How to enjoy beer for the first time
We've all been there. You're out with friends and they're ordering rounds of beer, but you have no idea what to do. Do you just drink it? Do you pour it into your mouth from the bottle? Is there a specific way to hold the glass? How do you know when it's time to stop drinking?
As someone who didn't grow up drinking beer, I completely understand your frustration. But don't worry! It's not as complicated as it seems. Here are a few tips for enjoying beer for the first time.
Don't be afraid to ask for a recommendation - your friends, local bartender or beer store employee can help you find something you'll like
If you're lacking inspiration at the bar or local beer store, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and ask for some help. Bartenders and beer store employees will often be more than happy to provide helpful tips based on your tastes. Not only will it save you some of the anxiety of agonizing over shelves upon shelves of different beers, but they may even surprise you with new suggestions that become your favorite. Don't let your uncertainty keep you from expanding your palate -- a few words can go a long way!
Start with a light beer if you're not sure what you like
If the idea of downing a hard brew just isn't your thing, don't worry - nobody expects you to be an expert right away. Start with a light beer; this is the perfect introduction for anyone who's unsure about what kind of beer suits their palate. Even if you end up not being a fan, it's much easier start than chugging a darker brew. There's never any pressure to dive straight in with whatever everyone else is having. Enjoy finding your favorite – it can be as serious (or as silly) as you make it.
Drink slowly, and pay attention to the taste and how it makes you feel
Drinking alcohol can be a fun and enjoyable experience, but it's important to practice responsible drinking habits. If you're having a drink for the first time, take it slow and savor the taste - some of us like different drinks and tastes more than others, so pay attention to how the flavors linger on your palette.
There's no need to finish your beer if you don't like it - pour it out and move on to something else
Some might say it’s a waste of beer to pour out what you don’t like, but why drink something if it’s not making you happy? Life is too short to put down bad brewskis. Instead of wasting your time (and the beer's ingredients), why not try something else that speaks more to your tastes? Plus, if you don't like what you tried, you have fulfilled your pledge to explore and can come back fighting for the next round. Enjoying beer (or anything else in life for that matter) doesn’t mean sticking with just one thing - discover as much as possible!
Experiment with different types of beer until you find ones that you enjoy
Beer tasting is an art form - not everyone has to be a connoisseur, but there's nothing wrong with enjoying the experience of an IPA just as much as a pilsner. With so many different varieties available, no two beers are alike, so why not grab a pint and discover what you like? It's okay to go out on a limb and try something weird and wild because you never know when you'll uncover your go-to beer or even find something new that challenges the way you think about beer. So take the time to experiment and find those delicious brews that send your taste buds wild.
So next time you're feeling lost in a sea of beer choices, don't be afraid to ask for help. And if you're not sure what you like, start with something light. Drink slowly at first and pay attention to how the taste and alcohol content make you feel. There's no need to finish your beer if you don't like it - pour it out and move on to something else. Ultimately, the best way to find beers that you enjoy is to experiment with different types until you find some winners. Cheers!
