What Beer Should I Buy For My Mechanics?

"SVTyler" (svtyler) 08/17/2015 at 14:25 • Filed to: None

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Simple as it sounds, dudes have helped out my family a lot over the years so I figure the least I could do is buy them a case or two before I go back to school. Problem is I don’t drink so I’m turning to Beerlopnik for some suggestions.

Stereotyping aside, they’re all older, salt-of-the-earth working-class guys so I figure a micro-brew double IPA made with organic free-range hops harvested by virgin hippies from a self-sustaining commune in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains or something would be a bit out there for them. That being said, I’d still like to buy something that’s a little nicer than what they have in the fridge at home. Price is irrelevant, I just want something that will say “hey, thanks guys” without being too fancy.

EDIT: I live in Indiana for what it’s worth, not sure what kind of regional stuff there is near me.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:27

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extraspecialbitter > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:27

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Pilsners. Carlsberg.

jkm7680 > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:27

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Pabst Blue Ribbon :)

itschrome > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:29

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play it safe and go with your regional favorite. Like in my neck of the woods i’d go with either labatt, molsen, genesee or yuengling. with those being the most popular beers in my region.

Your boy, BJR > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:29

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Miller Lite or High Life

Bytemite > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:31

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Get them something mexican and light to cool off. Dos Equis, or Modelo.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:33

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Oddly enough, all the technicians that work for my mom like decidedly un-manly drinks, such as Stella, Corona, and Smirnoff Ice. Is it a mechanic thing?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:34

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PBR FTW, I mean shit it won and award.

SVTyler > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/17/2015 at 14:35

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Does she work at a dealership? You should see the shop we go to, it’s some little hole-in-the-wall place with a bunch of mid-50’s dudes fixing up old muscle cars. My 12-year-old Focus was the newest car in the shop by about twenty years last time I brought it by.

Mattbob > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:37

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Where are you in the country?

Tohru > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:37

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30 pack of Busch Light each.

SVTyler > itschrome 08/17/2015 at 14:38

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I’ll have to ask the liquor store dude about any regional stuff. I’m from Indiana which from what I can tell isn’t exactly the beer capital of the country.

McMike > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:38

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Corona with a few limes.

I never order it myself, but will never turn one down.

uofime-2 > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:40

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Where do you live?

Someone else suggested Pilsner, I second that, light, refreshing and tasty.

Lagunitas Pils is good stuff, but I think they only sell it in six packs @~9$/ea, so get two or three

SVTyler > Mattbob 08/17/2015 at 14:41

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Indiana so not like a huge beer utopia or anything. I looked around on the Internet for some regional beers but it’s slim pickings it seems like.

itschrome > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:42

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I believe your in bud country.. gross.. but yeah just find out what the best seller is in your area and play it safe. I’m just in that weird spot of the country where we drink more Canadian than domestic. I can’t remember the last time i saw some one drinking bud.

ceanderson920 > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:43

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I would play it safe and just get something boring like Bud Light or Budwieser. The majority of the beer drinkers around my area either drink Bud light or Coors light. Or maybe you should just get a bottle of Jack D for the them, they will probably like that.

SVTyler > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 08/17/2015 at 14:44

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Hell, if it won a Blue Ribbon it must be the best beer ever, right?

supra-squirrel > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:45

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Might a suggest a delicious Oktoberfest/marzen beer like the one in your picture? Its the perfect time and most have just been bottled and should be hitting store shelves soon.

A particular favorite of mine from is left hand but if any of the brewers and ound you make one then I would try some out and make a decision.

That or a nice mix pack

ceanderson920 > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:45

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Back in 1893 ya it was the best beer haha thats why it is called Blue Ribbon.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:47

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All my friends know the best way to thank me is a bomber of Three Philosophers. But that’s neither here nor there.

I would say Sam Adams is a big one everyone recognizes, it’s good beer, and it’s a bit more upscale than Coors/Bud/Miller without being too fancy schmancy. There are also good regional beers out there - Sierra Nevada, Brooklyn, Shiner, Allagash, Goose Island, Widmer Brothers. Again, not quite full on craft beers, but more niche than the big boys.

