to see if you prefer malty beers, hoppy beers, wheat beers, stouts, etc. Read about each beer that you try to see what it's known for to help discern your palate.
You have the right approach; learn to discern flavors, and drink for the sake of enjoying a well-crafted beer. Exploration and experimentation are your friends.
Microbreweries often have free tours and a brewer on staff to help you learn to appreciate their products. It's always fun to hear a brewmaster talk about the nuances of making a new product.
posted by Lifeson at 11:50 AM on March 9, 2010 [3 favorites]
The best way to learn to appreciate beer is to sample a variety of styles to learn to identify different flavors, and to see if you prefer malty beers, hoppy beers, wheat beers, stouts, etc. Read about each beer that you try to see what it's known for to help discern your palate.
You have the right approach; learn to discern flavors, and drink for the sake of enjoying a well-crafted beer. Exploration and experimentation are your friends.
Microbreweries often have free tours and a brewer on staff to help you learn to appreciate their products. It's always fun to hear a brewmaster talk about the nuances of making a new product.
posted by Lifeson at 11:50 AM on March 9, 2010 [3 favorites]
Beer is most definitely an acquired taste and even after years of really liking most beers, I still don't like most heavy stouts. I would start with something light, maybe Amstel or something of that ilk.
posted by something something at 11:50 AM on March 9, 2010
posted by something something at 11:50 AM on March 9, 2010
Find a brewpub (or microbrew specialty bar) that does flights, and keep tasting until you find something you like or you give up.
What sort of flavors do you like?
posted by JoanArkham at 11:50 AM on March 9, 2010 [3 favorites]
What sort of flavors do you like?
posted by JoanArkham at 11:50 AM on March 9, 2010 [3 favorites]
If you're lucky, you might live near some place that has beer tasting. Yup, it's exactly like wine tastings, but with beer. Or if you have friends who enjoy drinking beer, they could set something like that up on your own. The more you try, the better you'll be at figuring out what element(s) of beer you dislike, so you can better describe the tastes you don't enjoy.
As for working up to or learning to like the taste, it might be something you never enjoy, or you could dislike it less over time. I have some friends who decided to overcome their aversions to certain foods by eating enough that they no longer disliked them, and it worked for them but that may not work so well with beer.
posted by filthy light thief at 11:52 AM on March 9, 2010
As for working up to or learning to like the taste, it might be something you never enjoy, or you could dislike it less over time. I have some friends who decided to overcome their aversions to certain foods by eating enough that they no longer disliked them, and it worked for them but that may not work so well with beer.
posted by filthy light thief at 11:52 AM on March 9, 2010
Guiness is a smoky stout and not everyone's cup of tea. You shouldn't feel bad if you don't like its taste, especially if you're just starting out.
IPA ("India Pale Ale") beers are sweet and hoppy (bitter, but in a good way). I would start with a pale ale and work over to lambics and other sweet beers.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:54 AM on March 9, 2010
IPA ("India Pale Ale") beers are sweet and hoppy (bitter, but in a good way). I would start with a pale ale and work over to lambics and other sweet beers.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:54 AM on March 9, 2010
If you trend towards sweet liquor, Cider!
It's easy to find an evolution from sweet to bitter you usually associate with beer. Start with pear. When it is too sickly sweet, move on to apple. Woodchuck makes a good range of ciders. Their sweetest is Raspberry, then Pear, Granny Smith, Amber, and 802. The transition from 802 to wheat beers was much closer than the transition from rum & cokes to beer.
And the appropriate garnish for wheat beers is an orange. Not a lemon.
posted by politikitty at 11:54 AM on March 9, 2010
It's easy to find an evolution from sweet to bitter you usually associate with beer. Start with pear. When it is too sickly sweet, move on to apple. Woodchuck makes a good range of ciders. Their sweetest is Raspberry, then Pear, Granny Smith, Amber, and 802. The transition from 802 to wheat beers was much closer than the transition from rum & cokes to beer.
And the appropriate garnish for wheat beers is an orange. Not a lemon.
posted by politikitty at 11:54 AM on March 9, 2010
Definitely beer flights. Frankly, I can't stomach Blue Moon (aside from the fact that Coors products give me a headache, for some reason), and I can never manage to finish a sweet stout. But hoppy beers (American Pale Ales, IPAs, ESBs) and roasty beers (American Stouts, Dry Irish Stouts) do me just fine. Try a bunch of stuff and figure out what you like (or don't like) about everything.
And the appropriate garnish for wheat beers isan orangenothing
posted by uncleozzy at 11:56 AM on March 9, 2010 [1 favorite]
And the appropriate garnish for wheat beers is
posted by uncleozzy at 11:56 AM on March 9, 2010 [1 favorite]
Nthing a beer tasting. It's the best way to get a feel for all of the different types of beer, all of which can taste like different beverages altogether. Most people who like beer don't like all beers.
posted by craven_morhead at 11:57 AM on March 9, 2010
posted by craven_morhead at 11:57 AM on March 9, 2010
Blue Moon doesn't actually taste like beer, FYI. It's heavy on the fruit/spice flavoring. I've never had a Bell's double cream stout, but it sounds rather pungent. I like beer now, but it took me a while to acquire a taste for it, same with coffee. You may want to try some lighter tasting beers, like Japanese ones such as Kirin and Sapporo, and make sure they're very cold. I'd stay away from anything with "stout" or "IPA" in the name until you acquire a taste for the less bold beers, if you ever do. Some people love IPAs, but I find the strong hoppy flavor to be intolerable. You'll probably know right away if you feel the same way about them.
posted by wondermouse at 11:58 AM on March 9, 2010
posted by wondermouse at 11:58 AM on March 9, 2010
restless_nomad makes a great point above, if you don't like unsweetened dark chocolate you may not develop a taste for beer very quickly, will it be enjoyable to drink something that doesn't taste good during this period ?
Beers that are regarded by connoisseurs are usually "bitter and rich" (Indian pale Ale is an extreme example of a bitter beer.) Beer's that are more accessible have less hops in them, Belgian wheat ales (like blue moon) and heifenwizen's fall into the latter category and you might benefit from keeping your preliminary exploration in those categories.
Pairing with the correct foods may help:
http://www.beertown.org/education/pairing.html
I quite like bitter and rich microbrewery beers and can be mefimailed for opinions, but keep "Franziskaner Weiss" stocked at all times for my friends who don't (a bavarian beer you can find at Jensen's or Ralphs.) It has a fruity, very refreshing taste, every non-beer-drinker I've shared it with was very complimentary.
posted by oblio_one at 11:59 AM on March 9, 2010
Beers that are regarded by connoisseurs are usually "bitter and rich" (Indian pale Ale is an extreme example of a bitter beer.) Beer's that are more accessible have less hops in them, Belgian wheat ales (like blue moon) and heifenwizen's fall into the latter category and you might benefit from keeping your preliminary exploration in those categories.
Pairing with the correct foods may help:
http://www.beertown.org/education/pairing.html
I quite like bitter and rich microbrewery beers and can be mefimailed for opinions, but keep "Franziskaner Weiss" stocked at all times for my friends who don't (a bavarian beer you can find at Jensen's or Ralphs.) It has a fruity, very refreshing taste, every non-beer-drinker I've shared it with was very complimentary.
posted by oblio_one at 11:59 AM on March 9, 2010
I think you want to look for lightly hopped beers to start with, as its usually the bitterness associated with the hops that people tend to not like about beer. Hefeweizen is a good start (Blue Moon is a hefe), but they often have a sour note to them.
