This topic came up last night when I was doing the Coffee Porter throw down, that one of the tasters didn’t have a lot of experience, and was making comments like “this is really full bodied like a lager”, and “I like all the hops in the porter”, he really had no clue what he was talking about. He likes craft beers and wants to advance his understanding of the different styles. So here is some fresh meat for the craft beer world, but what to get him to try? He isn’t afraid of BIG beers, thus he doesn’t need to be coddled with Sam Adams and Land Shark Lager, but I don’t want to tip him over either with something like Leafer Madness or Storm King Stout.
So what would you suggest as a good cross section of brews for a noobie that likes what he has had, but wants to advance his understanding of the different types and styles of beers? Some ideas I have had are Rogue Dead Guy Ale, Stone’s Arrogant Bastard, Deschutes Mirror Mirror, and Abyss, and maybe something from Oscar Blues to show the difference between good canned beer and the stuff his contemporaries are drinking. So what are your suggestions? There are so many out there, what is a good cross section for someone’s bevereducation?
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
I had to laugh at: “this is really full bodied like a lager”, and “I like all the hops in the porter”
We’ve all been there.
It might be interesting to let this newbie sample the Mikkeller’s single hop series. From a learning experience, he would REALLY know what a hop tastes like in general, as well as the varieties.
I would also suggest some basic brews (like you mentioned) but hit up all the major categories. i.e. have him taste an IPA followed by a Porter.
That’s my 2 shekels.
Great ideas Nate. I will have to see if we have any of the Mikkeller’s brews out here. I’ve looked in the past and no luck, but they seem to be getting a little more popular, and that is usually when things start to show up out here on the left coast…well almost coast, just one big earthquake away. I figured an IPA, Porter, Stout, and Lager for the basic beer types, then we can expand from there.
Too soon, Don. Too soon.
This is an interesting topic for me, and we covered it to a degree as to what were the best beers for a beginner to try. Something not too extreme, but something that will pique a beginner’s interest in trying new things – while not scaring them away with high ABV or extreme flavors.
I think Nate hits on some good points that part of beer edumukashun is developing the ability to compare and contrast the differences, as well as just pointing them in the right direction. Here’s an IPA, this is a Stout, here’s what a Pilsner tastes like, and so on. Then, once a person has established some preferences they can go off exploring on their own.
Looking back, I think my favorites are Dead Guy, Blue Moon, Guinness, and something like Bass and maybe a more hoppy American Pale Ale. You can find them literally everywhere, none are extreme, but I think you get an idea of what’s out there and a peek into the variety that is available.
Good suggestions Scott. I was thinking less of trying to convert someone and introduce them, as I was thinking about trying to help train their palate to the different beer styles. Good suggestions tho.
I know I commented on Scott’s blog about this before and recommended Ommegang Witte, Avery White Rascal, Victory Prima Pils and pretty much anything by Samuel Smith. But recently I have come across Magic Hat #9 and think this is a really good gateway beer. It has a good pale ale character with a slightly sweet side to it. Doesn’t punch you in the face with hops.
Thanks mike. I think I can get that locally. I’ll look for it. Thanks for the other suggestions too.
Don, we’re on the same page. My suggestions (I think) are not shocking to the palate, easily findable, and could be used for palate-training as they are all different.
Conversion for them will come in time. 😉 Resistance is futile.
This guy is already a believer, i’m just trying to help him out. I like your suggestions. What about a sour or a Belgian that might fit the bill?
Just look back on the stuff you’ve reviewed here and tell him to try those. If he’s already into craft beers, just help him find the ones you think are good. Pretty simple really.
Or better yet, take him beer shopping. It’s always fun loading up someone elses basket.
I’m going to suggest going with something like Chimay Grand Reserve. It’s so good, it’s bound to broaden the guy’s horizons. I think this is my new take on the expansion/converter topic. Give them the best you have. How can they resist?
That is a great introduction to Belgians too. I think that is a great suggestion. Thanks Rachel.
Can’t help w/ the Sours as I’m a sour virgin. (I’m blushing) I think a nice Belgian would be Leffe Blonde. Mmmmmmm. Also, if you take this dude beer shopping, make sure he buys all the ‘learning materials’. 😉 Its only fair.
Yes, That would work in a perfect world, but you see he is my son. And he is presently unemployed. So Dad is actually training his palate. I figure it is good to begin their education early, so I guess I can’t complain. The Leffe Blonde is a good suggestion too.