We've been working on what goes into a good beer for over 170 years, so consider ourselves to be something of an expert when it comes to helping people discover great beers. If you're looking to buy beer for a gift, or are new to the world of beer, read on to find out what beer to choose to suit your drinking style and tastes.
Beer can be a great present for any occasion, from a birthday to the arrival of a new baby, but knowing someone likes beer doesn't always means you know what beer they like...
Think back to a time when you saw them drinking a beer. If it was darker in colour, it's more likely to have been a bitter, and if it was almost black then it's probably a stout. Darker beers are more often high in ABV and rich in flavour. Lighter coloured beers like copper and ruby ales are a firm favourite and safe bet for most beer drinkers.
If you sometimes see them drinking a lager, or if you're buying in the warmer months of the year, an IPA is a great choice with their hoppy, refreshing tatse.
Food likes and dislikes can also be a great guide, and while not an exact science, can definitely help guide your choice.
If say a heavy extra mature cheese is the preference, you're far more likely to respond well to one of the more deeper rich beers such as our Old Original Ruby Ale
If you're someone who tends to be on the go and likes a more light bite than full on session, our Sunchaser is the perfect choice.
Bitters like our Tiger Copper Ale pair superbly with a wide range of foods. Their flavour intensity ensures they’re a brilliant match with classic dishes such as roast lamb or sausage and mash, where the beers sweetness will complement the natural sweetness in the meats.
When you're sampling a new beer there's a lot to look out for, and as you start to notice these details, you'll be able to discern in the future what you've enjoyed in the past, and therefore what you're likely to like in the future...
1. Appearance: What does the beer look like in the glass, is it see through and how much light does it let through?
2. Aroma: Don't feel silly for having a sniff before you sip, as smell really affects flavour and can be a whole experience in itself.
3. Initial taste: What is that first sip like? Was it what you were expecting from the appearance and smell? Is it subtle or strong?
4. Drinkability: Some beers are nice for a one time experience and some will be a weekly favourite. There's no right or wrong answer, but its good to know if you need to note it down for buying again.
5. Recommendable-ness: Ok so that's not a word, but would it be something you'd go out of your way to tell a fried about? If so, how would you describe it?
