6 Tips to Picking the Perfect Brew for You

February 26, 2009 4:09 pm

6 Tips to Picking the Perfect Brew for You

Every Wednesday I take a trip to the local haunt in my hometown in Jersey to sample a few brews and have a good time with old high school buddies. I've been a margarita girl for as long as I can remember, but recently I started to enjoy the taste of a cold beer: a frothy wheat or a genuine pale ale can really restore balance to one's life. Since New York City is a smidge bit different from New Jersey, I went out to a nice bar with my boyfriend and a few chums to sample the variety that the big city has to offer.

There are six tips I've picked up to help you choose the right cold one:

1. Discern your taste

Each person has a different palate, as well as different preferences for taste. Do you prefer the scent of citrus or a hint of apples? Does the woodsy smell of a dark, bitter Guinness get your heart running? Choose the sort of flavor you want and work from there.

2. To hop or not to hop?

Hops are an important part of the beer choosing process. Beers with more hops in them tend to lie on the bitter end, while those with less hops are milder and can be a quick-to-sip selection. Even though "bitter" usually comes with bad connotations, do not take them to heart. Bitter ale can be just as enjoyable as a mild one.

3. Decide if you prefer domestic or import

A domestic beer is a beer brewed in the United States, while imports are ones from countries like Germany, Japan, Belgium or Ireland. Some German and Irish beers may be heavy, while Japanese or Belgian beers are typically light. The Belgians are known in the US for their pale ale Blue Moon with a light, citrusy taste. Quick tip: It's delicious with two slices of orange placed in the pint glass!

4. Ask the bartender

The barkeep is usually the most knowledgeable when it comes to the pints he pulls. If you're jonesing for a particular flavor, they can tell you what varieties will best soothe your craving. There may be instances, however, where the staff lacks the information you seek, and asking a close friend who's out with you is the second best step.

5. Do a little research

Hitting the Internet is a great way to find out anything and everything you can about ales, bitters and ciders. Wikipedia has a draft of information, with regular updates on the latest trends in beer. If you want to find just the right sip, or chug in some cases, a lot of beer lovers will be able to help you out. There are forums, chatrooms and various websites that will rate alcohol. One of my favorites is the Beer Advocate, which allows members to log in and post their review of each sampling they make. Be wary, as drinking a beer is a purely personal opinion. Some may praise Miller Lite while others will turn down a pint of Boddington's.

6. If all else fails, try a cider!

Ciders are a refreshing alternative to a yeasty pint. For those who do not enjoy the taste of beer but sometimes feel left out when heading to a pub with a few mates, try something with a crisp flavor and no bitter after-taste. A pint of cider is a clever way of convincing your peers that you're able to let go of your cocktailing ways without sacrificing your taste buds. Ciders usually run from Woodchuck (very sweet, but lots of variety) to Magner's (a subtle Irish cider that won't induce a sugar-rush headache). A very creative twist is the Snakebite, which mixes cider and ale, retaining the mild sweetness and a slightly bitter tang.

The best beer tip I can give anyone is to enjoy themselves! Having a few pints is a fun and relaxing experience, especially in a great atmosphere with great friends. Happy Swilling!

Kaitlin A. Lipe