A German-style Pilsner might be your best bet to start with - almost no hops to speak of, very light, and very smooth to drink. Some brands to try - Yuengling (if you you live in the Mid-Atlantic states), or Budweiser/Coors (not the light versions). I'm suggesting you start with something innocuous like Bud because honestly, if you can't stomach that you're not going to like anything more flavorful. If you want to try something with a little more flavor, find a Sam Adams lager.
You can try some lightly hopped ales, also. Beware that "pale ale" does not imply a light-drinking beer; they're usually pretty bitter. Newcastle Brown ale would be a good place to start. You may actually want to avoid American ales for the time being, since the rest of the world seems to think that we hop our beers way too much. Stick with "middle of the road" here - brown ales are a good start (Newcastle, Smithwicks, Harp) and red ales would be a good next step (Bass is pretty ubiquitous).
Stouts like Guinness are difficult because they're usually a) a lot heavier than most people prefer, and b) surprisingly bitter. Also, don't feel that people who drink Guinness are somehow more manly or sophisticated than you - this is really a personal preference thing.
Two sentence summary - find a "megabrew" brand that you can happily drink (some suggestions above). Then go to the local liquor store and have a chat with someone there about where you can go next.
posted by backseatpilot at 12:00 PM on March 9, 2010
A German-style Pilsner might be your best bet to start with - almost no hops to speak of, very light, and very smooth to drink. Some brands to try - Yuengling (if you you live in the Mid-Atlantic states), or Budweiser/Coors (not the light versions). I'm suggesting you start with something innocuous like Bud because honestly, if you can't stomach that you're not going to like anything more flavorful. If you want to try something with a little more flavor, find a Sam Adams lager.
You can try some lightly hopped ales, also. Beware that "pale ale" does not imply a light-drinking beer; they're usually pretty bitter. Newcastle Brown ale would be a good place to start. You may actually want to avoid American ales for the time being, since the rest of the world seems to think that we hop our beers way too much. Stick with "middle of the road" here - brown ales are a good start (Newcastle, Smithwicks, Harp) and red ales would be a good next step (Bass is pretty ubiquitous).
Stouts like Guinness are difficult because they're usually a) a lot heavier than most people prefer, and b) surprisingly bitter. Also, don't feel that people who drink Guinness are somehow more manly or sophisticated than you - this is really a personal preference thing.
Two sentence summary - find a "megabrew" brand that you can happily drink (some suggestions above). Then go to the local liquor store and have a chat with someone there about where you can go next.
posted by backseatpilot at 12:00 PM on March 9, 2010
Best answer: The other thing to do to learn to get to like beers is to have them with mixers initially (gnoring those that this will be anathema to). Try blackcurrant cordial in Guinness to replace the bitter edge with sweetness, try lime cordial or a dash of sprite or 7up in lager. you my find mixing an ale, beer or lager with up to 50% sprite or 7up is quite refreshing, still beery yet more palatable.
posted by biffa at 12:03 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by biffa at 12:03 PM on March 9, 2010
Best answer: You might not ever like Guinness, but don't let that discourage you. Here are a couple of recommendations for things that almost everyone seems to like (and that are also fairly decent beers):
Newcastle Brown Ale: everyone that I've introduced to this has loved it, whether or not they liked beer much before. Many of them now cite it as their favorite. It's good stuff, with kind of a nutty flavor and not too much bitterness.
Alaska Amber Ale: this is sort of the "go-to microbrew" for people just discovering beer or moving beyond the mass-produced stuff for the first time.
Sapporo: a light, smooth-tasting Japanese lager. I'm more of an ale guy, but this stuff is delicious and refreshing and somehow "light-tasting." In a perfect world, this is what cheap mass-produced American beer would taste like.
Lambic: lambic isn't a brand name, but rather a very specific style of Belgian beer usually brewed with fruit. If you find that you prefer sweet stuff to every other kind of beer, lambic will let you sip on a beverage that tastes like a wonderfully complex raspberry 7-Up while still maintaining that "beer credibility" that you just don't get from ordering an "Appletini" or whatever.
posted by infinitywaltz at 12:06 PM on March 9, 2010 [2 favorites]
Newcastle Brown Ale: everyone that I've introduced to this has loved it, whether or not they liked beer much before. Many of them now cite it as their favorite. It's good stuff, with kind of a nutty flavor and not too much bitterness.
Alaska Amber Ale: this is sort of the "go-to microbrew" for people just discovering beer or moving beyond the mass-produced stuff for the first time.
Sapporo: a light, smooth-tasting Japanese lager. I'm more of an ale guy, but this stuff is delicious and refreshing and somehow "light-tasting." In a perfect world, this is what cheap mass-produced American beer would taste like.
Lambic: lambic isn't a brand name, but rather a very specific style of Belgian beer usually brewed with fruit. If you find that you prefer sweet stuff to every other kind of beer, lambic will let you sip on a beverage that tastes like a wonderfully complex raspberry 7-Up while still maintaining that "beer credibility" that you just don't get from ordering an "Appletini" or whatever.
posted by infinitywaltz at 12:06 PM on March 9, 2010 [2 favorites]
I absolutely love hoppy beers but certainly did not when I was first starting out. The equivalent sort of thing is starting to drink coffee. Certainly no one loves black coffee when they first taste it, but many acquire a taste after a bit.
If I were you, I would probably try a wheat beer or a brown ale. Maybe a some sort of Belgium, a blond ale? Flights are a great idea, for trying different things...and also so you don't have to drink a pint if you don't like it! And no shame in leaving a beer be if you don't like it, not worth the calories.
If you mention your city, maybe we can suggest bars. I have a list in the Boston area if you're here.
posted by teragram at 12:06 PM on March 9, 2010
If I were you, I would probably try a wheat beer or a brown ale. Maybe a some sort of Belgium, a blond ale? Flights are a great idea, for trying different things...and also so you don't have to drink a pint if you don't like it! And no shame in leaving a beer be if you don't like it, not worth the calories.
If you mention your city, maybe we can suggest bars. I have a list in the Boston area if you're here.
posted by teragram at 12:06 PM on March 9, 2010
Stouts like Guinness are difficult because they're usually a) a lot heavier than most people prefer
There's a lot of misinformation in that comment, but somehow this part burns my biscuits the most. Guinness is light in alcohol, calories, and flavor. I don't disagree that it's surprisingly bitter to an inexperienced drinker, but the "Guinness is a meal in a glass" meme needs to disappear. Guinness is what you drink when you want to have a dozen and still walk a straight line.
posted by uncleozzy at 12:07 PM on March 9, 2010 [3 favorites]
There's a lot of misinformation in that comment, but somehow this part burns my biscuits the most. Guinness is light in alcohol, calories, and flavor. I don't disagree that it's surprisingly bitter to an inexperienced drinker, but the "Guinness is a meal in a glass" meme needs to disappear. Guinness is what you drink when you want to have a dozen and still walk a straight line.
posted by uncleozzy at 12:07 PM on March 9, 2010 [3 favorites]
Seconding trying ciders first, like Strongbow. Cider was a very effective gateway drink to liking beer, after I was convinced I'd never be able to enjoy it.
