Tell me precisely what kind of beer to order tomorrow
October 15, 2010 5:59 PM Subscribe
I have never had beer before. Going to a beer bar in 24 hours. Tell me what to order.
So I'm going to the Moan and Dove tomorrow evening with a friend of mine. I'm not really a drinker for a variety of reasons (to the tune of "I have had five alcoholic beverages ever and they were all vodka and coke"), and I've never had beer, and I have no idea what I should try. I do know that there is at least one brewed beverage that I enjoy, viz. Fentiman's Curiosity Cola, which is 0.5% ABV and sort of bitter-sweet-gingery-botanical. So my belief is that, given that, there ought to be some kind of beer that is not immediately off-putting to me.
But, I have no idea! So: what beer available at the Moan, whether in a bottle or on tap (if you can see the photo clearly), costing less than $10, is going to be tasty, inviting, not tasting like alcohol, and, you know, maybe kinda just a little bit sweet?
So I'm going to the Moan and Dove tomorrow evening with a friend of mine. I'm not really a drinker for a variety of reasons (to the tune of "I have had five alcoholic beverages ever and they were all vodka and coke"), and I've never had beer, and I have no idea what I should try. I do know that there is at least one brewed beverage that I enjoy, viz. Fentiman's Curiosity Cola, which is 0.5% ABV and sort of bitter-sweet-gingery-botanical. So my belief is that, given that, there ought to be some kind of beer that is not immediately off-putting to me.
But, I have no idea! So: what beer available at the Moan, whether in a bottle or on tap (if you can see the photo clearly), costing less than $10, is going to be tasty, inviting, not tasting like alcohol, and, you know, maybe kinda just a little bit sweet?
Cider?
posted by john m at 6:05 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by john m at 6:05 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Ask them if they'll do a sampler for you. They do this at some pubs and beer places. They'll give you little glasses of a few things. It's not free, but that way you can figure out what you like and order a full pint or bottle of that.
posted by elpea at 6:05 PM on October 15, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by elpea at 6:05 PM on October 15, 2010 [5 favorites]
Order a sampler. Most likely they have one, or more. It'll be four or five small glasses, probably arranged from light to dark. That will give you an idea of what you like.
Tell the bartender/server which one you liked best and ask for a recommendation.
If you didn't like any of them, ask if they have any ciders. Those will be much sweeter.
posted by Dilligas at 6:06 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Tell the bartender/server which one you liked best and ask for a recommendation.
If you didn't like any of them, ask if they have any ciders. Those will be much sweeter.
posted by Dilligas at 6:06 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also, there is no shame in ordering Old Milwaukee. And it tastes like water so I expect you'll find it palatable.
posted by GuyZero at 6:06 PM on October 15, 2010
posted by GuyZero at 6:06 PM on October 15, 2010
Why not share a flight? Small glasses of all the varieties, and you can opt out any minute you want to?
posted by Namlit at 6:06 PM on October 15, 2010
posted by Namlit at 6:06 PM on October 15, 2010
Response by poster: Well it's not so much that I know whether or not I'm a beer person. I just haven't had the usual induction into beer-drinking via cans of PBR or whatever at college parties. Because I hate parties and have very little interest in being drunk. I might end up being fond of beer.
posted by silby at 6:07 PM on October 15, 2010
posted by silby at 6:07 PM on October 15, 2010
Start with a Framboise, which is super-sweet (friends served it at a wedding instead of champaign). Once limber, move on to a wheat beer, which will be less sweet but still tasty. Ask your bartenders advice for the fruitiest one. If you're up for a third, have one of the British pale ales.
posted by These Premises Are Alarmed at 6:07 PM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by These Premises Are Alarmed at 6:07 PM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
Try a stout like Left Hand Milk Stout or Young's Double Chocolate (some options I see on their bottle menu).
posted by ghharr at 6:08 PM on October 15, 2010
posted by ghharr at 6:08 PM on October 15, 2010
Any of the fruit beers might be good for a training-wheels beer. The coffee/sweet stouts might be appealing to you, as well - don't be scared off by the darkness of the beer, as most stouts are actually quite mild-tasting.
Just an an aside, I'm insanely jealous that they have my beloved Westmalle Tripel on the menu, which I can never find around these parts. (I don't recommend Westmalle Tripel for you, it's ~10% alcohol content will almost certainly knock you on your ass)
posted by deadmessenger at 6:09 PM on October 15, 2010
Just an an aside, I'm insanely jealous that they have my beloved Westmalle Tripel on the menu, which I can never find around these parts. (I don't recommend Westmalle Tripel for you, it's ~10% alcohol content will almost certainly knock you on your ass)
posted by deadmessenger at 6:09 PM on October 15, 2010
Try the Allagash White, which they appear to have on their list of draught beers. (Also, pronounce draught "draft.")
posted by purpleclover at 6:11 PM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by purpleclover at 6:11 PM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
Try anything. Because, honestly, you never know.
When I was coming of age, the conventional wisdom was that people who are new to beer drinking would prefer beers with added fruit, like Lambic, because they are light and sweet and a little bit closer to the sorts of beverages young non-drinkers tend to have experience with.
I hate fruit beers, and for a long time I assumed I must not like beer at all, if I couldn't even "handle" the light sweet stuff.
