This is a general plea for help

"Not a Sunburst Miata" (moezsayani)
12/21/2013 at 23:50 • Filed to: None

So I've never liked the taste of beer.
I've tried dos Equis, miller lite, bud light, and a few of BJ's craft brews. But it's always either tasted really bitter or too much like stale sprite to me. I don't have a problem with hard liquor, I love vodka and scotch and pretty much anything else.
What brews do you guys suggest for me to start enjoying beer?

DISCUSSION (44)

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/21/2013 at 23:52

If you don't like the bitter taste.. why bother :)

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/21/2013 at 23:52

Lets see...sounds like you need to try some serious craft brews. Not the stuff that the big guys are making and sticking "craft" labels on, but real, hard to find craft brews. This might be really exciting for you. If you go down to your local liquor store, they will likely have a large selection of stuff you've never even seen before. Its hard to guestimate someone's taste, but it sounds like you'd like something with some body, some mild sweetness, and something fairly smooth. Does that sound right?

PS9 > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/21/2013 at 23:53

Beer is an acquired taste, and every person has different perceptions of the taste of each beer. I though Stella was pretty good but a coworker said it taste like pisswater. I asked what beer they thought was good then, and they responded with 'Natural Ice'. I thought they were joking, but nope.

I guess you could just keep picking brews till you find something you like(That's what I did). Or just stick to the harder stuff.

thereisnospork > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/21/2013 at 23:55

Guinness perhaps? Its a pretty non-offensive start into dark beers. On draft of course. In general if you don't like the bitterness I would stray away from IPA's towards malty porters and stouts, maybe a nice brown ale.

If I knew what part of the country your in I could maybe recommend something more specific. Also I've found beeradvocate.com to be fairly reliable for reviews/etc.

f86sabre > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/21/2013 at 23:55

I started where you were about 10 years ago. I like Guinness as it is smoother than you would think and relatively low calorie. We drink a lot of Spaten Optimator in our house. My wife and I found it at an German place near here. If we are going for American it is usually Yuengling.

Given the choice though, I'm good with Tullamoredew whiskey and Diet Pepsi.

shpuker > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/21/2013 at 23:55

Blue Moon winter seasonal pack. Do it. You'll thank me later. If that can't make a beer drinker out of you nothing can. Ohh Leinenkugel too. Good stuff there.

Not a Sunburst Miata > Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
12/21/2013 at 23:56

Yeah. Are there any that you would suggest? I'm heading to the liquor store on Monday to restock.

shpuker > PS9
12/21/2013 at 23:57

Stella is good, Natty is piss water.... Their taste buds are pretty back asswards.

Not a Sunburst Miata > shpuker
12/21/2013 at 23:57

A lot of my friends have suggested blue moon, so hopefully I'll pick up a six pack on Monday.

Your boy, BJR > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/21/2013 at 23:58

The Alchemist Heady Topper. It's top of Beer Advocate's top 100. My personal favorite is Shiner Bock.

f86sabre > f86sabre
12/21/2013 at 23:58

Fun fact: we were in Ireland a year ago and I was standing at the bar waiting to get a couple of pints of the local stuff. Anyway, I hear the bartender talking to, what I assume was, a local patron and he said he only drank Miller Lite. Good price and no hangover. The other guy agreed. I thought they were nuts.

JustWaitingForAMate > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/21/2013 at 23:58

Hoegaarden Belgian White.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. - May come across slightly bitter.

Midas Touch from Dogfish Head.

Stay away from Millers/Bud/Coors, it's piss water.

Not a Sunburst Miata > thereisnospork
12/21/2013 at 23:59

I think that's my problem. My cousins are obsessed with IPAs so that's all we drink. I'm in the Dallas area.

shpuker > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/21/2013 at 23:59

I'm a huge fan myself. Lot of flavor to them.

Sam Adams has a lot of good stuff too! And I'll second the Shiner Bock suggestion.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/21/2013 at 23:59

First, and most important. Where are you located? This will help to figure out what you could have access to, and drive the recommendation. Need to get you some real beer.

