If you’re new to beer, you may be wondering where to start. Beer companies are creative with naming schemes and colorful packaging, but how do you decide what kind of beer to try? One way to pick a starting point with your journey into beer tasting is by considering the wines you already know and love. Here’s a quick guide to translate your wine preferences to beer selections you are likely to enjoy.
A Simple Guide from Wine to Beer
A Simple Guide from Wine to Beer| If you like this wine…. | Then try this kind of beer… |
| Sparkling wine and very light whites. | Wheat beer. These share the same light quality, acidity, citrus flavors, and effervescence of your favorite sparkling and white wines. |
| Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Rieslings, and other lighter reds and whites. | Pilsners. Try a Pilsner to replicate the smooth, herbal, and earthy notes of these popular wines. |
| Chardonnay | Saison Ales. Enjoy the same full-flavored spiciness of chardonnay in a Saison Ale. Just like your favorite wine, a Saison will pair well with a plate of fresh fruit and cheese. |
| Petit Syrah | IPA. If you enjoy lighter notes of dark-berried fruits, with a peppery taste full of tannins, then an IPA may be a great beer for you. IPAs have a higher IBU, and that means a bitterness similar to the wine you enjoy. |
| Merlot or Cabernet | Brown Ale. These hearty wines are known for their nutty, toasty flavors with a silky mouthfeel. You’ll find many of the same qualities in a Brown Ale. |
| Syrah or Shiraz | Porter. Syrahs and Shirazes are full of deep flavor and body. If a bold taste is your jam, you’ll love a good porter to accompany your meal. |
| Tempranillo | Stout. Tempranillo is the richest of the wines, with undercurrents of chocolate or coffee. You’ll likely enjoy a stout, either with your dinner or as a dessert all on its own. |
Are you still unsure where to start?
Our team at The Growler Guys will make it easy for you. Visit any of our taprooms and tell us about the types of wine or other beverages you enjoy. We can transform your wine preferences into beer selections that will please your palate. We’ll create a flight of tastings and help you understand the differences between the various choices. Decide what you like best, and buy a pint with dinner or lunch–or better yet–take a whole growler home for you and your family to enjoy.
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