Then I had stout. I was in love. I'm now a huge beer nerd who will try just about anything once.
My usual M.O. when I try a new beer bar and have no idea what they're going to have is to start with what's on tap. From there I might narrow it down by any of a number of factors*, or if I really can't decide I'll ask the bartender or a more knowledgeable friend what looks exciting to them.
You could also just get whatever one of your friends is getting, which is an especially good choice if it's crowded and there are just too many options to make personalized recommendations worthwhile.
*price, how alcoholic it is, seasonal appropriateness, pairing with food if it's a bar/restaurant, etc.
posted by Sara C. at 6:12 PM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
When I was coming of age, the conventional wisdom was that people who are new to beer drinking would prefer beers with added fruit, like Lambic, because they are light and sweet and a little bit closer to the sorts of beverages young non-drinkers tend to have experience with.
I hate fruit beers, and for a long time I assumed I must not like beer at all, if I couldn't even "handle" the light sweet stuff.
Then I had stout. I was in love. I'm now a huge beer nerd who will try just about anything once.
My usual M.O. when I try a new beer bar and have no idea what they're going to have is to start with what's on tap. From there I might narrow it down by any of a number of factors*, or if I really can't decide I'll ask the bartender or a more knowledgeable friend what looks exciting to them.
You could also just get whatever one of your friends is getting, which is an especially good choice if it's crowded and there are just too many options to make personalized recommendations worthwhile.
*price, how alcoholic it is, seasonal appropriateness, pairing with food if it's a bar/restaurant, etc.
posted by Sara C. at 6:12 PM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
Young's Double Chocolate is a great beer but it is, IMO, the kind of beer you need to work up an appreciation for. Again IMO the whole induction-to-beer-via-parties is actually kind of an element of liking beer and I think that a drinker with a more experienced palette won't give you accurate advice on what you'll like, although you may indeed end up being a beer person.
But hey, if you want a stout, get the Young's Double Chocolate as it's awesome. And then get all pretentious by saying it's really more of an essence cocoa versus chocolate proper.
posted by GuyZero at 6:12 PM on October 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
But hey, if you want a stout, get the Young's Double Chocolate as it's awesome. And then get all pretentious by saying it's really more of an essence cocoa versus chocolate proper.
posted by GuyZero at 6:12 PM on October 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Then I had stout. I was in love. I'm now a huge beer nerd who will try just about anything once.
Yeah, sorry - I hate coffee so I'm sort of biased here. Do you like your coffee extra-burnt? heck, do you like it at all? Then get a stout.
posted by GuyZero at 6:14 PM on October 15, 2010
Yeah, sorry - I hate coffee so I'm sort of biased here. Do you like your coffee extra-burnt? heck, do you like it at all? Then get a stout.
posted by GuyZero at 6:14 PM on October 15, 2010
Beer is an acquired taste, like wine or coffee.
I'd start with something like and fruity. In fact, you might say to the bartender, "Can you suggest something like and fruity?" Maybe a seasonal pumpkin beer.
But, you are probably not going to like it much. It took me many beers before I liked it (though now I enjoy very dark beer that many people find too heavy/strong).
posted by bluedaisy at 6:14 PM on October 15, 2010
I'd start with something like and fruity. In fact, you might say to the bartender, "Can you suggest something like and fruity?" Maybe a seasonal pumpkin beer.
But, you are probably not going to like it much. It took me many beers before I liked it (though now I enjoy very dark beer that many people find too heavy/strong).
posted by bluedaisy at 6:14 PM on October 15, 2010
Any of the fruit beers (minus the 3 Philosophers and Fort, which you wouldn't buy anyway since it's out of your price range) are good options. I have no had the Fruli and I find the La Choulette Framboise to be too sweet for me (it tastes like soda, which could be what you're going for), but Unibroue Éphémère is a good choice as is Abita Purple Haze (which is the more beer-like of the two).
It may sound counter-intuitive, but sour beers might be a good choice for you. From the menu, either Duchesse de Bourgogn or Monk’s Café Flemish Sour are good choices.
White ales and wheat ales could also be a good choice, but they're more beer-like.
Avoid anything called a pale ale or an IPA, at least at this point.
Stouts could also work, but a lot of them do have a higher alcohol content, so if you don't drink much, that may not be the best idea.
I'm a firm believer that there's a beer out there for everyone and people who say they don't like beer haven't had the right one yet. At the same time, though, there's no shame in not liking a particular beer or style.
posted by darksong at 6:16 PM on October 15, 2010
It may sound counter-intuitive, but sour beers might be a good choice for you. From the menu, either Duchesse de Bourgogn or Monk’s Café Flemish Sour are good choices.
White ales and wheat ales could also be a good choice, but they're more beer-like.
Avoid anything called a pale ale or an IPA, at least at this point.
Stouts could also work, but a lot of them do have a higher alcohol content, so if you don't drink much, that may not be the best idea.
I'm a firm believer that there's a beer out there for everyone and people who say they don't like beer haven't had the right one yet. At the same time, though, there's no shame in not liking a particular beer or style.
posted by darksong at 6:16 PM on October 15, 2010
My wife isn't a beer drinker but she enjoys Framboise (Belgian Raspberry beer). That or the other fruit beers on the list might be a good choice. Some other reasonable advice, you may want to stay away from any beers that have a high alcohol percentage (say 7 or 8% and higher). Those are usually an acquired taste. The Scotch/Barleywine/Porter/Stout section of the menu is also probably not a good place to start with either.