After I got used to cider, I began drinking pale lagers like Dos Equis or Corona. I'm slowly learning to like pale ales, which are more bitter. But I don't think I'll ever like Guinness.
posted by castlebravo at 12:07 PM on March 9, 2010
After I got used to cider, I began drinking pale lagers like Dos Equis or Corona. I'm slowly learning to like pale ales, which are more bitter. But I don't think I'll ever like Guinness.
posted by castlebravo at 12:07 PM on March 9, 2010
Guinness is light in alcohol, calories, and flavor. I don't disagree that it's surprisingly bitter to an inexperienced drinker, but the "Guinness is a meal in a glass" meme needs to disappear. Guinness is what you drink when you want to have a dozen and still walk a straight line.
I actually find it really feeling, despite the fact that it's low-calorie. I think it might be the thick head.
But another Guinness-related suggestion: the black and tan. It's an ale (usually Bass) topped up with about two inches of Guinness. I don't think it's a traditional Irish thing, but any "Irish" pub in America will know what it is. It's a good way to get used to the bitterness of Guinness without having to drink a whole pint ofit.
posted by infinitywaltz at 12:12 PM on March 9, 2010
I actually find it really feeling, despite the fact that it's low-calorie. I think it might be the thick head.
But another Guinness-related suggestion: the black and tan. It's an ale (usually Bass) topped up with about two inches of Guinness. I don't think it's a traditional Irish thing, but any "Irish" pub in America will know what it is. It's a good way to get used to the bitterness of Guinness without having to drink a whole pint ofit.
posted by infinitywaltz at 12:12 PM on March 9, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks for all the advice, It's helping.
I do like coffee quite a bit, I like a dark coffee with some sugar in it. I also like tea, without any milk or sugar or anything, and I don't mind it being strong. I love a good iced unsweetened tea.
So i'm hearing it's best to try a wide variety. I do have a few brown ales in the fridge (from a build-a-six-pack at a local liquor store), so I think i'll try those, and maybe pick up a bud or something to try as well.
Thanks for the tip on the mixers- can anyone else confirm that this is a good idea? I've never heard of using mixers with beer...
posted by kraigory at 12:12 PM on March 9, 2010
I do like coffee quite a bit, I like a dark coffee with some sugar in it. I also like tea, without any milk or sugar or anything, and I don't mind it being strong. I love a good iced unsweetened tea.
So i'm hearing it's best to try a wide variety. I do have a few brown ales in the fridge (from a build-a-six-pack at a local liquor store), so I think i'll try those, and maybe pick up a bud or something to try as well.
Thanks for the tip on the mixers- can anyone else confirm that this is a good idea? I've never heard of using mixers with beer...
posted by kraigory at 12:12 PM on March 9, 2010
Filling is what I meant to say above, not "feeling."
posted by infinitywaltz at 12:13 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by infinitywaltz at 12:13 PM on March 9, 2010
I actually think starting off with the light-tasting, cheap beers is the way to go. It will get you used to the general beeriness of beer without overwhelming your palate. Early spring is, in fact, the season where pilsners* are most appropriate, in my opinion.
*Pilsners are a style of beer originating in Pilsen, Czech Republic, which are crisp and light in both color and flavor. Brewing pilsners generally use less malt and hops than other styles, and are therefore less expensive to make. Thus, most of the mass-produced beer is pils. Budweiser, Heineken, and Pabst are examples of these. Real pilsners, such as Pilsner Urquell, Stella Artois, and Brooklyn Pilsner are better-tasting. Stay away from beers with the word "light" in the name, though. They all suck.
posted by Jon_Evil at 12:14 PM on March 9, 2010
*Pilsners are a style of beer originating in Pilsen, Czech Republic, which are crisp and light in both color and flavor. Brewing pilsners generally use less malt and hops than other styles, and are therefore less expensive to make. Thus, most of the mass-produced beer is pils. Budweiser, Heineken, and Pabst are examples of these. Real pilsners, such as Pilsner Urquell, Stella Artois, and Brooklyn Pilsner are better-tasting. Stay away from beers with the word "light" in the name, though. They all suck.
posted by Jon_Evil at 12:14 PM on March 9, 2010
Try several Belgians. Lambics, witbiers and blonde ales were mentioned above. All good thoughts, but give the dark Belgians a chance, too -- Westmalle Dubbel, Maredsous 8, Chimay Blue, etc. North American knockoffs like Unibroue and Ommegang can be quite tasty, too.
Belgian beers tend to appeal to a set of people that overlaps with, but is not contained in, the set of people that really likes beer in general.
Given the time of year, you might also try some winter beers. There aren't really any nationally-sold ones I would rave about, though, so what's on offer depends a lot on your location.
posted by gurple at 12:16 PM on March 9, 2010
Belgian beers tend to appeal to a set of people that overlaps with, but is not contained in, the set of people that really likes beer in general.
Given the time of year, you might also try some winter beers. There aren't really any nationally-sold ones I would rave about, though, so what's on offer depends a lot on your location.
posted by gurple at 12:16 PM on March 9, 2010
Response by poster: Also- I didn't mention Guinness because I'm set on learning to like it specifically, just a suggestion. I'm just interested in learning to like some type of beer, and gaining an appreciation for beer in general, mostly the micro-brews.
posted by kraigory at 12:16 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by kraigory at 12:16 PM on March 9, 2010
can anyone else confirm that this is a good idea? I've never heard of using mixers with beer...
It's much more common in Europe. A shandy is "lemonade" (really a lemon/lime soda like 7-Up) mixed with beer in a 50/50 ratio, and is what people drink in Europe to rehydrate.
There are a lot of "beer cocktails" in England, as well, like the snakebite (half lager and half hard cider) or the snakebite and black (snakebite topped up with blackcurrant syrup).
Another popular one is the Michelada, which is beer and tomato juice with a dash of lime and hot sauce, which is popular in Mexico and starting to catch on in North America.
posted by infinitywaltz at 12:17 PM on March 9, 2010
It's much more common in Europe. A shandy is "lemonade" (really a lemon/lime soda like 7-Up) mixed with beer in a 50/50 ratio, and is what people drink in Europe to rehydrate.
There are a lot of "beer cocktails" in England, as well, like the snakebite (half lager and half hard cider) or the snakebite and black (snakebite topped up with blackcurrant syrup).
Another popular one is the Michelada, which is beer and tomato juice with a dash of lime and hot sauce, which is popular in Mexico and starting to catch on in North America.
posted by infinitywaltz at 12:17 PM on March 9, 2010
Thanks for the tip on the mixers- can anyone else confirm that this is a good idea?
Nothing better in the summertime than a shandy/Radler. Get yourself a good Pils or other light lager (maybe a Hofbrau Helles or a Pisner Urquell), and mix it with 7-Up (or better, if you can get it, sparkling lemonade) to your taste. You get a little of the malt and hops, and some acid sweetness from the soda.
posted by uncleozzy at 12:17 PM on March 9, 2010
Nothing better in the summertime than a shandy/Radler. Get yourself a good Pils or other light lager (maybe a Hofbrau Helles or a Pisner Urquell), and mix it with 7-Up (or better, if you can get it, sparkling lemonade) to your taste. You get a little of the malt and hops, and some acid sweetness from the soda.
posted by uncleozzy at 12:17 PM on March 9, 2010
Response by poster: Also, I live closest to St. Louis. I've got pretty good access to Schlafly and Boulevard beers.
posted by kraigory at 12:18 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by kraigory at 12:18 PM on March 9, 2010
What state are you in, Kraigory? Perhaps someone can recommend a good brewery near you with a decent variety of beers to try.
posted by amanda at 12:20 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by amanda at 12:20 PM on March 9, 2010
But another Guinness-related suggestion: the black and tan.... I don't think it's a traditional Irish thing...
