Navigating the Beer Aisle: A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Beer

Are you confused about what beer to select from the enormous selection available? In the vast sea of gleaming cans and bottles, the refrigerated section of beers can be both exciting and overwhelming. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and crisp lagers to complex ales, choosing the right beer can feel like an adventure in itself. Navigate the intricate world of beer selection with our brief guide to selecting the perfect beer, helping you decipher styles, understand freshness, and, ultimately, savor the perfect brew. Better yet, visit your local Growler Guys taproom to try a variety of beers to make selecting the perfect beer easier at the market.

Understanding Common Beer Styles

The first step to confidently selecting the perfect beer for your tastes is to have a basic understanding of beer styles. Beers are often categorized into several main types, each with its unique characteristics:

• Lagers: Known for their crispness and clean finish, lagers are fermented at cooler temperatures. Popular subtypes include Pilsners and Helles.
• Ales: These beers are fermented at warmer temperatures, resulting in a wide range of flavors and aromas. Common subtypes include Pale Ales, IPAs (India Pale Ales), and Stouts.
• IPAs: Recognizable by their hop-forward profiles, IPAs come in various forms, such as American IPA, New England IPA (NEIPA), and Double IPA (DIPA).
• Stouts and Porters: These darker beers often have chocolate and coffee notes, with stouts being richer and more robust.
• Sours: Brewed intentionally to be tart or sour, these beers can be fruity, funky, or a combination of both.

Deciphering Labels

Craft beer has become very competitive, and label marketing designs make varieties look exciting and appealing. However, it’s more important to buy a beer based on its style and ingredients–not the clever or fun names and graphics. As you stand before the vast array of beers, decoding the labels is your key to finding the perfect match. Here are some key elements to look for:

1. ABV (Alcohol by Volume): This percentage indicates the alcohol content in the beer. Lighter beers like lagers typically have lower ABV, while strong ales and stouts can boast higher percentages. An “Imperial” beer means it has a higher alcohol content of over 8%. A “Session” beer has a lower ABV, usually 4% or less.

2. IBU (International Bitterness Units): A scale measuring the bitterness of the beer. Higher IBU values mean more bitterness, often found in hoppy beers like IPAs.

3. SRM (Standard Reference Method): This scale indicates the color of the beer. Lighter beers have lower SRM values, while stouts and porters have higher ones. The SRM doesn’t necessarily impact the beer’s flavor, but it can trick the mind into thinking a lighter beer will taste differently than a darker beverage.

4. Canned/Bottled Date: Always check for the packaging date. Freshness matters, especially for hop-forward beers like IPAs. Aim for beers within three to six months of the packaging date for optimal flavor. Don’t buy large cases or quantities unless you plan to drink them relatively soon since beer does not keep indefinitely.

5. Style Description: Breweries often provide brief descriptions of the beer style on the label. Take a moment to read these, as they can guide you toward flavors and aromas you might enjoy. You can also look up the selections you find most interesting online. Many resources on the web give descriptions and commentary about most varieties of beer.

Freshness Matters

After selecting the perfect beer, you want to make sure you enjoy it at its peak flavor. While beer doesn’t have an expiration date in the traditional sense, it is at its best when consumed fresh. An old beverage might not make you sick, but one past its shelf life will lose flavor and have an off-putting taste. Here’s a general guideline on how long beer in cans and bottles lasts:

• Hoppy Beers (IPAs, Pale Ales): These are best consumed within three to six months of the packaging date. Hop flavors and aromas diminish over time, so freshness is crucial.
• Lagers: Crisp and refreshing, lagers can last six to nine months or even longer if stored properly. However, it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later for optimal taste.
• Ales (excluding hoppy styles): Ales can have a longer shelf life than hop-forward beers, often aging well for up to a year or more. Some styles, like barleywines, may even improve with age.
• Stouts and Porters: Dark and rich beers tend to age gracefully. Many stouts and porters can be enjoyed years after their packaging date, with flavors evolving over time.

Proper storage is critical to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your chosen beer. Follow these three easy tips:

1. Keep your beer in a cool, dark place. Fluctuations in temperature, especially exposure to heat and light, can accelerate the aging process.

2. While it’s tempting to lay bottles on their sides, storing them upright minimizes the surface area exposed to oxygen, preserving the beer’s integrity.

3. Rapid temperature changes can negatively impact the beer. Keep it consistent, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to enjoy.

The Growler Guys is Your Resource for Selecting the Perfect Beer

One of the best ways to discover which types of beer you like best is to visit a taproom like The Growler Guys. Our locations feature a significant variety of beers from the surrounding area. Plus, our friendly staff members can help you understand what about certain beers makes them more desirable to you. Then, the next time you find yourself facing the vast refrigerated section of beers, you’ll be armed with the knowledge of styles, label information, and storage tips to confidently navigate the diverse world of brews. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing lager, a hoppy IPA, or a rich stout, your journey through the beer aisle will be a delightful exploration of flavors, aromas, and the craftsmanship behind each carefully crafted beverage. Cheers to selecting the perfect beer for every occasion!