So Many Beers. How to Chose?

I may need to get my sarcasm meter calibrated. Perhaps you can help. That was sarcasm, right?

 

I buy larger quantities of one or more that I know I like, and always look forward to drinking again. If I am not in a hurry, I'll browse for an additional 4 or 6 pack of something that I've never had, but that looks like something I might like. Something from the 2nd category may then move to the 1st category, the next time I'm shopping. Or not.

 

I usually look for the freshest of the styles I prefer, or something that is different without adding flavors. If I'm unfamiliar with the brewer I will check beeradvocate reviews. Of course I will also by my regular favorites

 

I did 30 days on a BMW in that area, and the great part is that after a days ride you get a different 4 local beers. They're typically not strong, so you can relax and try them all. 1/2 litre at a time, with food!

 

I'm put off by labels featuring rudeness or demonism. I want a beer to be my friend, not try to hurt me.

 

Masthead Brewing. Midwest Red IPA.
Delicious, malty, hoppy goodness.

 

Go in with a budget

 

Whatever works for you is the way to go.

 

I almost always look for something new, Untappd is a useful tool, in the stores and in restaurants.

 

Spot on. I think your being generous with the 60%, likely lower. Brewers who have not even mastered a pale ale making a double chai latte stout. I told a hipster that half of the craft beers were below average, he disagreed. So along with not knowing beer, he was also weak in math.

Our grocery store has a fake selection of beer as 90%+ of shelf space is taken up by big brewers.

 

If 1,000 people tried a beer and it doesn't have great reviews, I'm going to save my money and trust that enough of those people were competent enough to give an adequate rating. Sure, ratings are skewed and not 100% accurate but it's the simplest barometer to help with buying decisions.

 

Ahhh, okay, I think if the comment had been made anywhere else but here on BA, the gold standard for beer reviewing and rating, I would have known it wasn't sarcasm. Sarcasm meter adjusted.

 

I look for types of beer that most interest me and then consult with BA on my phone (BTW patiently awaiting the new app to make that easier) and then begin to reach some conclusions BUT before I make a decision I check the born on/best by/package date of the beer attempting to decipher the code on the bottles or cans (I like cans better for shelf life but bottles seem to have more product information since you stick info on the bottle) and then finally attempt to insure that the maker of the beer is independent and not part of the conglomerates. In all it is not a simple process, but one I tolerate because I want to be assured I am getting the specific product I want! A Beer Advocate App would help as would a standardized system of knowing when the beer was packaged. Too many stores in our area pay no attention to shelf life so it is a buyer beware issue.

 

I think about the style I want (IPA, porter, stout, amber), and familiar brands. If I find something, I look it up on Beer Advocate to check the ratings and comments. Then I check the bottling/canning date (especially IPAs). If all lines up...”caching” - I buy! Cheers.

 

We only really have one good LC up in the mountains unfortunately. First I check the bombers for anything barrel aged or new. Then I sidestep down the aisle looking for anything else new or noteworthy. Generally pick up a good IPA sixer and some other sixer that’s more drinkable or a seasonal variety. Living in Colorado that means our beers take up most of the selection for better or worse. Lots of the “local” mountain breweries aren’t really worth a damn. However we just got Bells up here so cheers to that.
Traveling or down in Denver is more of a challenge but thank god for BA!!!! Always down to try something new and local but I agree BA is a blessing and a curse for this.

 

I’ll review my BA “Wants” list (and figure out which breweries I want to focus on that day) before I head to the local store. Then I’ll look for a few new ones from that list. After that, I’ll check out the new/seasonal beers and then the local section - being in West Michigan, the selection of “local” beers is just mind-boggling.

 

Honestly I know what styles I’m looking for most of the time and I pick them up in breweries I enjoy. Other times I just make mix and match 6ers and pick up anything I haven’t had. I try to buy a lot of singles, sometimes you get a beer that isn’t that good and I’m glad I only bought one. I can always go back and buy more if I like it, for non limited stuff which is most of my drinking.

 

Go to stores that will let you buy single bottles/cans of anything.

In 2018, any other option is uncivilized.

Imagine that you didn't have to choose between all those "local" options or "national" stuff. For an extra buck or two, actual forward-thinking bottle shops will let you buy a mixed six or mixed twelve that lets you decide for yourself, for a reasonable price, what beers are good and what beers aren't.

Bonus points: when you find the beers you truly love and appreciate on their own merits, I promise you can just buy them for regular price.

Huzzah!!!