How to choose better craft beer from bottle shops? [Pro Tips]

Walk into a bottle shop or bar, and one thing you will notice for sure the evolution in beer selection. Unlike in the past, the options are vast today. With so many choices of insight, choosing the best quality craft beer that truly connects to one’s soul takes real skill.

With rows of sparkling bottles in the bottle shops casting a spell on us, it is natural for people to get overwhelmed with choices. While some are pros who stick to their age-old brands or styles, others are newbies or explorers who are on a quest to try something different and best.

So, whether you are a pro or an explorer here, if you are someone who loves to explore beers but hate to sip in the regret of disappointment with the taste, or if you are just that confused soul who is lost in between the puzzles of recommendations and choices from bottle shops. Then, you are at the right place!

Here are some easy tips that can help in guiding you right with choosing the better-crafted beer from bottle shops without much stress.

Start with the Beer menu.

‘What’s good?’, ‘Get me your best beer.’ These are some obvious questions and phrases often people ask when they walk into a bar or bottle shop. If you have been doing this as well, we say hold that question. Instead, start by asking for the Beer list or menu.

Apart from the rows of alcohols in shiny bottles, another common sight in a bottle shop is staffed juggling between their customers. On top of that rush and people when someone asks for a recommendation, they are most likely to get or recommend you the first beer names that come to their mind or on the list. And this is not just a spectator’s guess but a solid take from experienced bottle shop owners.

That’s why pros recommend asking for the beer menu instead to avoid any regrets later. As a great list or beer menu will have a proper description of the type and taste of beer if not in detail at least you will be able to figure out what to expect there. As the level of bitterness of the beer changes with flavours and types of beers. Although all kinds of beers are bitter they vary in taste as per the type, while some are very bitter while others are just right. Check in the beer menu and choose the beers that suit your taste.

Ask the main guy at the counter.

Now, if the menu doesn’t help you much or you are not in patience to read through the list, simply ask the owner at the bottle shop counter or the manager at the counter, not the busy service staff who is on run, but to the main guy at the counter who can help you. Especially, if your favourite bottle shop or bar owner is someone passionate about drinks and beers, then you are in luck. Talk about your preferences and get his/her to take on the best beer that can match your taste. However, as we mentioned earlier, the bitterness of beer varies from different choices, so whatever advice you take to make your choices wisely.

Go in with your friends.

Another easy way to find your best craft beer is to go to a bottle shop with your friends. When you go in with your friends, apart from the fun you have, there is an advantage of getting to taste more variety of beer options. This means you have more chances to explore your taste without any fear of regrets. Try in different options instead of going for the same old ones which you have already tired. Say like you have a friend who is an equal beer lover like you then you both can think and look in for some ideas to explore before walking into the store or shop to get your beer and simply explore in the varieties at the store.

Listen to your Taste buds.

Now, this is a key point to keep in mind when you are on for beer tasting. As you all would know, different taste buds in our mouth detect different tastes like sour, sweet, bitter, salty, spicy and different other tastes. If you just indulge into too much of one particular flavour, then you are likely to overwhelm your taste buds with one single favour of beer which naturally makes your drinking experience boring, making you feel like changing your beer now and then. That is why it is important to balance the taste palette when it comes to tasting good beer. If you are a beginner start by warming it up with something that is not too bitter for a start like white ale or a milder beer, then gradually increase the complexity of bitterness as per your taste preference. The key to the best beer drinking experience according to experienced bottle shop owners is to find the balance in taste.

Finally, remember to record in your favourites and share it with your friends and family. Also, don’t forget to appreciate the brewer and the bottle shop owner, who treats you with the best craft beers that satisfy your taste and soul.

Hopefully, these handy tips will help you to make better choices on your next bottle shop or bar visit for a beer taste.

Ultimately the best beer preference depends entirely on one’s taste preference, some like it strong bitter while others prefer the light milder ones, either way, explore in the options right and enjoy your beer without any regrets.