August 21, 2009

Everyone knows that one of the things many college students like to do is drink crappy beer. It’s fun, especially when you’re on a budget, but the fact is that there’s just much better beer out there. Here’s how you can improve the quality of beer you enjoy on your own and with your friends.

Think bigger. Why is better beer so important? It delivers a better taste, experience, and even health benefits. You’ll also be supporting smaller brewers instead of huge corporations. High quality beers also tend to have a higher alcohol content, so you’ll get more bang for your buck, but watch out, as they can sneak up on you if you’re used to a lighter brew.

Local beers are a great resource. Look around you – your college town just might have a brewery or two of its own. Check out these local brews for fresher ingredients, better taste, and perhaps best of all – brewery tours. Every time you drink a local beer, you can feel good knowing you’re not just enjoying a great drink – you’re supporting your community, too.

Get crafty. Look for beer from craft breweries instead of the traditional Natty Light, PBR, Miller, Coors, and Budweiser. Craft beer is made with quality, not mass consumption, in mind, and you’ll see the difference. These brewers are passionate about what they do, and your taste buds will appreciate their hard work.

Brew your own. Homebrewing is lots of fun. You get to create your own beer, make something tasty with your friends, and finally enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’ll be able to make beer just the way you like it, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you created it yourself. Just check to make sure you’re not violating dorm rules – it would be heartbreaking to have to dump out your precious brew.

Share good beer. Maybe your friends aren’t quite on the better beer bandwagon just yet, but that’s OK. If you’re generous with your beer, you just might get them to convert. Bring a couple of six packs or bombers over the next time you visit and be generous with them. Host a better beer party, or even a tasting where you share beers that are appealing, while still only slightly complex, so they are friendly to drinkers who are used to bland beer.

With these tips, you will be well on your way to enjoying better beer on a regular basis. Cheap, mass produced beer has its place, but that doesn’t always have to be in your belly. Enjoy!