The Session #49: Regular Beer
Had you asked me what my go to beer — you know, that beer that’s always in the fridge as your standard, daily drinker — was a few years back, I’d have answered with something smart-assed like, “Sam Adams is my Miller Lite.”
Now, that’s not to put down the cases of tasty lager from Boston Beer Company that sat in my basement at the time. It’s just an indication of what I considered an easy drinking and tasty beer that I could enjoy every day of the week.
That was a couple of years ago and, while that particular beer may arrive in the fridge every now and again, it’s not necessarily a staple anymore.
As to what’s my go to beer now? Well, that’s a tricky question.
As much as I am a stout fan (I could go for a big, robust stout any day of the week), I’ve slowly evolved into more of a seasonal drinker. It wasn’t a conscious effort on my part and it’s not like I don’t enjoy a hoppy IPA in the dead of winter. It’s just one of those things that’s happened over time — I subconsciously tend to purchase beer that’s more appropriate to the weather around me.
BEER!I’ve also become a more eclectic drinker, meaning that I’ll purchase any old style at any point throughout the year. I bring home more mixed six-packs carrying a variety of beer from a wide range of breweries than I do any one specific brand. This phenomenon is more than likely due, in most part, to the gradual growth of this blog, but it’s also due to the expansion of craft beer in general. There are more U.S. breweries now than there have been since Prohibition (hovering around 1700, I believe). That’s a lot of great, and not so great, beer to enjoy. How can I not attempt to grab as many of them as I can while they’re still around?
I guess, in the end, in a fairly long winded round about sort of way, I’m saying that I don’t really have a “regular” beer any more. I’ve got styles that I prefer to drink over others, but there hasn’t been a consistent presence in my fridge from any one brewery or brand for quite some time.
And I don’t see a problem with that. Not one bit.