More importantly, just go for a style most people like - a pale ale (no IPA), lager, wheat beer. Also acceptable would be kolsch, bocks, and pilsners. Those are all pretty balanced beers that most anyone who drinks beer with enjoy. Avoid IPAs, stouts, saisons, dubbels, etc.

ceanderson920 > Tohru 08/17/2015 at 14:48

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Dirty Thirty FTW!

SVTyler > uofime-2 08/17/2015 at 14:48

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Indiana, not much to speak of in regards to regional brews. I like the six-pack idea but I’d probably buy one each for the 7 or 8 dudes working at the shop so that might be a bit expensive. Then again they’ve saved me way more than the ~$70 or whatever over the years so it might be worth it anyways.

SVTyler > supra-squirrel 08/17/2015 at 14:50

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I’ll keep that in mind, my thought was to buy two or three different kinds of beers anyway, might as well throw a seasonal brew in as well for some variety.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:51

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Just look at it, I mean you drink it with oysters on the half shell. It’s not a bad thrist quincher beer when iced down to about 33 deg. F, otherwise some Sierra Nevada or other good quality bottled beer would be more appropriate.

crowmolly > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:52

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12 pack of Newcastle each.

SVTyler > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 08/17/2015 at 14:53

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Sierra Nevada was the kind of higher-quality-but-not-too nice stuff I was looking for, thanks for the suggestion. Any similar brands you would suggest as well?

uofime-2 > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 14:54

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Yeah, bring in enough that everyone gets two on a Thursday evening near closing time.

Lagunitas is basically an regional brew, since they have a brewery in Chicago now. I actually visited it a couple weeks ago, its pretty cool.

SVTyler > itschrome 08/17/2015 at 14:59

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Seems like that’s all we got here, Budweiser, Miller Lite, etc. etc. Nothing wrong with regular beers like that I guess, but again I’m looking for stuff that’s a little more special than the watered-down crap you buy for $10 at IMS.

Mattbob > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 15:00

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you have 3 Floyd’s down there. They have some very good beer. Northern Indiana? Maybe Greenbush distributes in your area?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 15:01

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She OWNS a hole-in-the-wall shop. And the guy that likes the Ice is 62. All but one of her guys is over 40.

SVTyler > Snuze: Needs another Swede 08/17/2015 at 15:02

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Sam Adams was one of the brands that initially came to mind, any specific beer of theirs you like? And I’m staying well away from the craft beer rabbit hole, I know a few beer snobs from school and listening to them talk is like a completely different language.

pauljones > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 15:06

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Beer taste is an extremely subjective thing, and that’s part of what makes it so much fun. Simply talking to people and comparing beer preferences can be a lot of fun. Never assume that people might not be beer nerds; you never know until you talk to them. Just this weekend, I actually met a very lovely young woman that sat there and not only talked beer with me, but also schooled me in knowledge of the brewing arts. Unfortunately for me, she was a lesbian, but hell, I made a great new friend and enjoyed talking with her. It’s also the best way to figure out a person’s beer preferences. Seeing as you don’t drink, and therefore don’t have a common frame of reference to discuss, that’s a bit of a challenge.

In all honesty, you don’t even have to try to beat what they have in the fridge at home. In the case of beer, regardless of what that beer is, it’s the gesture that counts more than anything else. If you just want simplicity, go for a case of lawnmower beer, whichever is most popular in your area. To get an idea of what might be popular, next time you go out to dinner and are walking past the restaurant bar, take note of what’s on tap. They are only going to keep beers on tap that are popular in the area and they know will sell in huge quantity.

Noted examples of this kind of beer:

Bud/Bud Light
Miller/Miller Lite
Natural Bohemian (Often shortened as NattyBo)
Coors/Coors Light
Natural Light
Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR)
Yuengling
Corona

Like I said, go to a restaurant, and whichever ones they have on tap will be solid choices to buy for the mechanics. It’s quick and easy, and will be a nice gesture without coming off as trying too hard.

If you still want to try to go for something that’s a little different, but still easy and approachable, try the following:

Guinness
Miller High Life
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Sam Adams Boston Lager
New Belgium Fat Tire
Shiner Bock
Heineken
Dos Equis Amber

If you find out that one or more of them actually are beer nerds that love oddball craft brews, that’s a whole different story. Come back and see me for that.

