Introduction to Beer

RedCoatMonster · #1 07-12-2010, 04:57 PM

Beer always looks so good in ads and I always WANTED to like it, but I just couldn't. Then one day I watched a documentary called "Beer Wars" and I decided to give it another go. And to be honest, all I had ever tried was Bud beers, Millers, Coors, etc....the mass produced stuff.

I ended up going to a local liquor joint to look at some beers armed only with the knowledge that dark=bitter(and I dont even know if that is true...). After some deliberation I ended up buying the only beer I have ever liked.

(I think this company is owned by Millers now.)

I've noticed there are some big beer fans here in OT so I was hoping I could get a few of you could give a few pointers to a beginner, Im sure Im not the only one! Recommendations would be appreciated too!

drteeth · #2 07-12-2010, 05:00 PM

Dark = bitter is not true. There are some very sweet darks out there.

Only advise that I can offer is try stuff, and see what you like! Don't be afraid to buy something new! That, and try the Belgian beers

.

knumbskull · #3 07-12-2010, 05:01 PM

it grows on you

you're in the US, right? Sam Adams stuff has a great reputation. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is tasty too.

MatticusMania · #4 07-12-2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedCoatMonster

Beer always looks so good in ads and I always WANTED to like it, but I just couldn't. Then one day I watched a documentary called "Beer Wars" and I decided to give it another go. And to be honest, all I had ever tried was Bud beers, Millers, Coors, etc....the mass produced stuff.

No wonder you never liked beer. Go and buy a 6 pack of anything that will cost you as much as a 12 pack of that crap and you'll probably enjoy beer.

RedCoatMonster · #5 07-12-2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drteeth

Dark = bitter is not true. There are some very sweet darks out there.

Only advise that I can offer is try stuff, and see what you like! Don't be afraid to buy something new! That, and try the Belgian beers

.

I dont remember where I heard dark=bitter, but Ill keep that in mind!

MatticusMania · #6 07-12-2010, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drteeth

That, and try the Belgian beers

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by knumbskull

Sam Adams stuff has a great reputation. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is tasty too.

Good suggestions to start with.

BurningSkies · #7 07-12-2010, 05:04 PM

I like Leinies too. In the summer, we drink their Shandy, which if you're not a beer fan, you'll like. It's got the thumbs-up from my non-beer drinking girlfriend.

If you like the sunset wheat, you may also like the Blue Moon brews.

I personally love some hops, so IPAs are good for me. I also like darks as well, and its true, there are some non-hopped dark beers out there that you'll probably love.

UncleFluffy · #8 07-12-2010, 05:06 PM

Here's a couple of fairly current threads where people are suggesting good beers:

IPA's official "What beer you got?" thread. Beer snobs in here!
The what beer are you drinking (and or rating) thread.

You almost certainly won't like every beer listed in these, but it's a good start for experimentation.

and here's a fairly comprehensive list of beer styles:http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style

RedCoatMonster · #9 07-12-2010, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

I personally love some hops, so IPAs are good for me. I also like darks as well, and its true, there are some non-hopped dark beers out there that you'll probably love.

Whats an IPA?lol.

From the quick responses I can see there are some serious beer lovers here. Thanks guys.

i_got_a_mohawk · #10 07-12-2010, 05:07 PM

IPA's were always my favourite back in the day, too easy to drink too many of them tho!

i_got_a_mohawk · #11 07-12-2010, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedCoatMonster

Whats an IPA?lol.

From the quick responses I can see there are some serious beer lovers here. Thanks guys.

Indian Pale Ale

Joe Gress · #12 07-12-2010, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedCoatMonster

Whats an IPA?lol.

From the quick responses I can see there are some serious beer lovers here. Thanks guys.

India Pale Ale. Also the brew of the Gods. I'm serious.