"Black and Tan" refers to the Black and Tan Brigade, a particularly brutal English militia group during the Irish independence wars. It's reasonably offensive to order one in any establishment that's genuinely Irish.
posted by Jon_Evil at 12:20 PM on March 9, 2010
"Black and Tan" refers to the Black and Tan Brigade, a particularly brutal English militia group during the Irish independence wars. It's reasonably offensive to order one in any establishment that's genuinely Irish.
posted by Jon_Evil at 12:20 PM on March 9, 2010
Thanks for the tip on the mixers- can anyone else confirm that this is a good idea? I've never heard of using mixers with beer...
I've never done it, but it sounds kind of gross to me. The only thing I ever add to a beer is a slice of lemon or orange if it's a wheat beer (or lime if it's Corona). Or an ice cube if it's gotten too warm. I'd second the Newcastle recommendation - it's really smooth, kind of bready tasting and not bitter at all.
posted by wondermouse at 12:23 PM on March 9, 2010
I've never done it, but it sounds kind of gross to me. The only thing I ever add to a beer is a slice of lemon or orange if it's a wheat beer (or lime if it's Corona). Or an ice cube if it's gotten too warm. I'd second the Newcastle recommendation - it's really smooth, kind of bready tasting and not bitter at all.
posted by wondermouse at 12:23 PM on March 9, 2010
I actually find it really feeling, despite the fact that it's low-calorie. I think it might be the thick head.
Fair enough; the nitrogen does give it a really thick mouthfeel. I don't mean to come across as a jerk; I just really love beer.
And yeah, everybody has recommended Newcastle. It's a good idea: no strong flavors. Watch out for the clear bottles, though; they can get skunky. It's better on tap. I'd say Newcastle is actually a better starter beer than Bud, which I think I always found actively offensive.
posted by uncleozzy at 12:27 PM on March 9, 2010
Fair enough; the nitrogen does give it a really thick mouthfeel. I don't mean to come across as a jerk; I just really love beer.
And yeah, everybody has recommended Newcastle. It's a good idea: no strong flavors. Watch out for the clear bottles, though; they can get skunky. It's better on tap. I'd say Newcastle is actually a better starter beer than Bud, which I think I always found actively offensive.
posted by uncleozzy at 12:27 PM on March 9, 2010
I've been known to add a shot of whiskey to a cheap beer, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you want some really excellently embarrassing stories...
Nthing both lambic (I especially like the cherry variety) and cider as sweet options.
posted by JoanArkham at 12:31 PM on March 9, 2010
Nthing both lambic (I especially like the cherry variety) and cider as sweet options.
posted by JoanArkham at 12:31 PM on March 9, 2010
First, I love beer and stout beers, but rarely Guinness.
Boulevard has an awesome selection of beers to start out with. Why not take the tour with some buddies?
On that note, find a venue with lots of good beer and a rotating menu - some place beer snobs love (I'm not in St. Louis, so this will involve asking around).
Also check out venue and beer reviews n BeerAdvocate.com
here's St. Louis:
http://beeradvocate.com/beerfly/city/32
One of my favorite beers for beginners: Delerium Tremens
posted by jander03 at 12:33 PM on March 9, 2010
Boulevard has an awesome selection of beers to start out with. Why not take the tour with some buddies?
On that note, find a venue with lots of good beer and a rotating menu - some place beer snobs love (I'm not in St. Louis, so this will involve asking around).
Also check out venue and beer reviews n BeerAdvocate.com
here's St. Louis:
http://beeradvocate.com/beerfly/city/32
One of my favorite beers for beginners: Delerium Tremens
posted by jander03 at 12:33 PM on March 9, 2010
Spring is a great time for Beer Festivals. You might look to see if any occur in your area.
posted by Big_B at 12:37 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by Big_B at 12:37 PM on March 9, 2010
Yep, beer + something else is much more common in Europe, but you won't be out of place in a US bar ordering a black and tan or a snakebite. Shandys are a little rarer, but not unheard of.
I'm surprised by the recommendation for belgian beers. Maybe it's just another example of personal taste being the rule, but it took me a long time to appreciate lambics and esterey belgians like Delerium Tremens, and they all still taste a little funky to me.
OP, given your preference for sweet coffee, you may want to try a milk stout. It's a stout (bitter, often chocolaty) that has lactose (milk sugar) added. The brewing yeast can't ferment lactose, so you end up with a sweet, often chocolaty beer. Lefthand out of Longmont, CO has a great one.
posted by craven_morhead at 12:39 PM on March 9, 2010
I'm surprised by the recommendation for belgian beers. Maybe it's just another example of personal taste being the rule, but it took me a long time to appreciate lambics and esterey belgians like Delerium Tremens, and they all still taste a little funky to me.
OP, given your preference for sweet coffee, you may want to try a milk stout. It's a stout (bitter, often chocolaty) that has lactose (milk sugar) added. The brewing yeast can't ferment lactose, so you end up with a sweet, often chocolaty beer. Lefthand out of Longmont, CO has a great one.
posted by craven_morhead at 12:39 PM on March 9, 2010
For what it's worth, I started enjoying Guinness way before I liked other beers. It's just... good. Smooth and creamy and chocolatey and delicious.
If you want to enjoy Guinness, buy a six pack and have one every now and then. You'll develop a taste pretty fast.
Drink it COLD at first, and then you can graduate to slightly warmer Guinness. I find it's much nicer after it spends 20 minutes out of the fridge, but I did not feel this way when I first started drinking it.
posted by sid at 12:44 PM on March 9, 2010
If you want to enjoy Guinness, buy a six pack and have one every now and then. You'll develop a taste pretty fast.
Drink it COLD at first, and then you can graduate to slightly warmer Guinness. I find it's much nicer after it spends 20 minutes out of the fridge, but I did not feel this way when I first started drinking it.
posted by sid at 12:44 PM on March 9, 2010
Check out the Schlafly tap room in downtown St. Louis or Cicero's in the Delmar Loop. Both offer good selections and "sampler" platters where you can try 6 beers at once (in smaller portions).
posted by Mr Mister at 12:45 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by Mr Mister at 12:45 PM on March 9, 2010
Seconding Backseatpilot. It sounds like what you're adverse to is the bitterness of the hops. I, too, wince with the bitterness and aftertaste of most beers. The first beer I could stand was Rolling Rock, a pale lager.
I've found that I like lager, bock, and red/amber ale. Shiner Bock and Zeigen Bock are available in Texas. Michelob Amber Bock is probably available everywhere. Yuengling (pronounced Ying-Ling) is available in the northeast U.S. Smithwick's, an imported Irish red ale, is widely available in the States.
posted by Anephim at 12:47 PM on March 9, 2010
I've found that I like lager, bock, and red/amber ale. Shiner Bock and Zeigen Bock are available in Texas. Michelob Amber Bock is probably available everywhere. Yuengling (pronounced Ying-Ling) is available in the northeast U.S. Smithwick's, an imported Irish red ale, is widely available in the States.
posted by Anephim at 12:47 PM on March 9, 2010
You might like Raison D'Etre by Dogfish, based on your coffee preferences:
A deep, mahogany ale brewed with beet sugar, green raisins, and Belgian-style yeast. As complex as a fine, red wine.
Basically, to like something you don't already like, you should probably consume a lot of it, whatever it is. My friend's dad had a saying that to like olives, you just have to eat five olives. Meaning, it's easier to see what there is to like about something when it's become somewhat familiar, once you have some expectations.