Not a Sunburst Miata > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits
12/22/2013 at 00:00

I'm mainly in the Dallas area, but I also spend a lot of time in Chicago.

vdub_nut: scooter snob > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:01

Porters and stouts are really approachable. Low (usually) IBU (bitterness), less hop flavor, and more roasted malts. LBC and Left Hand make milk stouts which have lactose sugars added during brewing to sweeten them. Delicious.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:04

I would try any decent Belgian Ale, as they are usually sweeter, smooth, and not bitter. Also they won't be like stale sprite that's for sure. Also, if you don't mind trying something darker, you could go for a cream stout, or really any english stouts at all. They will also be very creamy, smooth, and go down very nicely. In fact, any stout at all will really fit those characteristics to a degree. Also, any english brown ale might fit the bill as well. If you give those kinds to the guy at the store, assuming he knows what he's doing, he might be able to point you in the right direction, or suggest a few solid picks.

These two sites might help a lot:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/

http://www.craftbeer.com/style-finder

I'm sorry if I'm not more help, I'm absolutely terrible with beer names...for maybe not quite far fetched reasons :p I tend to be forgetful of stuff like that. But given those styles, and with those sites, along with a guy who knows what specifically is stocked at the store, you might be able to come away with some great choices.

Simplify, then add beer > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:05

What did you think of beers like Corona or Sol? Would a lighter beer like that help?

JustWaitingForAMate > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:06

Why is American beer like sex in a canoe?

Because they're both fucking close to water.

Kinja'd!!!

I kid, I kid. I have great respect for the US macro/micro brew scene, I just wish I could get more of it over here.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:07

Just skip the beer and get that Jack Daniels

Worked pretty good for me so far.

Desu-San-Desu > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:08

Kinja'd!!!

A Leinenkugel variety pack is a great start. Easily my favorite brewery. I'm not a big fan of hops, and so their low-hops approach makes for a really crisp, smooth beer. They're penchant for fruit and wheat brews makes them a great brew for beginners.

Also, their berry-type beers are an awesome place to start.

Really...anything by Leinenkugel.

Jayhawk Jake > f86sabre
12/22/2013 at 00:13

Ugh, and miller lite is the worst of the domestic water beers...

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:15

Alrighty then, I will be of very little help getting you a local brew. However, I can give you a little primer.

IPA, Double IPA, Imperial IPA- all of them rely on hops to give them their characteristic "bitterness" Sometimes this can also have a sort of cirtus or even piney flavor. Always heading for the bitter end of the scale.

Stouts- sometimes these will also have some hops to them, but you should be pretty safe.

Belgians- typically a lighter beer in body, with rarely any bittering at all. Can also find it in dubbel or tripel, and usually the strength (abv) goes up with each step up.

Porters-again, another ale variant, usually without not bittered.

Anyone else can feel free to jump in an shut my ass down if I am wrong. I know exactly enough to be an idiot, and I am proud of that accomplishment.

One thing that you can see on some beers is something listed and IBU's. It's a rating given to how bitter the beer is. The higher the number, the more bitter the beer. Also, another anecdotal tip is to look at the ABV of the beer. Usually, the higher the ABV, the "heavier" the beer will be in how it drinks. A very heavy beer might be referred to as one that would pour much "thicker(?)" than water would, not syrupy, but heading that direction.

Some brands that I have had consistent good brew from would be southern tier, heavy seas, flying dog, flying fish, Troegs, Dogfish Head, Mendocinos. I tend to like heavier beers, and I love Old Rasputin Russian stout. I will now yield the floor to someone who know a bit more about the breweries on that side of the country.

thereisnospork > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:16

Hmm, unfortunately I'm a lot more familiar with the northeast/mid atlantic so I'm not sure what will be around you.

Some beers you might like and can maybe find:

Dog Fish Head - indian brown ale

Victory - Storm King

Founders: Breakfast Stout

Founders: Porter

Breckenridge Brewery - '72 Imperial Stout

North Coast Brewing - Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - quite good if you can find

Samuel Smith - Taddy Porter and Oatmeal Stout

Left Hand - Nitro Milk Stout

Also there are the Belgian Beers, which tend to be more fruity in character than what you seem to have had before. The Westmalle tripel is quite good (not cheap though) as are the Chimay's. Duvel is not as full flavored as the monk beers but it makes for easier drinking imo. It is also very available.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits
12/22/2013 at 00:16

Oooo Another you would really like might be Boddingtons. It comes in a 4 pack of cans, bright yellow.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:18

Kinja'd!!!