BTW here is a pretty good site all about beer as well:
http://beeradvocate.com/

Beer 101:
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/

FritoBandito · #13 07-12-2010, 05:12 PM

Wheat beer is great to start really enjoying real beer (be sure to put a slice of lemon in it!). Try Sam Adams Summer Ale, it a great refreshing summer beer (also a wheat). Sam Adams Boston lager is also good, as is the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Yes, alot of dark beers are bitter, which is why you should try a brown ale first. The IPA's (India Pale Ale) is pretty bitter too. Just do yourself a favor, if you want to taste good beers, stay away from the big, mass produced stuff. And you really need to try a Guiness. Some like it, some don't, but ya gotta try it!

BurningSkies · #14 07-12-2010, 05:19 PM

Yeah, if you're not for bitter, then I'd work your way into IPA's. Start with Wheat beers, lagers and pilsners then work towards beers that are hopped up a bit...the hops are the part that causes the bitterness. It also balances what can be sweet, which is the grains that are used.

If you've got a local pub that serves micro or craft beers, its worth taking some time at the taps. Lots of places will let you try before you buy so you can see if you like it. And remember it always helps to drink "real beer" in season. You'll be getting good, fresh beer that's in small batches that way.

The other thing to note about hops is that they're also a flavor component beyond being bitter. They can be fruity and spicy and a variety of other tones. They give a lot of beers their character and give it depth and dimension.

Eublet · #15 07-12-2010, 05:22 PM

I suggest drinking Pilsners for beginners usually as they are relatively light, crisp and sweet to taste. There's the original Pilsner Urquel, or you could go with Grolsch, Stella Artois, Gordon Biersch Czech Style Pilsner, etc.

IPA's are great, but their bitterness (typically) and hoppy flavor might be a bit intense for a newb. Some of them can be kind of sweet though.

If you want to start off with something a little more bold that still has some sweetness and drinkability, then Sweetwater 420 or Redhook ESB are good choices.

RedCoatMonster · #16 07-12-2010, 05:23 PM

Wow I never knew there was such a wide variety of beer. Too bad there isnt a bar in my town. I think when I get my student loans in Ill go to a liquor store and grab some beers...and whiskey.

McHaven · #17 07-12-2010, 05:26 PM

Look for a grocery/liquor store that provides a "pick your six". That way you can pick 6 beers that interest you. It may be a little pricey but it is great to help you figure out what you like.

EricF · #18 07-12-2010, 05:28 PM

Beers, like wine and women, are all different in color, flavor, and complexity. As for the dark=bitter notion, please just forget you ever heard it. Most of the darkest beers (stouts, porters, brown ales, etc) often lean heavier to the malty (sweet) side. It might seem scary at first, but try a Newcastle. Dark brown and very malty.

The flavor of a beer is a balance between hops (bitter) and malt (sweet). Some beers will be fairly evenly balanced between the two, and some will lean one way or another. The particular yeast used in the brewing process will also have an effect on flavor. Also, dark beers use roasted malts that not only impart the darker color, but can also bring coffee or chocolate flavors.

If you don't like bitter, then stay away from anything that says "India Pale Ale" or "IPA". The IPA style is heavily hopped and leans very hard to the bitter end of the spectrum (I love 'em!).

Pilgrim · #19 07-12-2010, 05:37 PM

Beers come with a great deal of variety, and microbrews are a good way to check it out.

Here's an idea that will open new doors for you:

Go to a local brew pub that has samples...small glasses with just 2 or 3 ounces. Get a bunch of different ones and sip them. Bet you find some that you like.

The big market macro-brews are pretty bland and don't have a lot to recommend them except cold temp and relatively inoffensive flavor. They are, however, better than no beer at all.

EricF · #20 07-12-2010, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Beers come with a great deal of variety, and microbrews are a good way to check it out.

Here's an idea that will open new doors for you:

Go to a local brew pub that has samples...small glasses with just 2 or 3 ounces. Get a bunch of different ones and sip them. Bet you find some that you like.

+1. This is a good plan.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

The big market macro-brews are pretty bland and don't have a lot to recommend them except cold temp and relatively inoffensive flavor. They are, however, better than no beer at all.

Except for Coors Light. I'd rather just drink water.