A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Draft Beer
Do you often find yourself wondering which Draft beer to order? Choosing a Draft beer for the table to suit the mood is not as difficult as it seems. With the right knowledge, you can choose and order like a pro as well. Say bye-bye to doubts, we are here to rescue you from the dilemma of choosing the right Draft beer.
To make the right decisions it is crucial to have at least basic knowledge about Draft beers, their types, flavor profiles, and so on.
Draft beers are very popular among both beginners and experts, thanks to their freshness and sophisticated serving styles. We at Catalyst Crafted Ales are more than happy to provide you with a beginner’s guide to choosing the right draft beer. So whether you are an expert or new to this magical world of beers, let’s explore, shall we?
What’s Draft Beer?
Draft beer is served directly from kegs, ensuring better freshness as they aren’t exposed to light and oxygen for long plus it is stored in pressurized kegs that maintain their carbonation and taste offering a remarkably aromatic drinking experience. An experience that bottled beer simply can never match as bottled varieties often undergo extra processing and packaging.
Why does it matter? The answer is simple “Freshness”. Draft beer finds its way to your glass faster compared to bottled beer, as draft beer bypasses extended storage times due to a shorter supply chain, hence maintaining its intended flavor and crisp carbonation.
Why Draft Beer is a suitable choice for a beginner? Fairly because you can order them in various sizes that’ll allow you to sample flavors before indulging completely.
Explore our wide collection of Beers on Tap.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Draft Beer
Draft Beers come in plenty of varieties, from IPAs to Stouts, with either complementary or contrasting flavors when paired with food. Every factor reflects answers from your choices and is different for everyone. Let’s see how:
Flavor Profile:
Sweet, bitter, sour, or balanced, what is your preferred type? Always ask yourself this first whenever you plan on ordering, this very question is the foundation of all other factors.
Milk stouts like Envy are sweet, West Coast IPAs like Exchange Variation offer bold bitterness, New England-styled hazy IPAs like Paradise Valley IPA are sour while Pale Ales like Mr. Brightside and Pilsners like Impulse Control offer balanced flavors that can go with any mood.
Alcohol Content:
Alcohol By Volume (ABV) is another such factor; higher ABVs are strong and intense and may not suit lighter occasions. Pistachio Prestige is one such example with 13% ABV.
We recommend going for light Lagers and Pale Ales if you are just starting out.
Occasion:
The occasion is crucial when deciding which draft beer to sip, Casual sipping sessions and Special occasions need to be paired with different Draft beers respectively.
Casual gatherings can be paired with light lagers and pilsners. Try Positive Visualization, an American light lager made with Pilsner malt, and Czech Saaz hops with hints of Saphir.
Pair dark beers for example IPAs and Stouts on formal dinners, with food items like Steak, Barbeque, or even cakes as they complement the whole vibe. Starstruck Stout can be an ideal brew worth considering, it's a smooth stout with hints of vanilla.
Check out The Ultimate Beer Tasting Guide: 10 Must-Know Tips to know more about pairings in detail.
Exploring Popular Types of Draft Beer for Beginners
Draft beers are abundant in variety, from sour brews to bitter ones, there is always something to match every mood and requirement. Let’s understand what different qualities different types of draft beer possess:
Lagers: The light, crisp, and super refreshing qualities of lagers make them a fantastic choice for beginners. They're easy to sip and pair beautifully with all sorts of foods! Try Ultimo Hombre, a Mexican-style lager filled with crispiness and offers a clean taste.
Pale Ales: With a nice balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, pale ales are versatile and can suit any occasion flawlessly. Mr. Brightside is an ideal Pale Ale that easily blends with every mood.
Stouts: Rich and creamy, stouts bring delightful flavors that remind you of coffee or chocolate. You might be surprised at how approachable they are! Starstruck Stout is one fine example, it is a balanced stout that offers a smooth, rich flavor with hints of vanilla and a slightly bitter finish.
IPAs: From juicy tropical tastes to strong bitterness, there’s an IPA for everyone. Crowd favorite Paradise Valley IPA is a balanced IPA that fits every mood.
Read more about IPAs in detail in “Your Complete Guide to IPA Beers”, and don’t forget to check our complete collection of beers.
Tips for a Great Draft Beer Experience
Now seems like you have a basic idea about draft beers, but don’t you want to elevate the overall Draft Beer experience? Here are some crucial bonus tips:
Start with a Taster Flight: Why not kick things off with a fun taster flight? Sample a few small pours to find your flavor, this way you won’t have to commit to a full glass.
Serve at the Right Temperature: Serving beer at the right temperature brings out the most of it. For example, lighter beers are best enjoyed a bit colder, while darker brews shine when they're slightly warmer. Trust us, it makes a difference!
Pair with the Right Foods: Food and Beer is a magical duo that really enhances each other. A crisp lager taste served with salty snacks tastes two times better compared to a dry serving, while a rich stout is a match made in heaven for decadent desserts. Pairing them right is always a game changer and directly affects the overall experience; the right pairing can make your taste buds dance as well.
Check out this amazing Brief Beer & Food Matching Chart.
Why Catalyst Crafted Ales Is the Perfect Place to Begin Your Draft Beer Journey
At Catalyst Crafted Ales, we believe beer to be a mystical liquid that's not just delicious but also helps socialize and create memories that last! Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned aficionado, there’s a world of flavor waiting for you to explore. Our attractive selection of draft beers promises a fresh and exciting experience with every sip, and our staff is always ready to help you navigate your choices. Join us today for thrilling beer-tasting events or laid-back relaxed sessions with friends in our warm and welcoming atmosphere—it’s all about camaraderie and discovery!
Get Ready to Find Your Perfect Draft Beer!
Choosing the ideal draft beer is an adventurous process! By exploring different flavor profiles, ABV levels, and your personal tastes, you can unlock a beer experience that fits your overall requirements. At Catalyst Crafted Ales, we’re passionate about making your beer journey exciting and unforgettable.
Dive into our Beers on Tap to see the incredible options just waiting for you, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Cheers to your next amazing beer adventure! In the meantime enjoy reading our blogs to learn more about beers and unlock an experience like no other!