Hefeweizen is a wheat beer that's nice in the summer and often served with a slice of lemon* in it. It's very different than the Dogfish, and it might be interesting to try them both together just to see how different beers can be from each other. A lot of breweries make hefeweizens, Harpoon's is usually available, where I live.
*People might give you a hard time about the lemon, but people might give you a hard time about anything.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 12:49 PM on March 9, 2010
A deep, mahogany ale brewed with beet sugar, green raisins, and Belgian-style yeast. As complex as a fine, red wine.
Basically, to like something you don't already like, you should probably consume a lot of it, whatever it is. My friend's dad had a saying that to like olives, you just have to eat five olives. Meaning, it's easier to see what there is to like about something when it's become somewhat familiar, once you have some expectations.
Hefeweizen is a wheat beer that's nice in the summer and often served with a slice of lemon* in it. It's very different than the Dogfish, and it might be interesting to try them both together just to see how different beers can be from each other. A lot of breweries make hefeweizens, Harpoon's is usually available, where I live.
*People might give you a hard time about the lemon, but people might give you a hard time about anything.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 12:49 PM on March 9, 2010
Best answer: Okay, I've only read the post and a few responses, so apologies if this has been covered, but as a certified beer snob, here is what you need to drink to begin your epic journey:
Red Stripe.
Seriously. I'm not sure I'd be able to drink that stuff today if my life depended on it, but it is the PERFECT gateway beer, especially for people who don't like beer.
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 12:50 PM on March 9, 2010
Red Stripe.
Seriously. I'm not sure I'd be able to drink that stuff today if my life depended on it, but it is the PERFECT gateway beer, especially for people who don't like beer.
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 12:50 PM on March 9, 2010
When I moved to the UK, my tolerance for bitter and non-lager beers was near zero -- I'd never sipped so much as a Guinness without wincing and making a face. Although I'd enjoyed many of the lighter microbrews I'd come across in the US and Canada, the warm, flat, traditionally brewed British bitter I tasted on my first jaunt to a decent pub was a real eye-opener. But now I rub my hands at the prospect of a new bitter to try. And I find Guinness too bland!
I didn't train my palate so much as beat it into submission -- when my flat-broke colleagues and I went out, bitter was on special offer, so bitter was what we drank, round after round. Beer tastings can be a great way to sample a variety of brews, but there is something to be said for the brute-force approach. Pick one beer that's just a bit more bitter than you enjoy and stick with it all night. Trust me, after two pints you will not notice.
posted by stuck on an island at 12:50 PM on March 9, 2010
I didn't train my palate so much as beat it into submission -- when my flat-broke colleagues and I went out, bitter was on special offer, so bitter was what we drank, round after round. Beer tastings can be a great way to sample a variety of brews, but there is something to be said for the brute-force approach. Pick one beer that's just a bit more bitter than you enjoy and stick with it all night. Trust me, after two pints you will not notice.
posted by stuck on an island at 12:50 PM on March 9, 2010
I don't have advice on cultivating the taste, but let me give you ideas on the more delicious beers you can find:
anything by Dogfishhead is distinctive, very tasty, and unique (in a pleasant way)
most things by Clipper City are good
Left Hand brewing makes some easy-to-drink and tasty beers, particularly their milk stout and sawtooth ale
These are pricier than base model stuff (generally a $9 sixer) but they're really good, and if you're just starting out you need something more crafted and tasty than generic pilsners.
Other advice would be to find the store in your area that sells individual bottles out of a nice selection, then assemble a grouping of stuff that looks enjoyable. Most decent-sized towns have at least one store loaded up with arcane individual bottles whose bottles should make clear what to expect.
posted by dervish at 1:00 PM on March 9, 2010
anything by Dogfishhead is distinctive, very tasty, and unique (in a pleasant way)
most things by Clipper City are good
Left Hand brewing makes some easy-to-drink and tasty beers, particularly their milk stout and sawtooth ale
These are pricier than base model stuff (generally a $9 sixer) but they're really good, and if you're just starting out you need something more crafted and tasty than generic pilsners.
Other advice would be to find the store in your area that sells individual bottles out of a nice selection, then assemble a grouping of stuff that looks enjoyable. Most decent-sized towns have at least one store loaded up with arcane individual bottles whose bottles should make clear what to expect.
posted by dervish at 1:00 PM on March 9, 2010
I'm suggesting you start with something innocuous like Bud because honestly, if you can't stomach that you're not going to like anything more flavorful.
This is a horrible suggestion. If you can't stomach Bud, it means you are now ready to move on to more flavorful beer that will taste better and open your eyes to a whole world of wonderful beer styles.
Everyone is correct that says get a beer flight. Any good brewpub will offer them and usually line them up from lightest to darkest so you can just work your way down the line. Some you will like, others you will not. Find the one that suited your taste the best and order a pint. Drink it slowly so you can really enjoy the taste. Let it get a little warm and notice how the taste changes. This isn't like Bud where the only way it is palatable is if it is ice cold.
Personally, when I'm getting American beers, I love love love IPA's. They may be an acquired taste for a newbie, but I could drink them all night. You mentioned Bell's, they make a good one called Hop Slam. It's a double IPA and is going to be more alcoholic, but very tasty. I also enjoy the following in no particular order:
Bear Republic Racer X
Dog Fish Head 90 Minute IPA
Three Floyds Dreadnaught Imperial IPA
posted by corpse at 1:03 PM on March 9, 2010 [1 favorite]
This is a horrible suggestion. If you can't stomach Bud, it means you are now ready to move on to more flavorful beer that will taste better and open your eyes to a whole world of wonderful beer styles.
Everyone is correct that says get a beer flight. Any good brewpub will offer them and usually line them up from lightest to darkest so you can just work your way down the line. Some you will like, others you will not. Find the one that suited your taste the best and order a pint. Drink it slowly so you can really enjoy the taste. Let it get a little warm and notice how the taste changes. This isn't like Bud where the only way it is palatable is if it is ice cold.
Personally, when I'm getting American beers, I love love love IPA's. They may be an acquired taste for a newbie, but I could drink them all night. You mentioned Bell's, they make a good one called Hop Slam. It's a double IPA and is going to be more alcoholic, but very tasty. I also enjoy the following in no particular order:
Bear Republic Racer X
Dog Fish Head 90 Minute IPA
Three Floyds Dreadnaught Imperial IPA
posted by corpse at 1:03 PM on March 9, 2010 [1 favorite]
Ha! Okay, we posted at the same time or at least I missed you on preview. St. Louis, it is.
I agree with the other posters: Red, Ambers and Bocks are pretty good starter beers, as well as Lagers like Session or even Rolling Rock. But, going to a brewery and buying their sampler is really the best way to go.
posted by amanda at 1:05 PM on March 9, 2010
I agree with the other posters: Red, Ambers and Bocks are pretty good starter beers, as well as Lagers like Session or even Rolling Rock. But, going to a brewery and buying their sampler is really the best way to go.
posted by amanda at 1:05 PM on March 9, 2010
... and I didn't even mention the Belgians. That's a whole other lesson. Rodenbach Grand Cru is my current favorite though.
posted by corpse at 1:05 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by corpse at 1:05 PM on March 9, 2010
Try some Sam Adams Boston Lager. It's flavorful, fairly sweet, and there's a reason it's really popular. Otherwise, find the best brewpub in your area, and ask the bartender to help you find a beer you'll like.
posted by theora55 at 1:05 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by theora55 at 1:05 PM on March 9, 2010
I used to hate beer. Never ordered it. Never understood the appeal.