If you like or dislike bitterness you can use the IBU ratings that are on some of the descriptions. The higher the number the more bitterness there is going to be in the beer. To me it becomes very noticeable in 20-35 range. The Stone Arrogant Bastard at 80+ IBUs is too much for me.
Another potential first go for you would be in the wheat beer section. These are often lighter more freshing beers. There are German beers of this type that are in the Weizen section as well as some that are in the Belgian White Ale section. Hoegarden is very freshing.
Lastly, a beverage you are almost assured to like would be the Original Sin Hard Cider. It will taste pretty much like carbonated apple cider and you most likely won't notice the alcohol. Of course this isn't beer after all, its hard cider but you can stretch the definition of beer for this night.
Good luck, have fun and don't let one unpleasant style of beer turn you off from at least trying a few others.
posted by mmascolino at 6:19 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
If you like or dislike bitterness you can use the IBU ratings that are on some of the descriptions. The higher the number the more bitterness there is going to be in the beer. To me it becomes very noticeable in 20-35 range. The Stone Arrogant Bastard at 80+ IBUs is too much for me.
Another potential first go for you would be in the wheat beer section. These are often lighter more freshing beers. There are German beers of this type that are in the Weizen section as well as some that are in the Belgian White Ale section. Hoegarden is very freshing.
Lastly, a beverage you are almost assured to like would be the Original Sin Hard Cider. It will taste pretty much like carbonated apple cider and you most likely won't notice the alcohol. Of course this isn't beer after all, its hard cider but you can stretch the definition of beer for this night.
Good luck, have fun and don't let one unpleasant style of beer turn you off from at least trying a few others.
posted by mmascolino at 6:19 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I second the concept of fruitier beers being good training wheels. Sam Adams makes a Blackberry Witbier and a Cherry Wheat (either of those are pretty gentle on the palate). Seadog makes a Blueberry Ale that is tasty as well.
If none of those are on tap, ask the bartender for something light and fruity. If you don't do that, ask the bartender for their best selling hefeweizen (a wheat beer that usually light, and often has citrusy notes).
If you don't do that, get a cider (a good beer place should have 2 or 3 ciders to choose from).
If none of that works, just don't get an IPA, or anything made by Stone Brewery. IPAs are not a good "first" beer. They have their place, and I love them (and almost everything Stone makes), but they are not a good "first" beers.
posted by milqman at 6:19 PM on October 15, 2010
If none of those are on tap, ask the bartender for something light and fruity. If you don't do that, ask the bartender for their best selling hefeweizen (a wheat beer that usually light, and often has citrusy notes).
If you don't do that, get a cider (a good beer place should have 2 or 3 ciders to choose from).
If none of that works, just don't get an IPA, or anything made by Stone Brewery. IPAs are not a good "first" beer. They have their place, and I love them (and almost everything Stone makes), but they are not a good "first" beers.
posted by milqman at 6:19 PM on October 15, 2010
Oh, I actually just now looked at their menu. Stay away from anything dark, stout, porter.
You want an ale. You might try an Anchor Steam, if you want something on tap/draught (ie not in a bottle but in a pint glass).
Their menu of bottled beers has a section of fruit beers. You might try an Abita Purple Haze. You could also go for a Belgian, like the Hoegarden Belgian White. These are both less expensive beers. I'd advise against getting an expensive beer, since you might not like it.
For something cheap and bland, check out their "Nostalgia Series:"
PBR
Schlitz
Old Milwaukee
Schaeffer
Narragansett 16oz ca
posted by bluedaisy at 6:22 PM on October 15, 2010
You want an ale. You might try an Anchor Steam, if you want something on tap/draught (ie not in a bottle but in a pint glass).
Their menu of bottled beers has a section of fruit beers. You might try an Abita Purple Haze. You could also go for a Belgian, like the Hoegarden Belgian White. These are both less expensive beers. I'd advise against getting an expensive beer, since you might not like it.
For something cheap and bland, check out their "Nostalgia Series:"
PBR
Schlitz
Old Milwaukee
Schaeffer
Narragansett 16oz ca
posted by bluedaisy at 6:22 PM on October 15, 2010
I hate coffee so I'm sort of biased here. Do you like your coffee extra-burnt? heck, do you like it at all? Then get a stout.
Stout has always tasted sweet to me, not bitter at all. Though I am a coffee drinker (hate over-burnt roasts, though).
I'm generally of the opinion that it's a total crapshoot what kind of beer any given person will like. I didn't go through the "urine-esque keg beer" hazing intro to beer, either - I pretty much went straight to stouts and IPA's. I had a brief period where I'd get the simpler "good" stuff like Yuengling, Abita Amber, and various Czech and Polish pilsners from ethnic bodegas. But that was for the sake of economy, not because my palate wasn't "evolved".
All of the above said, I grew up with wine snob parents who had European attitudes to drinking, so it's possible that I already had said "evolved" palate by the time I started drinking beer.
posted by Sara C. at 6:32 PM on October 15, 2010
Stout has always tasted sweet to me, not bitter at all. Though I am a coffee drinker (hate over-burnt roasts, though).
