February 2012 3
Top 10 Starter Beers
Top 10 Starter Beers and Best Starter Beer
Drinking can sometimes be like getting your first tattoo or your first piercing, whichever you start with you tend to get carried away with. Its easy to be either a liquor drinker. You feel its effect much faster and it comes in different colors and flavors. But what about when you want to cross the enemy lines and become a more mature drinker and venture into the land of beers? Choosing a good starter beer is important. Depending on their first tries, a virgin beer drinker (VBD for short) may avoid beers forever or may suddenly realize a new world has just opened up to them. The following are the best brands for a starter beer drinker, going from more well known beers to slightly more unique beverages. Take a look…
Corona
anyone who knows anything about beer will say that this isn’t a beer worth its time, but will agree that its a great beer for someone who doesn’t have any beer experience. Incredibly light, a pinch of lime almost masks the usual bitter and strong taste newer beer drinkers often struggle with. Pours a lighter yellow, so its less intimidating than darker ales, and when poured, barely has any head or froth so it maintains that, “don’t be scared, try me out a little” seduction of the VBD. Corona Light might not be sincere or rich beer, but once someone becomes use to the taste of a corona, its easy for them to jump into deeper, more flavorful beers.
Blue Moon
This beer is great for starters because of its flavor. Blue Moon drinkers tend to throw an orange in it, because of its natural orange-y smell that wafts up during pour. A light color (but darker than Corona Light), the intimidation level is still low for non-beer drinkers, while the smell and medium head still makes it appear a delicious tasting beverage. Past the slightly fruity and spice filled flavoring, its a beer that will begin to introduce newbies to the taste of wheat. Not pungent and certainly not overwhelming, Blue Moon is bottled by Coors so it isn’t completely a name out of nowhere for any that are afraid of stepping into the yonder of beer drinking. Blue Moon might have an odd name, but it will transition a non-beer drinker one step closer to appreciating and tasting more wheat beers.
Duvel
Many may not be aware of Duvel, but once you try it, you will start understanding what beer drinkers mean by “depth”, “rich” and “full”. Duvel takes the non-beer drinker a step further, by producing a stunningly white, ever present head. Something many VBD’s may not know how to handle. The beverage is a a golden light color, still appetizing but still welcoming. It is an ale, so new drinkers are definitely beginning to learn the differences in their beers here, but the complexity with which a Duvel is made will push a new beer drinker into the land of appreciation. Duvel has a smooth texture, has an intense aroma of spice, fruit and wheat, and is often suggested served menacingly cold or desperately warm to bring out its true flavors. This sort of serving might be best for a VBD, since a cold drink can often hinder the initial punch of a new taste..but leave the taste buds cheering after the wave has passed.
Red Stripe
Hooray Beer! One thing that helps many products is a mere awesome ad. If you remember all the advertisements they ran for Red Stripe (“if ugly people stand next to a red stripe, they look beautiful!”) a few years back, then it might be a little easier to try something new when there’s “proof” it makes you good looking. But in all seriousness, one reason this is a good starter beer is because its taste isn’t overly skunky but its also not too deep. It also pours light yellow, clearish and has a slight head that dissipates over time. One thing that a VBD will notice is that its taste is slightly familiar…due to the carbonation it holds. Crisp, light and refreshingly are words people will use to describe it, good for its price is another, but that also should indicate that you’re still at the bottom slowly working your taste buds up the ladder.
Guinness
Everyone has heard and knows of Guinness. A dark Irish ale that is heavy and full. The only thing that makes this a decent starter beer is because it doesn’t produce some of that alcoholic smell you can get with other beers and drinks, and is so popularly known that many may feel alright giving it a go. The initial look makes you want to lick your lips anyways, so dark you can’t see through the glass, topped off with a creamy tan head that sticks with you to the delicious end. Guinness is a filler, so it sort of forces a newbie into appreciating it and taking their time. Which is excellent since this is the perfect opportunity to jump from spices and fruit to roasted and full. Its taste is mild and while some might not appreciate its dark body, its a great chance for a new beer drinker to try something down the other path.
Bass Ale
Going back to the fruity flavors, here is Bass Pale Ale. The pour is a golden light color and the head is moderate, nothing too overwhelming. What makes this different than ones on the list already is the malty, caramel taste you’ll get once you begin sucking it down. Inexpensive for sure, its a beer that younger beer drinkers have already gotten into. If they can do it, surely you can too. It will say hello to your tongue with its high carbonation and immediate flavor, has a smooth taste that finishes with a slightly bitterness, and is essentially a beer that can be enjoyed for its flavor or whatever your drinking needs may be.
