Beers we don't like (but others might)

[fretlessman71]

I can't STAND buying sixers of beer that I just don't like. I end up drinking them begrudgingly, not enjoying them, and wishing I had something else to drink. I've got several bottles of those in the fridge right now; Sam Adams Spring Ale, which is supposed to be a pretty good kolsch, but I don't care for the style; a bottle of Fat Tire, which is good but average; a few bottles of Bridgeport ESB that apparently got old before its time. I REALLY HATE this. I keep thinking that maybe there's a lot of people out there who would rather trade the beer they don't want to drink for stuff they could at least TRY for the first time. SO....

I thought this would be a good place for people to get rid of what they're not going to drink and maybe get something they'd never had before. Let me know if there are any takers!

[newportstorm]

Trading very available beers like SA Spring probably won't happen - just too common and not all that spectacular (as you yourself stated). Fat Tire has a chance as many easterners might want to grab some beer from a quality CO brewery (though many feel Fat Tire is overrated).

Can you buy singles where you live? If so, try grabbing a mixed sixer of beers before you invest in a mass quantity and get stuck with something you're not in love with. Great way to try new styles and new breweries cheaply.

Cheers!

[fretlessman71]

Yeah, I went down that road already. Can you say "light struck"? I opened a bottle of Pilsner Urquell and thought a skunk walked into the kitchen. Guess Nashville just isn't a very good place to get good beer.

I wonder if my cats could get a taste for beer....

[quantum24]

sounds like a good idea. i have five brooklyn monsters (barleywine) that i was not a fan of and would be willing to swap on ar a few in order to try other beers i cant get. at 11% abv this super malty beer is a very big barleywine.

[guzzler67]

Fret, I run into the same problem. Instead of trying to trade them. I try to use them when cooking. Porters and stouts in stews, for example. Or pour that Sammy in the water when parboiling ribs before putting them on the grill. There are a lot of beer recipes floating around.

Believe me, I have run into my share of drain pours. Try giving them to your boss. Tell him the taste is right up his alley.

[fretlessman71]

Thanks for the cooking tip! I had forgotten that I knew how to make beer bread, and used a few of those for that purpose. Great idea!

[Bman]

I travel a good deal on business and I am always bringing beer home-so I have developed the following rules for buying beer on the road and at home.

My following rules for buying beer:

1)Never buy a beer in a clear bottle
2)Never buy a beer in a green bottle
3)Always check for dates of when the beer was brewed
4)Always check the bottle for sediment
5)When in doubt look for high gravity beers-they tend to hold up better
6) Last but not least understand the risks involved

I always buy the style I like-even if I do not like the beer-I think of when I bought it-and it becomes a souvenir of a good trip

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by Bman
My following rules for buying beer:

1)Never buy a beer in a clear bottle
2)Never buy a beer in a green bottle
3)Always check for dates of when the beer was brewed
4)Always check the bottle for sediment
5)When in doubt look for high gravity beers-they tend to hold up better
6) Last but not least understand the risks involved

I can't agree with 1 & 2. Avoiding clear bottles all together would cut Sam Smith out of the loop - not gonna happen. And green bottles include a few top notch lambics I enjoy. I agree that bottle conditioned or high abv beers are the best bets if age is in question. The best plan is to find a quality retailer(s) that take pride in their stock. Buying beer is always a gamble but the outstanding beers I've tried far outweigh the duds.

Cheers!