I'm generally of the opinion that it's a total crapshoot what kind of beer any given person will like. I didn't go through the "urine-esque keg beer" hazing intro to beer, either - I pretty much went straight to stouts and IPA's. I had a brief period where I'd get the simpler "good" stuff like Yuengling, Abita Amber, and various Czech and Polish pilsners from ethnic bodegas. But that was for the sake of economy, not because my palate wasn't "evolved".
All of the above said, I grew up with wine snob parents who had European attitudes to drinking, so it's possible that I already had said "evolved" palate by the time I started drinking beer.
posted by Sara C. at 6:32 PM on October 15, 2010
After previewing the menu, you may be offput by the lambics and ciders here as they aren't necessarily as sweet and/or appley. I would actually recommend an english brown ale- something malty and not too hoppy. They tend to be a little sweeter, but have a very beer flavor without being overwhelmingly hoppy. The dogfish head indian brown is pretty good.
Stout, as long as it's on tap, or in a can with a widget, is a sad second.
posted by TheBones at 6:35 PM on October 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Stout, as long as it's on tap, or in a can with a widget, is a sad second.
posted by TheBones at 6:35 PM on October 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
The can with a widget being a sad second to on tap.
posted by TheBones at 6:37 PM on October 15, 2010
posted by TheBones at 6:37 PM on October 15, 2010
I realize that this not be that helpful, since the suggestions are already all over the map, but were I in your shoes (and yet somehow already knowing what I know about beer), I would try one of the hefeweizens. Mmmm, butterscotch beer. Save the hoppy stuff for later.
posted by bricoleur at 6:39 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by bricoleur at 6:39 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I'm going to go against the people suggesting fruity or chocolatey beers for a first time tasting. Yeah, they don't taste as beerish, but beer doesn't taste terrible to begin with. Generally (generally!) lighter colored beer has a lighter flavor, so I would suggest a pale ale or pilsner. Also I think bottled is the way to go your first time, because you can sip it easier. I have not had any of the beers on the menu so I'm unable to recommend anything more specific than that.
posted by contessa at 6:53 PM on October 15, 2010
posted by contessa at 6:53 PM on October 15, 2010
I also suggest the framboise based on what you say you like. HOWEVER, the beer that made me fall in love with beer was an ale, when I had no prior beer history. (It wasn't even that good an ale, as I recall.) So it's hard to say what you'll like and dislike unless you try a few things.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:55 PM on October 15, 2010
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:55 PM on October 15, 2010
Anything but conventional american beers such as budweiser,miller,busch etc. But if you must order an american, try Samuel Adams light as it will go down smooth for a first time drinker and taste like beer.
posted by tsagis at 7:05 PM on October 15, 2010
posted by tsagis at 7:05 PM on October 15, 2010
Hefeweizen seconded. Fruit beer won't help you much if you're gonna be someone who likes beer, but hates fruity beers, which I expect is kind of common.
Sam Adams is not a bad starting point if you're new to beer. Their honey porter was one of my firsts. If you have time/money, get one of their variety six packs as a brief introduction to different styles of beer, and worry about getting into microbrews later.
Once you're there, try a Christmas ale, breakfast stout, or a high-calorie Lenten beer of some sort. Those are all absurdly expensive but Interesting to drink.
posted by DoktorFaustus at 7:06 PM on October 15, 2010
Sam Adams is not a bad starting point if you're new to beer. Their honey porter was one of my firsts. If you have time/money, get one of their variety six packs as a brief introduction to different styles of beer, and worry about getting into microbrews later.
Once you're there, try a Christmas ale, breakfast stout, or a high-calorie Lenten beer of some sort. Those are all absurdly expensive but Interesting to drink.
posted by DoktorFaustus at 7:06 PM on October 15, 2010
I, too, hadn't drunk much beer in high school or college so when I started drinking beer, I started with hefeweizen and less aggressive dark beers like dunkelweizen. I would avoid most Belgian beers until you've established you like beer since they usually have a "strange" flavor profile. Most saisons are very nice, though, if a big strong. If you know you like bitter foods, try an IPA but it's not an ideal place to start.
My personal favorites for when I'm out and not feeling like I want to drink my dinner is to go with a kolsch or pilsner. They tend to be pretty middle of the road. British pale ales also have a middle profile. For days when I want to drink BEER then I'll go with a Belgian dubbel or trippel, a brown ale or a dopplebock. For days I want to experience the Dark Side I'll go with anything from Unibroue (Maudite, La Fin du Monde and others) or an Imperial stout.
On the other hand, PBR and Old Milwaukee are cheap.
Yes, I have drunk a lot of beer.
posted by fiercekitten at 7:14 PM on October 15, 2010
My personal favorites for when I'm out and not feeling like I want to drink my dinner is to go with a kolsch or pilsner. They tend to be pretty middle of the road. British pale ales also have a middle profile. For days when I want to drink BEER then I'll go with a Belgian dubbel or trippel, a brown ale or a dopplebock. For days I want to experience the Dark Side I'll go with anything from Unibroue (Maudite, La Fin du Monde and others) or an Imperial stout.
On the other hand, PBR and Old Milwaukee are cheap.