Then one time I was out with friends, at an Indian restaurant, and they were all extolling the virtues of beer with curry. Our mains were late so the waiter said he would give us a round of free beers to compensate.
My friends convinced me to get one ... so I got what they were having (Tiger beer) ... and the combination of a rich spicy Indian curry and the beer was incredible.
So began my life long love affair with beers of all kinds.
posted by Admira at 1:18 PM on March 9, 2010
Then one time I was out with friends, at an Indian restaurant, and they were all extolling the virtues of beer with curry. Our mains were late so the waiter said he would give us a round of free beers to compensate.
My friends convinced me to get one ... so I got what they were having (Tiger beer) ... and the combination of a rich spicy Indian curry and the beer was incredible.
So began my life long love affair with beers of all kinds.
posted by Admira at 1:18 PM on March 9, 2010
Count me among those who don't think drinking lousy beer is a pathway to good taste.
Everyone drinks lousy beer first, not because it was easy but because it's widely available, cheap, and we didn't know any better. But mostly because it was cheap.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 1:19 PM on March 9, 2010
Everyone drinks lousy beer first, not because it was easy but because it's widely available, cheap, and we didn't know any better. But mostly because it was cheap.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 1:19 PM on March 9, 2010
work up to something like a guiness
Guinness is just about the only beer I like. It's not something you have to work up to. Just try one. You may like it or not, but it won't be because you've worked your way through lighter beers on the way there.
If you find you like stouts, Bell's Java Stout is fantastic (and, as you might expect, has an intense coffee flavor), as is The Poet from New Holland Brewing. Or, you know, just ask your bartender to recommend a stout.
posted by Meg_Murry at 1:26 PM on March 9, 2010
Guinness is just about the only beer I like. It's not something you have to work up to. Just try one. You may like it or not, but it won't be because you've worked your way through lighter beers on the way there.
If you find you like stouts, Bell's Java Stout is fantastic (and, as you might expect, has an intense coffee flavor), as is The Poet from New Holland Brewing. Or, you know, just ask your bartender to recommend a stout.
posted by Meg_Murry at 1:26 PM on March 9, 2010
I find that Sam Adams Boston Ale , rather than their lager, is a good gateway beer. Not very bitter, it's got some caramel sweetness, etc. And nthing the advice to stay away from Newcastle in the clear bottles. Great on tap, skunky in clear bottles.
posted by goethean at 1:34 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by goethean at 1:34 PM on March 9, 2010
Sam Adams is a good baseline for decent beer. It's not the best thing you'll ever drink but you can find it anywhere. I highly recommend the Blackberry Witbier (wheat beer) that they've got this season. It's not very hoppy (which is the bitterness you complained of) and it's got just the right amount of sweet. I don't usually like fruity beers, but this one is the exception.
posted by valadil at 1:37 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by valadil at 1:37 PM on March 9, 2010
Personally, when I'm getting American beers, I love love love IPA's. They may be an acquired taste for a newbie, but I could drink them all night. You mentioned Bell's, they make a good one called Hop Slam. It's a double IPA and is going to be more alcoholic, but very tasty. I also enjoy the following in no particular order:
Bear Republic Racer X
Dog Fish Head 90 Minute IPA
Three Floyds Dreadnaught Imperial IPA
With all due respect DO NOT suggest mega-hoppy IPAs to someone learning to acquire a taste for beer starting at Blue Moon. I love these beers, but these will melt your face if you aren't accustomed to it.
Best simple advice: drink something Belgian. Many Belgian bears are roughly in the ballpark of Blue Moon, but much much better.
posted by turbodog at 2:24 PM on March 9, 2010
Bear Republic Racer X
Dog Fish Head 90 Minute IPA
Three Floyds Dreadnaught Imperial IPA
With all due respect DO NOT suggest mega-hoppy IPAs to someone learning to acquire a taste for beer starting at Blue Moon. I love these beers, but these will melt your face if you aren't accustomed to it.
Best simple advice: drink something Belgian. Many Belgian bears are roughly in the ballpark of Blue Moon, but much much better.
posted by turbodog at 2:24 PM on March 9, 2010
I can't exactly tell what you didn't like about the beers you tried, so these recommendations may not apply (and a couple of them echo what other people have said). (Personally, I'll drink Blue Moon, but I don't like it. And Bell's Double Cream Stout, while delicious, is a lot of beer for a new drinker.)
Yuengling Lager is probably the best "cheap" beer out there. Easy to drink but more flavorful that your Buds/Millers/etc.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a good entry into pale ales -- it has enough hoppy flavor to get you used to the idea, but not overpoweringly so.
Sam Adams beers, while not my favorite, are pretty mild overall. They're good beers for beginners (and I'm glad they've extended their line).
For a wheat beer, I like Allagash White.
Bell's makes awesome beers, but they're pretty complex. Still, the Best Brown Ale and Two-Hearted Ale may be good ones for you to try.
Dogfish Head makes a lot of crazy, amazing beers -- someone mentioned Raison D'Etre and I'll second that -- it's a flavorful beer, but easy to drink, and fruitier and darker than other beers. I'd recommend the 60 Minute IPA over the 90 Minute, though. But with all of these, buy single bottles if you can.
Everyone's recommended you go to a brewpup and get a flight and that's really a good idea. You're not stuck with a six pack of something you don't like, or even a whole glass of it. You'll have 6 oz. at most. And I don't think the brewpup necessarily has to be a great one -- just some place where you can sample different styles of beer and find out what flavors you like.
Good luck and stick with it. Beer is worth it.
posted by darksong at 2:26 PM on March 9, 2010 [2 favorites]
Yuengling Lager is probably the best "cheap" beer out there. Easy to drink but more flavorful that your Buds/Millers/etc.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a good entry into pale ales -- it has enough hoppy flavor to get you used to the idea, but not overpoweringly so.
Sam Adams beers, while not my favorite, are pretty mild overall. They're good beers for beginners (and I'm glad they've extended their line).
For a wheat beer, I like Allagash White.
Bell's makes awesome beers, but they're pretty complex. Still, the Best Brown Ale and Two-Hearted Ale may be good ones for you to try.
Dogfish Head makes a lot of crazy, amazing beers -- someone mentioned Raison D'Etre and I'll second that -- it's a flavorful beer, but easy to drink, and fruitier and darker than other beers. I'd recommend the 60 Minute IPA over the 90 Minute, though. But with all of these, buy single bottles if you can.
Everyone's recommended you go to a brewpup and get a flight and that's really a good idea. You're not stuck with a six pack of something you don't like, or even a whole glass of it. You'll have 6 oz. at most. And I don't think the brewpup necessarily has to be a great one -- just some place where you can sample different styles of beer and find out what flavors you like.
Good luck and stick with it. Beer is worth it.
posted by darksong at 2:26 PM on March 9, 2010 [2 favorites]
Pyramid Apricot Ale has been my gateway beer. It's fruity but it does feel like a beer, not sweet like hard cider or Smirnoff Ice.
posted by needs more cowbell at 2:28 PM on March 9, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by needs more cowbell at 2:28 PM on March 9, 2010 [1 favorite]
Oh, and Abita's Purple Haze. It's a wheat beer flavored with raspberries and tasty. Abita's Strawberry Lager is probably hitting stores this year very soon -- it's very sweet but is a good bridge between things like Smirnoff Ice and beer.
