Gone are the days of keg stands and beer pong tournaments and here to stay are the days of “adulting”. Although it can be a scary realm to enter and everything seems like a major pain in the ass (which is 100% true), we’re here to help allevite some of that worry.
If you want to act like an adult than you’re going to have to drink like one. No, that doesn’t mean you need to be drinking an overly priced scotch on the rocks with a cigar in hand, wearing a velvet robe (although that sounds like a delight) it just means you need to ditch your old ways and crappy beer choices.
First and foremost, whoever told you Keystone Light was actually “beer” must have drank way too much Keystone Light-unless you’re into luke-warm, yellow water. Everyone has their perogative, but there comes a time in our lives where we must flee the nest (or frat house) and try out some real, quality beer. If you’re going to adult, ADULT LIKE A MAN (sorry, no bro here).
We all know the basic, generic favorites that everyone loves, but it’s time to shift gears. Leave the Coors Light and Corona for the college kids and move on to more exciting flavors. (keyword: flavors) When you’re in college, you’ll pretty much drink damn near anything, as long as it gets the job done and it’s cheap. Plus, half the time beer is used for recreational purposes out of plastic red cups, so the taste never really mattered… but that’s all about to change.
Try your tastebuds at new, exciting flavor’s that you can now appreciate (and probably afford). As you get older, you learn to appreciate beer for its quality and essence, not for its price. Already we alleviated some stress. You don’t have to say bye to your beloved beer, just step your hops game up.
First things first, you can never go wrong with a good seasonal beer, which is typically brewed for a particul or upcoming time of the year. The brewers offer diverse flavors and always attract returning customers as they anticipate their favorite flavor. Take your chance at craft beers like Sam Adams Seasonal flavors as they range form Octoberfest to Cold Snap. With the wide variety that they offer, you’re sure to find one that you actually enjoy.
On the other hand, if you’re strictly into light ales, you may want to try various wheat beers to find your fit. Move on from Blue Moon and indulge in a Sierra Nevada Kellerweid or Gumballhead by 3 Floyds Brewing.
If a heavier, darker beer like Guinness is more your style, you’ll want to scope out the Irish dry stouts, however, don’t cross off American studs just yet. Great Lakes or Black Rock is a great dark beer with a similar taste to Guinness.
If you’re trying to get fancy but can’t make up your mind, order a Black and Blue- which is a variation of the popular Black and Tan. Both drinks can be considered brand specific as most bars carry the same beers. However, many fluctuations of the type have been successfully executed and enjoyed. Black and Tan begins with a wheat beer on bottom, topped off with a stout like Guinness, whereas a Black and Blue is the same concept essentially, you would just replace the wheat beer with Blue Moon.
Another direction to go in is with local favorites. Bars will usually have locally brewed beer on tap and offer an opportunity to try beers that not everyone has access too. The added perk is your support for local businesses and brewery’s.
The good news here is that you don’t have to say goodbye to your beloved beer. You can still enjoy a nice cold brew, but with the added sophistication.