Yes, I have drunk a lot of beer.
posted by fiercekitten at 7:14 PM on October 15, 2010
Precisely, Bud in a bottle.
posted by bricksNmortar at 7:37 PM on October 15, 2010
posted by bricksNmortar at 7:37 PM on October 15, 2010
I'd start with something like and fruity. In fact, you might say to the bartender, "Can you suggest something like and fruity?" Maybe a seasonal pumpkin beer.
Or, you might say to the bartender, "It's my first time trying beer. Can you suggest something?".
'Cause a bartender at a beer bar should be able to do that.
posted by CaseyB at 7:38 PM on October 15, 2010 [4 favorites]
Or, you might say to the bartender, "It's my first time trying beer. Can you suggest something?".
'Cause a bartender at a beer bar should be able to do that.
posted by CaseyB at 7:38 PM on October 15, 2010 [4 favorites]
Looking at the menu, I liked that framboise (fram-bwahs, very roughly) and the Purple Haze before I liked beer, but the framboise is probably a safer bet given that it tastes like awesome grownup soda. Then I moved to hefeweizens and other light beers.
For me, one of the hardest things to get used to in beer was the hoppy taste, so stay away from IPAs and the like.
posted by emilyd22222 at 7:39 PM on October 15, 2010
For me, one of the hardest things to get used to in beer was the hoppy taste, so stay away from IPAs and the like.
posted by emilyd22222 at 7:39 PM on October 15, 2010
Beer is an acquired taste. If you like it all right at the beginning I will be very surprised. So, a few things. First, the person who said to see if you can get a sampler is spot on. Before I liked beer, I really liked trying the different kinds and seeing how they were different.
Second, looking over their list, they have some really great beer, but not that much for a complete newbie. I'd recommend trying some combination of these, to give you an idea of the range, in order of most safe to least safe.
1. Any of the pilsners (these have a very light taste) OR any of the Hefeweizens (light, but less so. I like these a lot more, if you're more adventurous, try this over a pilsner)
2. Any stout (They tend to have a coffee flavor. If you like that, you'll be in good shape here. these are all brands I've never heard of, and I'm not much of a stout person anyway, but given the rest of their list, I'd be pretty comfortable trying any of them.)
3. Dogfishhead 90 minute IPA. God I love this beer so much. Not safe at all, but it's perfectly balanced (one of my favorite beers), and has strong hop flavor (which neither of the first two do, and which is necessary to your beer education), and can give you a good concept of IPA.
4. Any of the Belgian Abbey ales. These are super-strong, you will not like them, but you can get a sense of the depths of flavor you can get from beer. I'm still not into these yet, but my impression when I've had them has been like the first time I ever had Indian food. Part of my dislike is because there is so much happening in my mouth and I'm just not used to it. I came around on Indian, I will keep trying these.
This combo should give you a good sense of different kinds of beer, and have at least two which you won't mind drinking too much. I'm not steering you to other kinds of beer either because (a) they're not safe for a new beer drinker, and (b) something else on the list above is more important for your beer education. (e.g., no pale ale because an IPA is like a super-powered pale ale, and I'd rather you get one of those. No brown ale because a stout has many of the same flavors ramped up a notch). Have fun!
posted by kingjoeshmoe at 7:41 PM on October 15, 2010
Second, looking over their list, they have some really great beer, but not that much for a complete newbie. I'd recommend trying some combination of these, to give you an idea of the range, in order of most safe to least safe.
1. Any of the pilsners (these have a very light taste) OR any of the Hefeweizens (light, but less so. I like these a lot more, if you're more adventurous, try this over a pilsner)
2. Any stout (They tend to have a coffee flavor. If you like that, you'll be in good shape here. these are all brands I've never heard of, and I'm not much of a stout person anyway, but given the rest of their list, I'd be pretty comfortable trying any of them.)
3. Dogfishhead 90 minute IPA. God I love this beer so much. Not safe at all, but it's perfectly balanced (one of my favorite beers), and has strong hop flavor (which neither of the first two do, and which is necessary to your beer education), and can give you a good concept of IPA.
4. Any of the Belgian Abbey ales. These are super-strong, you will not like them, but you can get a sense of the depths of flavor you can get from beer. I'm still not into these yet, but my impression when I've had them has been like the first time I ever had Indian food. Part of my dislike is because there is so much happening in my mouth and I'm just not used to it. I came around on Indian, I will keep trying these.
This combo should give you a good sense of different kinds of beer, and have at least two which you won't mind drinking too much. I'm not steering you to other kinds of beer either because (a) they're not safe for a new beer drinker, and (b) something else on the list above is more important for your beer education. (e.g., no pale ale because an IPA is like a super-powered pale ale, and I'd rather you get one of those. No brown ale because a stout has many of the same flavors ramped up a notch). Have fun!
posted by kingjoeshmoe at 7:41 PM on October 15, 2010
I'm not a big beer drinker--if you like things that taste very yeasty or bready, go for a dark beer, I guess. I don't, not really, and so I usually go for things that are light. Like, a Corona (especially with lime), or a Blue Moon with a slice of orange, or a nice cheap can of Miller High Life.