SVTyler > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/17/2015 at 15:08

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That’s surprising, I can’t imagine any of the dudes at this place to like anything besides something like Bud Light or Miller or whatever common-denominator beers most people drink. Wouldn’t hurt to ask I suppose.

And I knew from your wording she owned the garage but figured my wording was relatively analogous. Sorry if I offended.

SVTyler > pauljones 08/17/2015 at 15:16

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Thank you for the thoughtful reply. I know they’re not beer snobs or anything (we’ve joked around in the past about me owing them some six-packs for their work and the always mentioned domestics) but I would like to get them something special, maybe one of the ones from your second list (or a mix for variety). We’re actually going out tonight so I’ll check what the bar has on tap, that’s a great idea I didn’t even think of.

Sam > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 15:18

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If you want something local you could get some Sun King (the guys from the Tom Brady Sux thing) or some Flat12. I don’t actually know how they taste, so you’d probably have to try it yourself. I’ve heard good things, though.

SVTyler > uofime-2 08/17/2015 at 15:18

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I was thinking to stop by on a Friday so they have something to enjoy over the weekend but yeah, I’ll see if the local liquor store has Lagunitas. I’ve heard of that brand before because a few of my friends are beer guys so it’s nice to have another recommendation for it.

SVTyler > Sam 08/17/2015 at 15:26

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Sun King was one of the local brands my beer-inclined friend suggested so I’ll add that to the list of options, thank you.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 15:28

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No offense taken, just wanted to clarify. And you should ask your mechanics’ boss what to get. If anyone knows what they like, it’ll be the shop owner.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > itschrome 08/17/2015 at 15:29

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I find it funny your regions favorites include 2 Canuckistanis.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/17/2015 at 15:31

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1. What do you have against Stella, it’s awesome.

2. Corona is mexican piss.

3. ??? Is that technically a beer? Never had it, but I've always thought it was vodka-something.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 08/17/2015 at 15:34

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I recognize this at an attempt at humour, but I still can't let that pass.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 08/17/2015 at 15:40

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Watch Blue Velvet.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 08/17/2015 at 15:41

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Still can't let it pass.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 15:41

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I think that’s smart. I don’t know that I’d call myself a beer snob - I love trying new beers and know what I like and what styles are similar and suck. But I can’t describe the nuiances of flavor or bouquet or whatever other bullshit people talk about.

I think Sam Adams Boston Lager is a really solid beer. That’s “the” Sam Adams beer. Their Boston Ale is also pretty good, as is their Noble Pils.

I’d also take a look at what pauljones suggested, he has a very solid list.

uofime-2 > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 15:42

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Yeah, the reason I suggest Thursday is that on Fridays a lot of people are in a rush to get home and do something, but Thursdays they have more time to shoot the shit and enjoy a couple beers before taking off.

SVTyler > uofime-2 08/17/2015 at 15:44

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Didn’t think of that, that makes a lot more sense than Friday. Thank you.

itschrome > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 08/17/2015 at 15:44

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well it’s upstate western NY, so basically american Canada. haha also with Labbat; Genesee brews/imports that under license due to non-compete laws even though inbev owns the brand. And that’s out of Rochester, ny. but hey anything is better than Budweiser..

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 08/17/2015 at 15:45

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1. Never said anything against Stella, just that it’s not a favorite drink you’d expect of a man who’s spent 2/3 of his life working on cars.

2. Agreed

3. It’s not hop-based but it is lightly carbonated and the bottle describes it as a “beer beverage”, likely in the same way that Kraft Singles are “cheese”.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > itschrome 08/17/2015 at 15:53

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Kinja bjorked.

Recommend

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 08/17/2015 at 15:54

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Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/17/2015 at 15:55

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Fair enough, good, and

“beer beverage”, likely in the same way that Kraft Singles are “cheese”.

XD

coelacanthist > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 15:59

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Creep around back and check the recycling bin.