I will stop. I certainly like talking about beer.
posted by darksong at 2:31 PM on March 9, 2010
I will stop. I certainly like talking about beer.
posted by darksong at 2:31 PM on March 9, 2010
Try a Newcastle. It's a brown that has a ton of flavor, and even people who don't generally like beer like it. As a more general beer-tasting suggestion, when I'm trying something new I generally try to pick out the separate flavors (chocolate, coffee, so on) that are associated with the beer that I'm drinking. Want to get further information on beer? By the way, the stout on the link is awesome and highly recommended.
posted by _cave at 2:49 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by _cave at 2:49 PM on March 9, 2010
My advice runs counter to most of what I've seen, but I was in almost the same boat as you. In college, I never liked beer, and I tended to drink mixed drinks instead. Then, I started teaching in China, on a salary around $100 a month. The problem was, a bottle of vodka was still around $10. Beer, on the other hand, was about 15 cents per 750ml bottle. And it was not good beer. It wasn't horrible, but I wouldn't be excited about the prospect of drinking it again. However, I got used to it, and it went down okay.
The next part is the key. Every region in China seems to have its own beer. Having gotten started on Wuhan's local beer (it said FRESH in red letters on the bottle), when I had a weekend free, and went elsewhere, I could try other beers. I could easily distinguish between the new beer and the regular beer I drank in Wuhan. Sometimes I found wonderful beers (Kunming and Dali seemed to have the best) and truly awful beers (summer-time room temperature A-OK beer on a train is easily the worst beer I've ever had).
My advice? Learn to drink crap beer. I know, life is too short to drink bad beer. But, on the other hand, if you start drinking something as heavenly as Newcastle, and it's your first beer, you'll only notice that it's beer, and as of yet, you haven't liked beer, and you might dislike Newcastle, and that would be a shame. If, on the other hand, having gotten accustomed to beer that isn't so great (generally, any American large brewery), and then you try something truly good, you'll be, in a way, educated enough to recognize what a wonderful thing you've discovered.
Alternatively, a mild beer that even my non-beer wife likes: Hoegaarden.
posted by Ghidorah at 3:28 PM on March 9, 2010
The next part is the key. Every region in China seems to have its own beer. Having gotten started on Wuhan's local beer (it said FRESH in red letters on the bottle), when I had a weekend free, and went elsewhere, I could try other beers. I could easily distinguish between the new beer and the regular beer I drank in Wuhan. Sometimes I found wonderful beers (Kunming and Dali seemed to have the best) and truly awful beers (summer-time room temperature A-OK beer on a train is easily the worst beer I've ever had).
My advice? Learn to drink crap beer. I know, life is too short to drink bad beer. But, on the other hand, if you start drinking something as heavenly as Newcastle, and it's your first beer, you'll only notice that it's beer, and as of yet, you haven't liked beer, and you might dislike Newcastle, and that would be a shame. If, on the other hand, having gotten accustomed to beer that isn't so great (generally, any American large brewery), and then you try something truly good, you'll be, in a way, educated enough to recognize what a wonderful thing you've discovered.
Alternatively, a mild beer that even my non-beer wife likes: Hoegaarden.
posted by Ghidorah at 3:28 PM on March 9, 2010
I'd recommend the 60 Minute IPA over the 90 Minute
Seconded! And counter-intuitively, the 60 is the cheaper one. But it's also more nuanced.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 3:31 PM on March 9, 2010
Seconded! And counter-intuitively, the 60 is the cheaper one. But it's also more nuanced.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 3:31 PM on March 9, 2010
With all due respect DO NOT suggest mega-hoppy IPAs to someone learning to acquire a taste for beer starting at Blue Moon. I love these beers, but these will melt your face if you aren't accustomed to it.
My suggestion was for the flight with many varieties for the newbie, not to try the Double IPA first. I was just professing my love for them.
posted by corpse at 4:05 PM on March 9, 2010
My suggestion was for the flight with many varieties for the newbie, not to try the Double IPA first. I was just professing my love for them.
posted by corpse at 4:05 PM on March 9, 2010
Second the Schlafly Taproom suggestion.
One of the microbeers I miss dearly from MO is Boulevard, specifically their unfiltered wheat, which was the first microbrew I started drinking when I went to college in Columbia, MO. I found it to be really easy to drink and not as aggressively flavored as an IPA or a stout. And, if I remember correctly, it's available pretty much anywhere in STL.
posted by joechip at 4:37 PM on March 9, 2010
One of the microbeers I miss dearly from MO is Boulevard, specifically their unfiltered wheat, which was the first microbrew I started drinking when I went to college in Columbia, MO. I found it to be really easy to drink and not as aggressively flavored as an IPA or a stout. And, if I remember correctly, it's available pretty much anywhere in STL.
posted by joechip at 4:37 PM on March 9, 2010
I hate to even mention this, but if you really have a hard time just getting past the taste (at first), try not to inhale while drinking. That is, don't breathe in through your nose while you take your sip. I know it sounds bizarre, but maybe it's partly the odor of the beer that you don't care for and breathing in the odor while you drink it intensifies the taste. (Like when you're congested with a cold, you don't taste your food as well.)
Then, as you get used to it more and more and find a type of beer you like alright, you'll find you like the smell of it more, too. And, no more "holding your nose"!
Sounds like you're on the right track. Enjoy!
posted by ourroute at 5:19 PM on March 9, 2010
Then, as you get used to it more and more and find a type of beer you like alright, you'll find you like the smell of it more, too. And, no more "holding your nose"!
Sounds like you're on the right track. Enjoy!
posted by ourroute at 5:19 PM on March 9, 2010
I am a fairly n00bish beer drinker myself and in fact, I started with Blue Moon just like you. I liked that okay, but didn't really like it until I'd had a few. Then I started trying other Belgian-style beers (I live near Seattle, which has the awesome Brouwer's cafe specializing in these). I also tried a Newcastle (coincidentally on a trip to St. Louis) and really liked it.
Sam Adams is also a good one to try (I haven't tried the Boston Ale but liked some of their seasonal beers -- their cranberry one was delicious, I thought).
It is extremely unlikely that you will be able to find it in your part of the country, since it is a local very-micro-brew, but since you like coffee, I wish you could try Iron Horse's Mocha Death, which is a coffee-flavored version of their Quilter's Irish Death (itself one of my favorite beers at the moment). You might see if any brewers in your area offer something similar.
Frankly, my introduction to beer came from my girlfriend, who is herself rather a novice drinker. At Brouwer's she found Corsendonk Apple Wit, which she really liked (as did I), and it sounds right up your alley if you're looking to transition from sweet, fruity drinks to beer. You may not be able to find that particular beer, but maybe ask a few women what beers they like and try a few of those! Couldn't hurt. By the way, I have found Whole Foods to have a good selection of local/regional and imported beers by the bottle (they carry the Iron Horse beers I mentioned, for example, and I believe they are the only ones that do).
If you come to the Pacific Northwest be sure to try out the local beer scene. There's a lot of good stuff going on here.
posted by kindall at 5:53 PM on March 9, 2010
Sam Adams is also a good one to try (I haven't tried the Boston Ale but liked some of their seasonal beers -- their cranberry one was delicious, I thought).
It is extremely unlikely that you will be able to find it in your part of the country, since it is a local very-micro-brew, but since you like coffee, I wish you could try Iron Horse's Mocha Death, which is a coffee-flavored version of their Quilter's Irish Death (itself one of my favorite beers at the moment). You might see if any brewers in your area offer something similar.