Start with this. My girlfriend is a self-proclaimed beer hater, and she loves this. Either this or Newcastle. It's another beer I can get her to drink almost anytime.

Reigntastic > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:39

I'm a big fan of Blue Moon, that's a really superb tasting beer, goes nicely with an orange slice too.

orcim > Desu-San-Desu
12/22/2013 at 00:44

Cheese head. ;)

Used to drink this before they sold in the silver cans. Haven't tried the new stuff. Wil undertake when I get back (it's been 20 years, now.)

orcim > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:46

I'd suggest you take the suggestions of many here and try one of those variety packs. When you ID some beer you like, write another post and tell us what you like. With a target in mind, the suggestions for others to try are going to be way more spot on and enjoyable, I think.

911e46z06 > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 00:57

First of all, good strategy. Beer can be an acquired taste, and starting out with less beery beers is a good way to acquire said taste. Stick with it, it's worth it.

A good place to start is probably fruity stuff. Eel River does a very nice acai-wheat that you might enjoy, and Wild Blue tastes like blueberry pie. Lost Coast does an awesome Raspberry Brown, but that may still be a bit beery for you.

Beers that taste like other stuff is good too. Breckenridge does an awesome Vanilla Porter. Kona's Pipeline Porter has yummy coffee flavor to it. And my personal favorite, Young's Double Chocolate Stout is basically a chocolate milkshake. Drink this kind of stuff when it's cold out. It'll hit the spot.

If you like wine or hard alcohol, they do beers aged in barrels previously used to hold other stuff, thus imparting the flavor of the other stuff to the beer. Anderson Valley does a really good Bourbon-Barrel Stout if you're in to Bourbon.

What I started out on was wheat beers plus fruit. Blue Moon or Shocktop with an orange, or Heffeweizen with a lemon. Can't go wrong. If you don't like it, squeeze another wedge in there.

From there, since you don't like the bitterness, just ease in slow with malty stuff like Nut Browns (Samuel Smiths, Smithwicks, Moos Drool), Belgian Whites (Affligem, Duvel), Cream Ales (Anderson Valley Summer Solstice), and Ambers (Abita, Eel River, Caldera) until you get the taste for it. You'll be pounding Dogfish Doubles in no time.

911e46z06 > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits
12/22/2013 at 01:02

Stay far away from Dogfish if you don't like bitter. Also, Pales (like the Shiner) and IPAs are all bitter, so I'd stay away from those. Boddington's is good stuff, but it's a typical pub beer, and I wouldn't say great for a new beer drinker. Newcastle is a good call, though I personally prefer Smithwick's. But eat a Twix and drink a Newcastle at the same time, it'll change your life.

911e46z06 > shpuker
12/22/2013 at 01:08

Sam's stuff is all pretty hoppy. Blue Moon is probably the way to go. Don't forget the orange.

911e46z06 > vdub_nut: scooter snob
12/22/2013 at 01:10

Gotta be careful with those Milk Stouts. They're either really good or really, really, unspeakably bad

jvirgs drives a Subaru > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 01:12

I would recommend starting with the wheat beers. They are not usually bitter and more flavorful. Blue Moon is a personal favorite. You wouldn't know it was made by Coors by its taste. Their seasonal beers are good as well.

Sam Adams also has good selections for beers that are not bitter and have good flavor. Their Blackberry Witbier is delicious

jvirgs drives a Subaru > Desu-San-Desu
12/22/2013 at 01:14

It does come down to personal taste because I've had a few of their berry beers and I found them to be undrinkable which is a shame because they sounded great

For Sweden > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 01:44

I don't like bitter beers [shame], but I really like blondes, honey blondes, and bocks.

Not a Sunburst Miata > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
12/22/2013 at 02:27

A man after my own heart. I'm sorry, my four valves belong to my engine.

ddavidn > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 02:42

I don't like any of those either, with the exception of Dos Equis Amber, but only with tacos.