Pilsner Urquell
Now that we are becoming more experienced in our beers, its time to try something a bit more…gourmet. Enter Pilsner. Pilsner is practically three ingredients, soft water, hops and barley, ensuring that it has a smooth and uncomplicated taste. The way Grey Goose is beloved for its extra filtration, Pilsner’s malt is mashed three times instead of general beer’s usual two in order to bring its flavors out more and develop the golden caramel taste that Pilsner is known for. A VBD will take in a whif of this beer and realize they’ve stepped up a bit. Its near impossible to not receive the soft wheat smell that rises up from a poured glass. A sip of Pilsner will invite a sweet taste, so a new beer drinker doesn’t have to fear forfeiting taste while learning to appreciate something a step up. If you’re going to try, try it all!
Yuengling
Yuengling is a beer that is becoming more well known. Its the only beer on this list that is going to pour a reddish color, so for a new beer drinker, there could be some excitement that this one will taste different than previous tries. Brewed outside of Pittsburgh, Yuengling is a lighter bodied beer that is has the same qualities as many others on this list (light bodied, moderate head, slight bitter aftertaste) but does find a way of separating itself by having a bready, malty taste. Some will note a hint of grain while others will push the malt. Either way, its a great beer that many VBD’s won’t find too hard to get down and will probably appreciate the difference of both its color and its taste.
Fat Tire
Again, we’re moving away from the super popular beers to the more discernible ones, but yet still on that path of “don’t be afraid” to our newcomer beer drinking friends. Fat Tire pours beautifully, has that same caramel taste we spoke of before with Bass Ale, bu incorporates the tan head of the Guinness..while managing to straddle both those beers. Carbonated, full bodied, amber color, and refreshing. The way this beer is, it certainly sounds possible to have it all. A beer that incorporates the hoppy taste towards the end, Fat Tire will allow you to taste the complexity behind it before it pushes you to the beer taste that more experienced drinkers will often appreciate. Plus, who doesn’t like ordering a beverage with a fun name?
Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen
Yes its true, if you try to say this name 5 times fast, you’ll start to sound like you’re just yelling in German…which you are…but if you also stroll up and order a Hefeweizen, you might be officially handing over you VBD card. This Hefeweizen isn’t necessarily for a newbie, but if we’re going to bring you this far, we might as well tell you what to order when you’ve decided to be a man about drinking, or a woman…we’re all-inclusive here. Sierra Nevada is a rich, orange brew with a head that holds up extremely well. Tastes bring out multiple deep flavors. Yes we’re talking fruits, but this is by no means a fruity beer. Papaya, banana, clove are some of the fresh fruits you’ll smell and taste once you dive in. With moderate carbonation, this beer will leave you more refreshed on a summer day than a dip in the pool may. With its hazy gold finish and its crisp taste, once a new beer drinker reaches the Hefeweizen level, they will surely be happy they decided to make the jump into the beer world.
Discusss! #starterbeers
Top 5 Gin Brands
Top 5 Gin Brands and Best Gin
Originally named by its creator Franciscus de la Boe (a.k.a. Dr. Sylvius) as Genièvre, the English (the innovators they are) shortened the name to Gin to make ordering faster and also…pronounceable. Now with many more distilleries in the game, gin has found a place in America as low grade liquor. But don’t be fooled, a higher class gin may be cheaper than a regular bottle of rum or vodka, but it still makes for some great cocktails and awesome man drinks. For those times when you’re looking to mix it up, take a look below at the suggested best Gin brands and surprise everyone the next time you’re out with a well ordered drink. A real drinker knows the greats of every liquor…not just Grey Goose and Johnny Walker.
1. Bombay Sapphire
Never over $40, this English gin mixture is widely known as one of the best gin brands and is easily one of the most widely consumed as well. With its smooth kick and its electric blue bottle, it’s as delicious as its bottle is titillating. Adds color to any drink and has a few specialties of its own like the Sapphire Savoy or the Sapphire Negroni. People tend to be weary of jumping in the Gin pool, but if you’re going to stick your toes in, this is the one start to test out.
2. Magellan
Staying on the “blue” train, if you want to have an original, you’re going to want to go with Magellan Gin. Naturally blue in color, Magellan can run you upwards of $50, but it will certainly be worth it when you take a taste. Gin quality is based on the quality of water it’s used to distill with, and Magellan uses some of the best spring water and distilled resources a liquor producer can use. Distilled through such crisp, clean water can only produce remarkably smooth liquor. Magellan has also been around since 1519, so if you want a Gin that has experience and you can trust; try looking like you know something no one else does by ordering this drink.