Frankly, my introduction to beer came from my girlfriend, who is herself rather a novice drinker. At Brouwer's she found Corsendonk Apple Wit, which she really liked (as did I), and it sounds right up your alley if you're looking to transition from sweet, fruity drinks to beer. You may not be able to find that particular beer, but maybe ask a few women what beers they like and try a few of those! Couldn't hurt. By the way, I have found Whole Foods to have a good selection of local/regional and imported beers by the bottle (they carry the Iron Horse beers I mentioned, for example, and I believe they are the only ones that do).
If you come to the Pacific Northwest be sure to try out the local beer scene. There's a lot of good stuff going on here.
posted by kindall at 5:53 PM on March 9, 2010
Another vote for the Shandy...they are very refreshing especially now that the weather will be warming up.
If you want to find what you like, then definitely a pace that does beer flights or a good well stocked pub that will pour you small tastings. Beer festivals are also starting to gain in popularity where you can sample small quantities of lots of different styles of beer. Just like wine is more than just red or white or blush colored liquid, beer is truly a multitude of styles. Also to say that one likes beer rarely means one will like all styles or even be able to tolerate all styles.
posted by mmascolino at 6:23 PM on March 9, 2010
If you want to find what you like, then definitely a pace that does beer flights or a good well stocked pub that will pour you small tastings. Beer festivals are also starting to gain in popularity where you can sample small quantities of lots of different styles of beer. Just like wine is more than just red or white or blush colored liquid, beer is truly a multitude of styles. Also to say that one likes beer rarely means one will like all styles or even be able to tolerate all styles.
posted by mmascolino at 6:23 PM on March 9, 2010
I strongly recommend getting flights of beers or going to tasting rooms and asking for samples (as suggested above). Try a variety because, frankly, the whole idea of "good starter beers" was totally, totally wrong for me. I hated beer until I drank a friend's homebrew milk stout, which most people were terrified of (unjustifiably - there is an incredible fear of dark beer among American beer drinkers, especially those who have no idea what makes a beer dark).
The next beer I liked was the moderately hoppy Harpoon IPA. In the conventional wisdom of "Start with something light and dainty!", neither of these beers make sense, especially together. But they worked for me - and it turns out that I still dislike most "beginner" beers.
You're well-situated to try a lot of beers, because Boulevard and Schlafly are awesome. I actually think that Boulevard has one of the best all-around lineups. I have fewer but also great experiences with Schlafly.
Basic advice: try everythingonce a few times. You can't get a good feel for one style of beer from one brewery, or really even from one tasting. Just be open-minded and don't let anybody tell you that a beer is "too advanced" for you. Pft. It's drinking beer, not climbing mountains. Try hop monsters. Try roasty beasts. Try nitro (blech). Try barrel-aged. Try sour. Once you have, feel free to memail me about what you liked and what you hated - I'll be happy to give you some more tailored suggestions.
Related anecdote: I also hated coffee because people kept giving it to me with sugar and cream. In a fit of caffeine desperation, I drank a proffered cup of black French roast - and it was good. Food and drink don't have beginners, dammit.
posted by McBearclaw at 8:11 PM on March 9, 2010
The next beer I liked was the moderately hoppy Harpoon IPA. In the conventional wisdom of "Start with something light and dainty!", neither of these beers make sense, especially together. But they worked for me - and it turns out that I still dislike most "beginner" beers.
You're well-situated to try a lot of beers, because Boulevard and Schlafly are awesome. I actually think that Boulevard has one of the best all-around lineups. I have fewer but also great experiences with Schlafly.
Basic advice: try everything
Related anecdote: I also hated coffee because people kept giving it to me with sugar and cream. In a fit of caffeine desperation, I drank a proffered cup of black French roast - and it was good. Food and drink don't have beginners, dammit.
posted by McBearclaw at 8:11 PM on March 9, 2010
I wasn't a beer drinker at all until recently. Two things got me into it, I started with some hard cider, starting with sweeter ones, and then found I liked the ones that were still sweet, but didn't have added sugar. Hornsby's Amber Draft is easily my favorite.
After that I tried liking beer, I started with Blue Moon, thought it was okay (adding a slice of orange to it really helps!) I then branched out to other wheat beers, and found Magic Hat Circus Boy (with orange slice or lemon slice) to be the best out there for me. After drinking wheat beers regularly I went back and tried darker beers. As long as it's not too hoppy, I've found myself enjoying a number of beers I couldn't stand before. Your palate changes and you start to taste different things in the beer.
posted by haveanicesummer at 7:41 AM on March 10, 2010
After that I tried liking beer, I started with Blue Moon, thought it was okay (adding a slice of orange to it really helps!) I then branched out to other wheat beers, and found Magic Hat Circus Boy (with orange slice or lemon slice) to be the best out there for me. After drinking wheat beers regularly I went back and tried darker beers. As long as it's not too hoppy, I've found myself enjoying a number of beers I couldn't stand before. Your palate changes and you start to taste different things in the beer.
posted by haveanicesummer at 7:41 AM on March 10, 2010
I also think you should invest in something delicious; like Chimay Red. If you wanted to get into British Invasion-era music, you'd start with the Beatles, not with the Dave Clark Five. Which isn't to say you wouldn't make your way there eventually.
posted by troywestfield at 8:36 AM on March 10, 2010
posted by troywestfield at 8:36 AM on March 10, 2010
Not a specific brewer suggestion, but the one thing that turned me from hating beer to loving it was trying as many beers as I could on tap/draft instead of bottled
Drink beer from a keg instead!
posted by chalbe at 9:08 AM on March 10, 2010
Drink beer from a keg instead!
posted by chalbe at 9:08 AM on March 10, 2010
Red stripe, absolutely. I never would have thought about it, but (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates has nailed it.
Also, depending on which flavor was making you wince, it may take a long time for you to enjoy the more traditional styles of beer...guiness, IPAs, etc. The first beer I ever found that I liked was Hacker Pschorr(a german wheat beer). Over time I've built up a tolerance(if you will) to the bitterness of beer, and while I still don't like it as much as others, I can drink and enjoy a guiness.
That said, my mom keeps trying beer, and keeps making frowny faces. She does like Blue Moon and similar styles, but that's about as far as she goes. Some people just aren't into the flavors. If you're one, don't sweat it. Life's too short to try and force yourself to enjoy something. :)
posted by specialnobodie at 2:13 PM on March 10, 2010
Also, depending on which flavor was making you wince, it may take a long time for you to enjoy the more traditional styles of beer...guiness, IPAs, etc. The first beer I ever found that I liked was Hacker Pschorr(a german wheat beer). Over time I've built up a tolerance(if you will) to the bitterness of beer, and while I still don't like it as much as others, I can drink and enjoy a guiness.
That said, my mom keeps trying beer, and keeps making frowny faces. She does like Blue Moon and similar styles, but that's about as far as she goes. Some people just aren't into the flavors. If you're one, don't sweat it. Life's too short to try and force yourself to enjoy something. :)
posted by specialnobodie at 2:13 PM on March 10, 2010
Thirding Red Stripe. I like sweet things, and for a long time after college it was my favorite beer; it has a sweet edge to it. I still like it, but I'm not as into it. I like different kinds of beer, but I'm not a fan of really bitter flavors, and I still pretty much can't stand anything that has the words "brown ale" on the bottle. On the other hand, if you're the type that likes your coffee black, black, black and never orders dessert, all these IPAs and whatnot people keep recommending may be right up your alley.
posted by Diablevert at 3:32 AM on March 12, 2010
posted by Diablevert at 3:32 AM on March 12, 2010
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Do you generally like bitter flavors? Coffee, bitter greens, etc? I never could stand them.
posted by restless_nomad at 11:47 AM on March 9, 2010