Admission: an open-mind. Okay, and maybe a couple extra bucks.
According to recent studies that I have completely fabricated to have the appearance of an expert analysis,100 fake people were asked what they thought of when they heard the phrase “college student," and 84 replied “cheap beer”.
Those condescending, make-believe bastards!
The truth is that college students are at least one of the following (usually both): broke and looking to get drunk. Naturally—no pun intended— this would lead the poor saps purchasing and consuming the usually suspects in bulk; Natural Light, Keystone Light, Milwaukee’s Best— most of which bear very fun nicknames and the option of an Ice version.
And you know what, who can blame you? A lot of the time, you’re buying beer for a party (i.e. Other people are drinking the booze anyhow). But what I suggest isn’t to go and buy the good brew for ragers, keggers or whatever the hell they’re being called in your time zone. I’m calling for a change in your beverage for those little urges that you refuse to call alcoholism. You know, you’re bored in your apartment and nothing’s going on. Wouldn’t it be great to have a couple of worthwhile, craft brews to savor and enjoy? Well, here are a few easy steps toward becoming what I would like to refer to as “Beer Conscious”.
Step One:
Try everything you can get your hands on.
There are hundreds of what the Beer Conscious know as Beer Styles out there. Trying out different breweries’ takes on different styles will allow you to figure out what you have a taste for. The best advice that I can give you in this aspect would be to not blow off a style of beer after only having it once or twice. You may hate Green Flash’s West Coast IPA [India Pale Ale] and love Dogfish Head’ 60 Minute IPA. Moreover, you may hate them both upon tasting them, but then grow to appreciate them and eventually the style itself after gaining an understanding of what the brewer was going for when they created the recipe.
Step Two:
After you get a grip on styles and breweries you enjoy, embrace them.
There’s nothing like knowing what you want when you belly up to one of America’s finer beer bars. The selection at some places is massive and can be intimating at times. If you know that you like Stouts or Belgian-styles, either scope out the menu for such a beverage or request that the bartender pick something for you with your preference in mind. For instance, if you’ve been rather enjoying bitter beers like IPAs or Barleywines, tell the bartender that you would like for him or her to pick out a good bitter beer for you. This will often times result in you getting what you want, not to mention forge a trust with the bartender who will take you under their wing in the world of beer, exposing you to new styles and better yet…free samples.
Step Three:
Know when and where to draw the line between craft beer and swilling.
A very complicated aspect of drinking better beer is the culture of which you automatically become a part. The Beer Conscious tend to frown upon those who indulge in the better beers in life simply to catch a buzz; however, some craft beers are like loud-mouthed, obnoxious, role-playing hookers: making you feel so good and letting you abuse them for some extra cash. They are quite efficient in alcohol content and oh-so tasty. So, becoming overly inebriated can happen unbeknownst to you— and this is fine. My whole theory is that when I can’t feel girl’s slapping my face anymore, I know its time for me to go to another bar more appreciative of my candor and likelihood to display my latest meal. From here on out, I’ll maintain my man muscles with a couple two-three pints of PBR or some Jack & Cokes. This way, I am able to appreciate craft brewing for a good while and then pack up the trouble I’m sure to cause and take it somewhere else. After all, most of your better beer bars are hardly ideal to find a good one-night stand— take that to the dives.
Step Four:
Promote your discoveries to your friends and family.
After you drop your proverbial testicles in the craft beer scene, it’s time you find yourself a protégé or two. I would say that my favorite thing about craft beer is being able to enjoy it with others and educate them just as you had been introduced in the past. It is important not to be what is known as a Beer Snob. These individuals stick their noses up and attempt to humiliate those who are less inclined in craft beer. Snobs can be demeaning to both those who are completely ignorant to craft and admitted novices alike; which is anything but helpful to the beer world at whole. My best advice would be to explain to others the same reasons that hooked you into craft beer and offer samples and experiences with them. A good way to introduce a friend would be a local beer festival or tasting— this will help them develop an understanding of styles that they like. Hey! That’s what you did, too!
I hope this helped you in any beer-related endeavors that you have submitted curiosity toward. And remember, one of the most important things to remember in the craft beer world is to patronize your local better beer producers and establishments!
Have a beer question? Brad can absolutely answer it.
Email questions, comments, etc. to Brad at Bmb238@psu.edu
*Originally ran in Boosh Magazine [and at www.BooshMagazine.com]
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment