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What’s the Best Beer for People Who Don’t Like Beer?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re not a big fan of beer. Maybe you’ve tried a few types and found them too bitter, too fizzy, too watery, or just not your thing. Perhaps you prefer wine, spirits, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks. That’s perfectly fine, as everyone has their own taste preferences. However, you might still wonder if there’s a beer out there that you could enjoy, or at least tolerate. The good news is that there are many beers that defy the stereotypes of mainstream lagers and ales, and offer a range of flavors, aromas, and textures that can surprise and delight even the most skeptical beer drinker. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best beers for people who don’t like beer, based on different criteria and styles. And who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite brew!

Before we proceed, let’s clarify what we mean by “beer”. Beer is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from grains, usually barley or wheat, that are steeped in water and then boiled with hops, which impart bitterness, aroma, and stability. Yeast is then added to consume the sugars in the wort and produce alcohol and carbon dioxide, which creates the fizziness and foam of most beers. Beer can have various colors, flavors, and strengths, depending on the types and amounts of malts, hops, yeast, and other ingredients used. The most common categories of beer are lagers and ales, which differ in their fermentation temperature, yeast strains, and aging methods. Lagers are typically pale, crisp, and clean, with moderate carbonation and low hop bitterness. Ales are usually richer, fruitier, and more complex, with higher alcohol content and stronger hop or malt flavors.

Now, let’s focus on the main question: what’s the best beer for people who don’t like beer? We’ll answer this from several angles, starting with the flavor profile and working our way to the specific styles and brands that fit each profile. We’ll also provide some tips on how to taste and serve beer, and how to pair it with food or other drinks.

1. Sweet beer

If you have a sweet tooth, you might enjoy beers that have a fruity or dessert-like character. These beers are often made with added fruits, spices, chocolates, or sugars that balance or enhance the natural bitterness of beer. Some examples of sweet beers are:

– Fruit beers: these are beers that have fruit juices or extracts added to them, either during or after fermentation. Fruit beers can range from tart and sour to sweet and juicy, depending on the type and amount of fruit used. Fruit beers can also be blended with other beers to create hybrid styles, such as lambics, a Belgian type of sour beer that is fermented with wild yeast and bacteria and often flavored with fruits like cherries, raspberries, or peaches. Some examples of fruit beers are Lindemans Framboise (raspberry lambic), Samuel Smith’s Organic Cherry Fruit Beer (English cherry ale), or Dogfish Head SeaQuench Ale (sour mash and sea salt blended with lime and black lime juices).
– Chocolate beers: these are beers that have cocoa nibs, chocolate extracts, or added sugars that mimic the flavors of chocolate. Chocolate beers can be dark or light, depending on the base style and the amount of chocolate used. Some chocolate beers also contain coffee, vanilla, or other flavors that complement or contrast with the chocolate. Some examples of chocolate beers are Young’s Double Chocolate Stout (British stout with dark chocolate notes), Rogue Chocolate Stout (American stout with cocoa nibs and vanilla), or New Glarus Wisconsin Belgian Red (Belgian red ale with sour cherries and chocolate).
– Milkshake beers: these are beers that have lactose sugar added to them, which makes them creamier, sweeter, and fuller-bodied than normal beers. Milkshake beers can also contain fruit, vanilla, or other flavors that create a milkshake-like profile. Milkshake beers are often cloudy or hazy, due to the added lactose and other proteins that don’t settle out like normal beer proteins. Some examples of milkshake beers are Omnipollo Nebuchadnezzar Lemon Meringue Pie (IPA with lactose, vanilla, and lemon zest), Tired Hands Alien Church (IPA with lactose and peach puree), or WeldWerks Double Raspberry Milkshake IPA (IPA with lactose and raspberry puree).

2. Sour beer

If you like sour or tart flavors, you might enjoy beers that have a sour or acidic character. These beers are often made with wild yeast, bacteria, or souring agents that transform the sugars in beer into lactic acid or acetic acid, which gives them a pucker or tingling sensation. Sour beers can range from mildly sour to intensely sour, and often have fruity or funky undertones that balance or complement the acidity. Some examples of sour beers are:

– Berliner Weisse: this is a German style of wheat beer that is typically low in alcohol and high in acidity. Berliner Weisse is often served with syrups or purees that add sweetness and flavor, such as raspberry, woodruff, or even green tea. Some examples of Berliner Weisse are Dogfish Head Festina Pêche (with peach and apricot), Anderson Valley Blood Orange Gose (with grapefruit and sea salt), and Westbrook Key Lime Pie Gose (with key lime, graham crackers, and coriander).
– Gueuze: this is a Belgian style of sour beer that is aged for several years in oak casks and then blended with younger and fresher batches to create a complex and sour profile. Gueuze is often described as Champagne-like, due to its effervescence and dryness. Gueuze is best served in a flute or tulip glass, and can be paired with cheese, seafood, or salads. Some examples of Gueuze are Cantillon Gueuze 100% Lambic (a pure and natural Gueuze), Oud Beersel Oude Geuze Vieille (a blend of 1- to 3-year-old Lambics), and Boon Oude Gueuze (a blend of 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old Lambics).
– Flanders Red Ale: this is a Belgian style of amber ale that is aged in oak casks and inoculated with lactic acid bacteria and acetobacter, which create a sour and fruity flavor. Flanders Red Ale often has hints of cherry, raspberry, or plum, which come from the malts and the aging process. Flanders Red Ale can be paired with BBQ, game, or chocolate desserts. Some examples of Flanders Red Ale are Rodenbach Classic (a benchmark of the style), Duchesse de Bourgogne (a sweet and tangy version), or New Belgium La Folie (an American interpretation).

3. Light beer

If you prefer lighter or crisper flavors, you might enjoy beers that are easy to drink and refreshing. These beers are often lower in alcohol, calories, and hops, and have a clean and crisp mouthfeel. Light beers can range from pale and fizzy to cloudy and juicy, and often pair well with summer dishes, salads, or spicy foods. Some examples of light beers are:

– Pilsner: this is a Czech/German style of lager that is known for its crisp and hoppy character. Pilsners are often light in color and body, with a white foam and a bitter and herbal finish. Pilsners are one of the most popular styles of beer in the world, and can vary in their intensity and aroma. Some examples of pilsner are Pilsner Urquell (the original pilsner from Czech Republic), Weihenstephaner Pilsner (a classic German pilsner), or Firestone Walker Pivo Pils (an American pilsner with Saaz and German hops).
– Witbier: this is a Belgian style of wheat beer that is often spiced with coriander and orange peel. Witbiers are often cloudy and hazy, due to the wheat proteins and yeast in suspension, and have a zesty and refreshing flavor. Witbiers are often served with a slice of orange or lemon to enhance the citrus aroma and acidity. Some examples of witbier are Hoegaarden Wit (a traditional Belgian wit), Allagash White (an American interpretation with added oats), or St. Bernardus Wit (a wheat beer with a creamy mouthfeel).
– Hefeweizen: this is a German style of wheat beer that is often yeast-driven and fruity. Hefeweizens are often cloudy and hazy, due to the wheat proteins and yeast in suspension, and have a banana and clove profile that comes from the yeast strain. Hefeweizens are often served in a tall and narrow glass with a weizen yeast at the bottom, which creates a foamy head and a lively carbonation. Some examples of hefeweizen are Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier (a classic German hefeweizen), Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse (a popular Bavarian hefeweizen), or Ayinger Bräuweisse (a wheat beer with a spicy and nutty character).

4. Hoppy beer

If you like bitter or floral flavors, you might enjoy beers that have a hoppy character. Hops are the flowers of the hop plant, which are used in beer to add bitterness, aroma, and anti-bacterial properties. Hops can have various flavors and aromas, depending on the variety and the time and method of addition in the brewing process. Hoppy beers can range from barely bitter to intensely bitter, and often have a resinous or citrusy undertone that balances or contrasts with the sweetness of the malt. Some examples of hoppy beers are:

– American IPA: this is an American style of ale that is known for its strong and bitter hop profile. American IPAs are often brewed with American hops, which are known for their resinous, citrusy, and tropical flavors and aromas. American IPAs can be clear or cloudy, and can have varying levels of alcohol and bitterness. American IPAs are often paired with spicy or savory foods, and can be divisive due to their assertiveness. Some examples of American IPA are Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA (a classic and balanced IPA), Stone Enjoy By IPA (an ultra-fresh and hoppy IPA), or Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA (a rare and intense IPA with a high alcohol content).
– English Bitter: this is an English style of ale that is known for its sessionable and balanced character. English Bitters are often low in alcohol and carbonation, and have a mild and earthy hop profile that complements the malt sweetness. English Bitters can be served at cellar temperature (slightly warmer than fridge temperature), and are often paired with pub food or cheese. Some examples of English Bitter are Fuller’s London Pride (a classic and award-winning bitter), Timothy Taylor Landlord (a hoppy and fruity bitter), or Theakston Old Peculier (a strong and malty bitter with hints of chocolate and toffee).
– Belgian Tripel: this is a Belgian style of ale that is known for its spicy and floral character. Belgian Tripels are often high in alcohol, carbonation, and esters, and have a complex and balanced flavor that comes from the malts, hops, and yeast. Belgian Tripels can also have a phenolic and herbal character that comes from the spices and herbs added to the brew, such as coriander, pepper, or chamomile. Belgian Tripels are often served in a goblet or chalice, and can be paired with seafood, poultry, or desserts. Some examples of Belgian Tripel are Westmalle Tripel (a classic and smooth Tripel), La Fin Du Monde (a Canadian interpretation with a spicy and fruity aroma), or Brouwerij Het Anker Gouden Carolus Tripel (a strong and caramelized Tripel with added honey).

5. Alternative beer

If you’re looking for a beer that defies categorization and convention, you might enjoy beers that experiment with unusual ingredients, styles, or techniques. Alternative beers can range from spiced, smoked, or sour to barrel-aged, wild, or hybrid. Alternative beers can also be blended or infused with other beverages, such as coffee, tea, cider, or mead, to create new and unexpected flavors. Some examples of alternative beers are:

– Smoked beer: this is a beer that is made with malt that is dried over a smoky fire, which gives it a distinctive and complex aroma and flavor. Smoked beers can range from subtle and savory to bold and meaty, depending on the type and amount of malt used. Smoked beers are often paired with BBQ, grilled foods, or smoked meats. Some examples of smoked beer are Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen (a classic German beer with a bacon-like smoky flavor), Alaskan Smoked Porter (an American beer with a dark chocolate and coffee twist), or Three Floyds Floydivision IV (a smoked beer with cherrywood and juniper berries).
– Barrel-aged beer: this is a beer that is aged in oak barrels, which can impart various flavors and aromas from the wood and the previous contents. Barrel-aged beers can range from smooth and vanilla-like to boozy and funky, depending on the type and age of the barrel, as well as the strength and style of the beer. Barrel-aged beers are often served in a snifter or a wine glass, and can be paired with rich or decadent foods. Some examples of barrel-aged beer are Goose Island Bourbon County Stout (an iconic American beer that is aged in bourbon barrels and has hints of toffee, vanilla, and oak), Liefmans Goudenband (a Belgian beer that is aged in ex-sherry barrels and has a fruity and nutty profile), or The Bruery Oude Tart (an American beer that is aged in red wine barrels and has a sour and complex flavor).
– Hybrid beer: this is a beer that combines two or more styles or ingredients to create a new and unique flavor profile. Hybrid beers can be made by blending different beers, adding fruits or spices to a base beer, or using non-traditional grains, such as quinoa, sorghum, or rice. Hybrid beers can be refreshing, complex, or downright weird, depending on the creativity and skill of the brewer. Hybrid beers are often served in a pint glass or a stemmed glass, depending on the strength and carbonation. Some examples of hybrid beer are Stone Brewing Xocoveza Mocha Stout (an American beer that is infused with cocoa, coffee, peppers, vanilla, and cinnamon to create a Mexican hot chocolate flavor), Dogfish Head Pennsylvania Tuxedo (an American beer that is brewed with spruce tips and fermented with Belgian yeast to create a piney and fruity taste), or Mikkeller Spontanpineapple (a Danish beer that is soured with wild yeast and then blended with pineapple juice to create a tart and tropical sensation).

Now that we’ve covered some of the best beers for people who don’t like beer, let’s give some tips on how to taste and serve beer, and how to pair it with food or other drinks. Tasting beer is similar to tasting wine or spirits, in that you should pay attention to the appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel of the beer. You can pour the beer into a clear glass or a frosted glass, depending on your preference and the style of the beer. You can also swirl the beer, sniff the beer, and sip the beer to get a full sense of its profile. You can taste beer alone or with friends, and compare different styles or brands to see what you like or dislike. Serving temperature and glassware can also affect the taste and experience of beer, as different styles need different conditions to shine. For example, light beers are best served cold, while dark beers are best served at cellar temperature. Belgium beers are often served in tulip or goblet glasses, while English ales are often served in pint or imperial pint glasses. Finally, beer can be paired with many types of food or drink, depending on the flavor and intensity of the beer and the dish. Some general guidelines for beer pairing are:

– Spicy foods go well with hoppy and bitter beers that can cut through the heat and refresh the palate.
– Sweet foods go well with malty and fruity beers that can balance the sweetness and add complexity.
– Fatty foods go well with hoppy and acidic beers that can cut through the richness and cleanse the mouth.
– Sour foods go well with sour and tart beers that can enhance the sourness and create a harmonious match.
– Acidic foods go well with malty and yeasty beers that can mellow the acidity and add depth.

Of course, these are just general suggestions, and you should experiment and discover your own preferences and combinations. Beer is a versatile and fascinating beverage that can offer something for everyone, even if you don’t like beer in general. We hope this post has given you some inspiration and insight into the world of beer, and that you’ll give it another chance, or a first chance, with an open mind and palate. Cheers and prost!

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What’s the Best Beer for People Who Don’t Like Beer?

However, you might still wonder if there’s a beer out there that you could enjoy, or at least tolerate. The good news is that there are many beers that defy the stereotypes of mainstream lagers and ales, and offer a range of flavors, aromas, and textures that can surprise and delight even the most skeptical beer drinker.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best beers for people who don’t like

Image Credit: Pexels