What I do like are heffeweizens and darker beers (stouts, porters, etc) and a very few pale ales. I'm not sure I've had much craft beer out of your area, but I would look to get a few different "reference" beers so you can start figuring out what you like. For example, a Russian Imperial Stout is going to have a very unique flavor that might be too bitter for you. Guinness, as others have suggested, is a very nice, smooth stout beer. I much prefer the "extra stout" version. If you like that, I have many suggestions. On the other hand, if you like the heffeweizens (Widmer Brothers makes my favorite, bottles with bright yellow labels and reasonable prices) you are into the lighter flavors and smooth finishes. Full Sail makes a lot of nice, mild and refreshing beers in the "pale ale" segment. I like those in the summertime. (I live in Washington state, so I get to drink pale ales for about a week every year.)

Then, there are beers that branch out from the main groups, like a Trippel from New Belgium, which is very refreshing, and is brewed with coriander. This is more of an acquired taste, I think. I also drink a lot of barrel-aged stouts and porters. These have really nice bourbon flavors attached to them, and I love that. So, find one that you like and determine why. Sweet, light, dark, stout, creamy, crisp, etc. Then we can give you loads of recommendations based on a couple that you like. You might also try craft hard cider, which isn't always considered "manly" but I've never cared. It's good stuff.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > f86sabre
12/22/2013 at 03:01

+1000000 for spaten beer. I love both the regular lager and the Optimater Doppelbock! I actually used a couple splashes of Optimator to do the rust job on my jetta's trunk. That stuff ate through the steel like a fat guy eats cake.

alexotics > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 03:18

Give it time.

Kailand09 > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 04:12

I'm not big on beer but I drink light colored wheat ales. 312 is an example, or Belgian wheat ales or other non bitter blondes.

I consider these beers the most neutral and enjoyable for the majority. I'd look out for things like 312 or hoegaarden.

Squid > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 05:42

I suggest starting with a good wheat beer like a Heffeweisen, people suggest bluemoon, but I can't stand it personally. Support a smaller brewer rather than the big conglomerates that pass off shocktop and bluemoon off as craft brews. You may enjoy some of the Belgian style brews but start with a variety of 22 ounce bottles to get a good variety to try out. Belgian whites are very distinct and are polarizing with people, it took a while for me to really start to appreciate them.

Stouts can also be a good place to start if you are not a big fan of the bitterness added by hops (the citrus and pine flavors) although stouts and porters have a some bitterness to them but that is from the malt and in the body of the beer. Stouts are some of my favorites but you can run into some really strong ones that will knock you on your ass. Stouts and porters generally take on a coffee or chocolate flavor to them due to the use of dark malts, Lagunitas Cappuccino stout is fantastic if you can find it as well as their regular stout.

If you like a sweeter beer but want something that will knock your socks off try Lil Brown Suggah (I think that is how they spell the name) and again it is from Lagunitas.

If you want a clean crisp refreshing beer try the Morimoto Soba ale from Rogue. I really enjoy that one and it is not to bitter but really clean and a good american take on a japanese beer.

The main thing is beer really is an acquired taste and it may take a little while to find something you like. If you have a good craft bar by you that does taster flights it is well worth it to spend an evening trying out some brews that are not part of the AB-Inbev, Miller or Coors family. Good luck in finding a beer you can enjoy but don't waste your time trying to like shit beer. Find a good heffe and put some fresh lemon in it and enjoy.

Bradmk3GTI > Not a Sunburst Miata
12/22/2013 at 10:37

You say you're in Chicago quite a bit? There are some great local brews in that area. If you've got the time, make the hour drive up to Milwaukee and I promise you won't be disappointed. Some great beers to consider:

1. New Glarus Spotted Cow. Extremely flavorful and easy to drink. Was in the top 10 beers in the world for quite a while.

2. Lakefront Brewery Riverwest Stein. Excellent starter beer. An American Amber Lager.

3. Anything from Sprecher..... Or Leinenkugal for that matter. Most people know of the sunset wheat and summer shandy. But, they have some other pretty fantastic beers that you usually only find in Wisconsin or close to it. Such as Honey Weiss and Berry Weiss.

Again, make the trip up to the great state of Wisconsin, yes its cold and snowy, but the beer will keep you warm and I promise you won't be disappointed.