I am a big fan of fruit beers (yum!), meads, and ciders (I also have a sweet tooth . . .). That snarky stuff on their menu? "Cider/Mead Fermented apples, or fermented honey -not as good as beer." Whatever. A good cider or mead is absolutely delicious and has a high alcohol content, to boot. And I find cider or mead drunkenness to be much cleaner and less gross feeling than beer drunkenness.
So I'd recommend trying a lighter beer off their menu at random. And if you don't like it, no hard feelings (but don't nurse it; beer gets grosser if you drink it slowly and let it get warm. Blech). If you're not into it, get a cider or mead or a fruit lambic. No need to force yourself into doing something you don't like.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:47 PM on October 15, 2010
I am a big fan of fruit beers (yum!), meads, and ciders (I also have a sweet tooth . . .). That snarky stuff on their menu? "Cider/Mead Fermented apples, or fermented honey -not as good as beer." Whatever. A good cider or mead is absolutely delicious and has a high alcohol content, to boot. And I find cider or mead drunkenness to be much cleaner and less gross feeling than beer drunkenness.
So I'd recommend trying a lighter beer off their menu at random. And if you don't like it, no hard feelings (but don't nurse it; beer gets grosser if you drink it slowly and let it get warm. Blech). If you're not into it, get a cider or mead or a fruit lambic. No need to force yourself into doing something you don't like.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:47 PM on October 15, 2010
Nononononono... Guys, we have a great opportunity here! This wonderful person is coming to us, basically saying "make me love beer..." You're trying to cram fruit beers and sweet crap down his throat! Lets start him off right...
My vote is that you try an "English Ale" of some sort first. They're generally smooth and easy to drink.. Less carbonation, not bitter in any way. They're still a real beer... You start getting into the Hefe-weizen's, wheat beers and fruity crap, and you're gonna get turned off real fast (hopefully). In fact, for a fledgling beer drinker, I'd almost recommend staying clear of German beers altogether.
For a starter, grab something from the "British Style Pale Ale" section. Whichever one sounds most appetizing to you. It'll be smooth, with a creamy head, and very very drinkable. You can either stay in that section for your first time around, or decide to graduate to the "Amber" or "Brown Ales" sections... Personally, I'd recommend that you go from English Ale-->Brown, and pick up a Dogfish or Smuttynose brown. Brown ales are going to be on the sweeter side, but they still taste like an ale, unlike a fruit-based beer.
Years from now, after sampling a lot of different beer, introduce more and more bitter beer to your palette, and you might someday find yourself craving a refreshing triple IPA on a hot summer day. Try one tomorrow night and you'll probably wanna throw it out the window...
Or you could start where most of us did, choking down Budweiser and PBR until we finally liked the flavor ;)
posted by Glendale at 7:48 PM on October 15, 2010 [6 favorites]
My vote is that you try an "English Ale" of some sort first. They're generally smooth and easy to drink.. Less carbonation, not bitter in any way. They're still a real beer... You start getting into the Hefe-weizen's, wheat beers and fruity crap, and you're gonna get turned off real fast (hopefully). In fact, for a fledgling beer drinker, I'd almost recommend staying clear of German beers altogether.
For a starter, grab something from the "British Style Pale Ale" section. Whichever one sounds most appetizing to you. It'll be smooth, with a creamy head, and very very drinkable. You can either stay in that section for your first time around, or decide to graduate to the "Amber" or "Brown Ales" sections... Personally, I'd recommend that you go from English Ale-->Brown, and pick up a Dogfish or Smuttynose brown. Brown ales are going to be on the sweeter side, but they still taste like an ale, unlike a fruit-based beer.
Years from now, after sampling a lot of different beer, introduce more and more bitter beer to your palette, and you might someday find yourself craving a refreshing triple IPA on a hot summer day. Try one tomorrow night and you'll probably wanna throw it out the window...
Or you could start where most of us did, choking down Budweiser and PBR until we finally liked the flavor ;)
posted by Glendale at 7:48 PM on October 15, 2010 [6 favorites]
(Oh, and if you have a real sweet tooth, go for the cyzer mead. Mead is honey wine. Cyser has added apple. It's like really alcoholic apple juice!)
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:51 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:51 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Guinness Stout is the correct answer.
posted by Mrs. Buck Turgidson at 8:02 PM on October 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Mrs. Buck Turgidson at 8:02 PM on October 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Agreeing with the advice to get a bunch of tasters. It's more fun, and that way you get to try a bunch of stuff.
Have fun!
posted by leahwrenn at 8:06 PM on October 15, 2010
Have fun!
posted by leahwrenn at 8:06 PM on October 15, 2010
Ask the bartender. At a place like that, they know which beers the neophytes go for, and can make reasonable guesses based on a few questions about what sorts of flavors you enjoy.
Serious - tell the man behind the counter you've never tried a decent beer, and you don't know what you'd like. Everyone within earshot will have good advice.
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:40 PM on October 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Serious - tell the man behind the counter you've never tried a decent beer, and you don't know what you'd like. Everyone within earshot will have good advice.
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:40 PM on October 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Get the Purple Haze. It's $5, and is good, on tap at M&D, not overpowering, and is, in your words, "kinda just a little bit sweet." Per Glendale's comments, I like brown ales as well, but, for your intro, Purple Haze is a good bet. And, at $5, if you don't like it, it's not the end of the world.