RallyWrench > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 16:02

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You’re a good man. I’d be the mechanic that enjoys the super hot rod IPA, but I also enjoy Coors or PBR. Try a good pale ale like Sierra Nevada on the hoppy side, or Deschutes Mirror Pond if you can get it there, it’s really really good but not too aggressive. Or you could just ask them what they like.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 08/17/2015 at 16:15

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Still can’t let it pass.

kincai28 > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 16:27

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New Belgium makes a folly pack (you get three bottles of four varieties of beer) which would be easy to cater to multiple tastes.

SVTyler > coelacanthist 08/17/2015 at 16:32

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Nothing but raccoons and old starter motors back there lol. I’ve chatted with them before about jokingly owing them beer for how much stuff they’ve fixed on my car and they like domestics it seems so I’ll probably go that route.

SVTyler > kincai28 08/17/2015 at 16:35

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That’d make things a lot easier, I was thinking of buying a bunch of different cases/six-packs so they get some variety to split amongst themselves. Thanks for the heads-up.

SVTyler > RallyWrench 08/17/2015 at 16:40

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If I am then they’re saints man, it means a lot to our family to have trustworthy dudes like them we can rely on. I’d personally ask them what they drink but I like the idea of surprising them on a Friday with a couple cases for them to take home so I’m kind of spitballing here. You’re like the third person to recommend Sierra Nevada so I’ll definitely see if they got some of that at the liquor store when I stop by.

RallyWrench > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 16:46

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I’ve been a tech for a long time, and beer is always appreciated. Much better than donuts! Sierra is my default beer, and it’s everywhere here in CA.

coelacanthist > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 17:10

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My go to “thank you” beer is Sierra Nevada, but my mechanic drinks bud light. How bout a sixer of something nice and a case of something cheap?

Tohru > SVTyler 08/17/2015 at 17:25

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My serious answer would be New Glarus Brewing Spotted Cow, but it’s not sold outside Wisconsin.

SVTyler > Tohru 08/17/2015 at 20:45

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Any more widely available offering you would suggest? Like I said man I’m completely in the dark about any and all things alcohol.

SVTyler > Mattbob 08/17/2015 at 20:52

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Central, just outside of Indianapolis. Greenbush doesn’t distribute in my area but 3 Floyd’s does so I’ll ask the liquor store dude about it and see what he thinks. Thank you for the suggestions.

SVTyler > coelacanthist 08/17/2015 at 20:53

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That’s my plan, maybe two cases of regular Bud or whatever and then one of something a bit nicer. That’s another vote for Sierra Nevada so I’ll probably end up getting that, thank you.

SVTyler > ceanderson920 08/17/2015 at 20:55

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Bourbon is actually a good idea and one I didn’t think about. Maybe a few cases of beer to take home and a fifth for keeping around the shop?

Tohru > SVTyler 08/18/2015 at 01:53

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Leinenkugel’s sold in your area? You can’t go wrong with Leinie’s Honey Weiss.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/18/2015 at 02:01

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Nope. While I will take a Stella over the other two, or standard domestic wheat water macro brew offerings, it’s not my favorite. Almost everyone in my shop prefers IPA’s, porters, and stouts.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > SVTyler 08/18/2015 at 02:07

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Don’t know if you have it where you live, but I grew up in Minnesota and Schell’s was quite popular as far as a being a step up from standard Midwest offerings but still likeable for the average Joe.

Horkin' Up Dangle Hams > SVTyler 08/18/2015 at 05:29

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The same bet is always a lighter beer. That doesn’t mean lighter beer. Light beer is for people that don’t like to drink beer, they just like to pee a lot. I’m a dark beer man myself (i.e. stouts and porters), but finding those in a case for less than the cost of a small home in Detroit is difficult.

Depending on your budget, something from Sweet Water would be good. But if you’re just trying to get them trashed, my beer of choice is Bud Light Platinum. 6% alcohol, but it drinks like water.

Horkin' Up Dangle Hams > Tohru 08/18/2015 at 05:32

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Best part is, that’ll cost you about $3.50. Total.

Tohru > Horkin' Up Dangle Hams 08/18/2015 at 06:34

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Even if you get one for yourself.

Horkin' Up Dangle Hams > Tohru 08/18/2015 at 06:41

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Their Lemon Shandy is the drink of the Gods, and easily the best alcohol to consume on a boat.