Become a beer drinking expert with these 8 tips to optimize the flavor and overall beer experience!

Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world today. It has a long history dating back to 5,000 BC. Its unique taste is enjoyed by many, but it may be surprising to learn that most people don't actually know how to properly drink beer. Don’t worry! Read further to get 8 tips to help you drink beer like a total pro! 

1. Pick the Right Beer for YOU

When you choose a beer to drink, it’s worth it to first think about what flavors you like and want to taste. Ask yourself, do you prefer your beer to be lighter and smoother or heavier and more flavorful? The right beer for you is out there but it’ll take time to find the right one. Exploring different types of beer will help you figure out what you like and don’t like in a beer. 

Lager is a lighter beer with a smooth and consistent flavor. An IPA embodies herbal flavors with a hint of fruit and citrus. A stout is a darker beer with a more bitter flavor. There are many more types of beers to explore, all of which will have their own unique twist in flavor. 

2. Choose the Right Glass

Believe it or not, a glass will impact your beer drinking experience! Certain types of beer belong in specifically designed glasses. When you think of beer you may picture a classic beer mug, but there are actually a variety of beer glasses to choose from. For example, a pint glass is often used with an IPA, American Ale, Dark Lager, or Stout.  There is also the tulip, pilsner, weizen, stange glass, and the traditional goblet and beer stein. All of which have a designed purpose to enhance the taste of the beer. 

3. Pair Your Beer with Good Food

Beer is best when it’s being consumed with good food. Cheesy pizza or a burger with fries is always good with beer. Read more about pairing your beer with the right food here. 

4. Skip the Frosted Glass

Did you know that a frosted glass will actually destroy the beer's carbonation and its distinct aroma? Despite what you may have heard, a frozen glass does not improve the taste of the beer and will even cause the beer to foam. With that said, it would be wise to drink your beer from a glass that is kept at room temperature.

5. Perfect the Pour

The pouring of a beer is important because it impacts the flavors within the beer. To properly pour a beer hold your glass at a 45 degree angle and begin to pour at the high point of the glass. Slowly bring the glass upright and wait for any foam to settle. Enjoy a perfectly poured beer!

6. Dive into the Initial Smell and Taste

Before you have your first sip of your poured beer, smell it! Just like tasting wine at the winery, smelling beer first will reveal its flavors hidden inside. Prepare your taste buds and swirl your glass to release the beer's aromas. Sip your beer and take note of the various flavors you are experiencing. 

7. Don’t Drink Beer Ice Cold

If you drink your beer too cold you won’t fully experience the beer and its robust flavors. Serving beer at just the right temperature depends on the beer itself. Generally, stronger beers are served warmer than weaker beers and darker beers are served warmer than lighter beers. 

8. Don’t Leave Beer in the Sun

If you have ever tasted or smelt a skunked beer, you know why beer shouldn't be left in the sun. Leaving beer out in the sun will cause it to develop a foul and pungent smell, and above that the taste becomes unpleasant. 

Stop in at Pocono Brewery Company, located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, for authentic brewed beer with great flavor. If you want the full experience order a wood fired oven pizza served only with the freshest ingredients!