Judging by their chalkboards, they also have Guinness, at 20oz for $6. Get that second. Guinness is my favorite beer in the world, but I'd still start you on the Purple Haze.
posted by Alt F4 at 8:42 PM on October 15, 2010
Judging by their chalkboards, they also have Guinness, at 20oz for $6. Get that second. Guinness is my favorite beer in the world, but I'd still start you on the Purple Haze.
posted by Alt F4 at 8:42 PM on October 15, 2010
First time beer drinker? Avoid the following:
- anything that says it's hoppy / has lots of hops
- India Pale Ale / IPA
Other than that, I'm sure there's great advice above. Just stay away from the hops and IPA, for now.
posted by intermod at 8:59 PM on October 15, 2010
- anything that says it's hoppy / has lots of hops
- India Pale Ale / IPA
Other than that, I'm sure there's great advice above. Just stay away from the hops and IPA, for now.
posted by intermod at 8:59 PM on October 15, 2010
Same thing happened to me. I'd never had beer in my life, and one day out of the blue ran into an old college friend plus like 10 of her co-workers -- they were on their way to a pub for a beer. Went along, wondering how I was going to order. In situations like this, you just know the waiter/waitress is going to ask you first :). She actually picked the guy *next* to me first, and he said "I'll have a pint of Guinness". So I said, "I'll have a pint of Guinness, too". Never looked back, still love the stuff. That said, some people think it's used motor oil.
Good beer place, I would definitely go for a sampler. One with a wide variety, not one focused on a particular style. But make sure to also taste some Guinness :).
posted by madmethods at 9:13 PM on October 15, 2010
Good beer place, I would definitely go for a sampler. One with a wide variety, not one focused on a particular style. But make sure to also taste some Guinness :).
posted by madmethods at 9:13 PM on October 15, 2010
I started in with wheat beers, specifically Leinie's Honey Weiss. Currently, I'm liking Hoegaarden, which is a nice light Belgian witbier (white) made with a few citrusy/spicy ingredients. The Allagash White should be somewhat similar, a good option for you. Weihenstephaner is a hefeweizen (German wheat beer) that might be good as well.
From wheats, I moved to Scotch ales, which are heavier and maybe a bit sweeter because of the caramelized sugars. Think of the look and feel of Guinness, but much smoother in taste because of the malted barley. But ouch, a couple of the ones they have are 11.2% and 15%!
Belgians are usually quite a bit more alcoholic. Which I kinda like, but ymmv :) The Trois Pistoles listed on draught is made by Unibroue, which is from Quebec, but similar style. I looove Unibroue. Honestly, it's worth trying; it's a lot more accessible than a stout or any kind of pale ale (APA or IPA). They also have the Blanc de Chambly, a witbier. Ooh! I also see that they have the Ephemere, which is an apple witte. I bet that would be really crisp and tasty without being too foofy. (I've enjoyed it.) It's not going to be a real cider; it'll taste light a beer with a little hint in it, but it's good.
And finally... earlier this evening I enjoyed three PBRs. What can I say? It's a reasonably smooth, not too heavy beer. I like the king cans :)
SO: Unibroues (Ephemere apple or maybe Blanc de Chambly), Hoegaarden, Allagash White, that sort of thing. PBR is for hipsters, but acceptable in general. And for god's sake, don't order Guinness. Nothing says, "I am going to show them that I am hardcore and worldly and OMG THIS STUFF IS LIKE HONEY MADE OUT OF OLD COFFEE GROUNDS" like ordering a Guinness. I'm not saying it's a crappy beer, just that it's even more cliched than PBR.
posted by Madamina at 10:14 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
From wheats, I moved to Scotch ales, which are heavier and maybe a bit sweeter because of the caramelized sugars. Think of the look and feel of Guinness, but much smoother in taste because of the malted barley. But ouch, a couple of the ones they have are 11.2% and 15%!
Belgians are usually quite a bit more alcoholic. Which I kinda like, but ymmv :) The Trois Pistoles listed on draught is made by Unibroue, which is from Quebec, but similar style. I looove Unibroue. Honestly, it's worth trying; it's a lot more accessible than a stout or any kind of pale ale (APA or IPA). They also have the Blanc de Chambly, a witbier. Ooh! I also see that they have the Ephemere, which is an apple witte. I bet that would be really crisp and tasty without being too foofy. (I've enjoyed it.) It's not going to be a real cider; it'll taste light a beer with a little hint in it, but it's good.
And finally... earlier this evening I enjoyed three PBRs. What can I say? It's a reasonably smooth, not too heavy beer. I like the king cans :)
SO: Unibroues (Ephemere apple or maybe Blanc de Chambly), Hoegaarden, Allagash White, that sort of thing. PBR is for hipsters, but acceptable in general. And for god's sake, don't order Guinness. Nothing says, "I am going to show them that I am hardcore and worldly and OMG THIS STUFF IS LIKE HONEY MADE OUT OF OLD COFFEE GROUNDS" like ordering a Guinness. I'm not saying it's a crappy beer, just that it's even more cliched than PBR.
posted by Madamina at 10:14 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I was one of those people who got into beer via the stouts and porters. If you like very dark chocolate, this is probably not a bad point of entry, but certainly not a traditional one.
posted by slow graffiti at 10:21 PM on October 15, 2010
posted by slow graffiti at 10:21 PM on October 15, 2010
I like the Lindemanns Framboise Lambic that people are talking about, but that's not anything like beer. It's like Jolly Ranchers or something it's so sweet.