3. G’Vine
Never heard of it? Not many have. Conservatively priced at $35, if you want to order something that is different, or you want to bring a bottle to the party that will stand out, this is the way to go. G’Vine has two Gins, Flouraison and Nouaison, both having both a fruity and floral scent. Distilled with spring waters and various ripened berries, this will be a Gin every lady will enjoy and men won’t mind adding to their drinks for an extra punch of flavor. This is a perfect drink when you want to turn your regular gin and tonic up a notch.
4. Plymouth
You can’t really talk Gins without mentioning Plymouth. An easy buy around $25, this stuff was originally made popular by gaining recognition as being “navy strength” at 57% abv and consisting 1000 barrels at a time to the Royal Navy. The originator of the dry martini, this Gin has taste, age (1793), originality and history to propel it to being one of the best in the world. If you are ever unsure of Gins, but you want to look like an original, you cannot go wrong with ordering a martini with Plymouth. James Bond anyone?
5. Leopold Bros.
The one thing that most of the gins (well all) on this list have in common is that they are made somewhere that is not the US. Well here is some American love in the form of a rich and flavorful Gin distilled by the Leopold Bros. Named by Wall Street as the best American Gin, this bottle comes classic, no frills about it. Hand bottled and hand labled, Leopold Bros. work on the platform of “attention to detail” and go the extra step to ensure each barrel is brewed and distilled the way that exact barrel needs to be. That extra effort it something you’ll taste in each drop of this Gin.
Discuss! #bestgin
Top 10 Alcohol consuming countries
Top 10 alcohol drinking nations
Have you ever wondered what country drinks the most? Does the acohol consumption of a country relate to how hard they party? Many countries around the world have reputations for consuming alcohol and some cultures even revolve completely around alcohol. There is much more to this list than just measuring by alcohol consumption. Do these countries consume mostly wine? Do they consume beer? We grade a nation of beer drinkers on this list much higher than a nation of wine drinkers. This list is by no means a perfect list, but just our opinions!
Metrics we used to form this list:
1. Czech Republic
We love this country. Czech Republic is the number 1 consumer country of beer in the world. The Czech also have a very rich tradition and culture revolving around alcohol. This country is very deserving of our number one spot on this list.
2. Estonia
Estonia drinks hard liquor. They’re in the top 99% of the world country per capita that consumes spirits. Even though they drink such a high amount of spirits, they also consume a high amount of beer as well. You could argue this country as number on this list and we would listen!
3. South Korea
South Korea shocked us. We knew our Korean friends liked to enjoy a drink or two, but we didn’t know they consumed at the rate the statistics show. South Korea might be the most underrated drinking country on this list. The majority of their spirtis are rice based.
4. Russia
Mother Russia and Vodka go hand and hand. What would be a list of drinking nations without the inclusion of Russia? They have a great drinking culture and loads of bars per capita. I doubt anyone would question their place on this list.
5. Ireland
Coming into this list we thought Ireland would naturally be number one on this list. If we were ranking on drinking culture alone, Ireland would be number one on this list. They’re lack of liquor consumption brings them down a bit, but they show up strong with beer consumption. If we had to drink our days away in one nation, we’d pick Ireland.
6. Ukraine
Ukraine is obviously not Russia, but they share alot of the same drinking culture. So naturally they would wind up near Russia on this list.
7. Germany
Germany is another country we thought would be in the top three on this list. Germany is known for it’s amazing culture revolving around alcohol. I’m sure there isn’t too many people on the planet that hasn’t heard of Oktoberfest or the Beer garden. The downfall on this list for Germany was that the majority of their alcohol consumption was mostly beer.
8. France
Even though France has a reputation for being a wine and cheese crowd, they can throw down the drinks. They might be the highest consumers of wine in the world, and seem to drink it with most meals.
9. Hungary
Hugary consumes alcohol in high amount regardless the type. They consume beer, liquor, and wine in large amounts. They might not be a country that comes right to you when you think drniking nations, but they scored high on our list.
10. Luxembourg
Luxemburg is the acutal top consumer of wine on this list and not France. Luxemburg is know for it’s high dollar lifestyle and culture. This accounts for all the wine being consumed in this country!
Honorable mentions
United Kingdom – Was shocked at the numbers. We thought for sure they would be top 5.
Lativa – Heavy drinkers that could be argued in the top 10.
Italy – Our love of Lemoncello is enough to get them a mention. Sorrento is close to our hearts.
Moldova – During our research we read a lot about Moldova, and they’re worthy of a mention.
United States – Because we live there!
Rest of the world – We love you too!