basil & salt magazine

Author:  Ginger Johnson

A fridge well stocked with tasty beer is a great way to make your guests feel very welcome. And since we’re thinking about it, what beer should you keep on hand? 

To please a range of taste buds and match an array of feeds, I suggest the following: keep a variety of fresh beer readily available. It’s an affordable luxury and in many states and stores you can mix a six-pack of beers of bottles and cans to buy and take home. Many beer brands are also recognizing that people want variety and are packing mixed variety packs – sweet!

If either of those are not readily available choices for you, then choose 2 or 3 six packs of two different beers, more if budget and space allows. Beer is a great value and you need to keep it cold in the refrigerator. Most beer in the USA is not pasteurized – and that’s what you want: fresh beer! So keep it cool until it’s time to serve. Doing so will give the beer the best chance to give you the best flavor opportunity the brewer intended.

As far as actual styles of beer to stock, some “Crowd Pleasers”, as I can them would include an Amber or Red, Belgian, Pale, Porter and whatever else strikes your fancy. As a researcher, I know people choose different beers for all sorts of reasons so go for it! Best case scenario: you find a beer you want to enjoy again. Not so great scenario: you try one that you aren’t really interested in buying again. Either way you’re successful in exploring more flavor and that what beer’s all about.

With all the great flavors of spring exploding and coming forth, it’s a great time to buy and enjoy fresh beer. A range of styles will please your guest and you making any event worth celebrating – including finishing your yard work!

Cheers till the next pint –

Ginger

Many beer brands are also recognizing that people want variety and are packing mixed variety packs – sweet!

If you have questions about the beer industry, food pairings, speaking engagements and events, you can find Ginger at WomenEnjoyingBeer.com or Ginger@WomenEnjoyingBeer.com