Burner Beers

I always have Hamm’s for myself, for guests that prefer an AAL, and for the slugs in my garden.

 

There is an opposite side to this. Guests bring Bud Lite and Stella (in stale green bottles), leave quite a bit (like its a favor to me) and its stuck in my fridge for what seems like months.

 

I make some low hopped pales and lagers just in cas someone can't stand "craft"

 

Hi, my name's Zebulon and I don't like Molson Golden.

 

Yuengling is always a safe bet! Hopefully they wont be spending the night and using my toilet the next morning after slugging some of them down

 

I'm not an anti-AAL person by any means and if that is what you like go for it but I like to vote with my wallet and support locals so instead of an AAL I'll have something like a Sly Fox Helles or Victory Helles on hand for guests and when I am in the mood for something like that (which seems to be a little more often these days) then I already have it.

I've been able to open up some minds by sharing beers like this.

 

OP--from the tenor I cannot discern whether your are more focused on the cost angle or the choice I would keep in reserve for the average AAL crowd.

I rarely (if EVER) buy anything I wouldn't like so if I know I am having a total AAL crowd, I tone it down. As mentioned, Urquell never disappoints and in this more recent climate of the cloudy/sweet beer, Urquell has become a staple in the fridge.... again. It is an awesome "reset."

Also, a Bells Lager of the Lakes is another good broad appeal beer or my local OMB pils. If I wanted to save $$$, another vote for Modelo (esp Negro).

 

My problem is that some of my relatives don't like the taste of any beer that they don't recognize the label of.

 

I’m not a big Sam Adams fan, but 76 is going to be in regular rotation this summer.

 

I keep some BL on hand for my neighbor that stops by frequently.

 

I only go to the liquor store about once a month since I tend to drink at the bar and/or the cigar shop; but when I do I will usually pick up a 12- or 24-pack of High Life, or Lite, for the times I'm not in the mood for a 7%+ beer, or a just want something to shotgun.

 

I've been thinking a little more about the OP's question. If I was going to have a "burner beer" available, I might go with Stella Artois. There are a few reasons for this:

1. It's exotic enough that a lot of people consider it to be "the good stuff."
2. It's a pretty decent Euro pale lager, a style I prefer to the AAL (although I believe Stella uses corn in the brewing process).
3. It's Belgian, pretty much.
4. It isn't terribly expensive.
5. I have a Stella holiday chalice.

That said, I thought this article from Your Next Beer was eye-opening (and funny as hell to boot): The Truth About Stella Artois

 

Nope. I buy what I want to buy. However, since most of my friends like at least some good beer, I'll happily share my stash with them.

 

My kitchen only has a little bar fridge so half of it is filled with 8 or 9 bottles (more with cans as they can be double stacked).

I like to see having mates over as an opportunity to introduce them to nice craft beer - recently introduced a friend to Gueuze and then Saison Dupont, and he loved both of those, so mission accomplished!

 

Did you introduce him to the price as well? Those beers ain't cheap, at least around here.

 

Yes, my friend is unemployed as well, so he won't be buying either beers anytime soon, but he did appreciate how nice they were.

 

As do most of us. It's nice to treat yourself once in a while.

 

Always PBR in the upstairs fridge as it's what my wife regularly drinks. Occasionally find left over beers in my downstairs fridge after our monthly poker game.

 

I keep some AAL in my fridge most of the time, but I call mine "landing gear."

It is for those times late in the session where I want one more beer but know I don't really shouldn't. So a bit of at-the-margin savings on ABV/calories/cost.

I suppose I could have a session IPA laying around to serve the same purpose, but AAL also serve the OP purpose of having something for guests if needed.