I am not a big beer drinker, but I HATE any kind of yellow beer-tasting beer. But, I love dark beers. So don't think you have to start out with lighter beers and workyour way up. If you try a yellow beer first and hate it, try going directly to Guinness. I was very surprised that I liked dark brown thick scary beer right off the bat after unsuccessfully trying for years to like regular beer.
posted by artychoke at 10:56 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I am not a big beer drinker, but I HATE any kind of yellow beer-tasting beer. But, I love dark beers. So don't think you have to start out with lighter beers and workyour way up. If you try a yellow beer first and hate it, try going directly to Guinness. I was very surprised that I liked dark brown thick scary beer right off the bat after unsuccessfully trying for years to like regular beer.
posted by artychoke at 10:56 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Guinness Stout is the correct answer.
We have a winner! I'd never been much of a beer drinker until I had my first Guinness Stout, which caused me to realize I'd never had a good beer until then. It just blows all the pale Pislner-type American beers out of the water and makes you realize just how good beer can be. I'd start with Guinness and see where your reaction takes you...you just might not be partial to beer.
posted by motown missile at 12:34 AM on October 16, 2010
We have a winner! I'd never been much of a beer drinker until I had my first Guinness Stout, which caused me to realize I'd never had a good beer until then. It just blows all the pale Pislner-type American beers out of the water and makes you realize just how good beer can be. I'd start with Guinness and see where your reaction takes you...you just might not be partial to beer.
posted by motown missile at 12:34 AM on October 16, 2010
Hefeweizens (wheat beers), witbiers ("white beer", also wheat beers), and lambics (wheat beer with fruit syrup) tend to be sweet, not bitter, and tasty. Just make sure you pour them into a wide-topped glass, as they like to breathe. And squuze in some lemon or orange to bring out the taste.
I used to be into dark beers, but nowadays I pretty much drink wheat beer with only the occasional dark beer.
posted by orthogonality at 12:36 AM on October 16, 2010
I used to be into dark beers, but nowadays I pretty much drink wheat beer with only the occasional dark beer.
posted by orthogonality at 12:36 AM on October 16, 2010
As CareyB said, ask the bartender. They know their selection. They should be able to put together a sampler that will fit what you might like best.
Of course, if the bar is packed, this might be difficult (so, just order a sampler). But if there's room for everyone in the bar to sit (not too busy), go right ahead and tell the bartender that you never have had beer, but want to try.
posted by kellygrape at 7:36 AM on October 16, 2010
Of course, if the bar is packed, this might be difficult (so, just order a sampler). But if there's room for everyone in the bar to sit (not too busy), go right ahead and tell the bartender that you never have had beer, but want to try.
posted by kellygrape at 7:36 AM on October 16, 2010
SECONDING FRAMBOISE.
Raspberry lambic beer! Yaaaaay.
posted by patronuscharms at 1:16 PM on October 16, 2010
Raspberry lambic beer! Yaaaaay.
posted by patronuscharms at 1:16 PM on October 16, 2010
Wheat beers for sure. You might fall in love with fruity beers (I am loving pumpkin beers right now, and Blue Moon is one of my go-to beers when I'm not feeling adventurous), but some of them are kinda weird (for example, I really hate the cherry Sam Adams and think it tastes like cough syrup), so fruity might be a riskier strategy.
I liked the suggestion above to get a sampler - this is always fun.
posted by naoko at 5:14 PM on October 16, 2010
I liked the suggestion above to get a sampler - this is always fun.
posted by naoko at 5:14 PM on October 16, 2010
Response by poster: The followup: Despite all the well-meaning, intriguing, generally consensus-free advice from you guys, I sat down at the bar completely unprepared to make any kind of decision. A flight would have been logistically challenging, since going to the bar was in part an ulterior motive for me to talk about computer science with my friend. So I took the easiest way out and allowed my companion to order for me an Anchor Steam, on tap. It was interesting. I mean, I only drank like three fl. oz. in the course of the hour or so that we were sitting in there, along with four glasses of water, but it wasn't unpleasant, just dramatically different from anything I'm acclimated to. Which, after all, was the point.
Thanks, everybody, for your kind advice and encouragement. I might remember to necro this thread at some point in the next year with some kind of update. Specifically, if I acquire any grandchildren, I will alert Greg Nog.
posted by silby at 6:46 PM on October 16, 2010
Thanks, everybody, for your kind advice and encouragement. I might remember to necro this thread at some point in the next year with some kind of update. Specifically, if I acquire any grandchildren, I will alert Greg Nog.
posted by silby at 6:46 PM on October 16, 2010
Thanks for the update, silby. I really was curious as to what you got (and I feel like I win since I suggested Anchor Steam, heh).
posted by bluedaisy at 7:30 PM on October 16, 2010
posted by bluedaisy at 7:30 PM on October 16, 2010
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having said all that, one of those fruit beers may be your thing, like the Fruli or the Purple Haze. Personally I find those kinds of beers too sweet, but that may work for you.
posted by GuyZero at 6:05 PM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]