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Beer serving Etiquette

Beer isn't a drink that brings to mind genteel and elegant manners, but etiquette is about manners, and manners are about consideration, so being considerate is important, even when serving beer; some might say, "especially when serving beer." Consideration of the beer drinker and respect for the beer are essential for beer serving manners, or etiquette.

There are many types of beer drinkers, and many types of beers. There are the "drink a lot of ordinary beer and act stupid" beer drinkers. You see them at ball parks and near college campuses. For them, just ice down a lot of bottled beer and they'll think they're in heaven. The type beer they drink is called "lager." Budweiser, Coors, and Miller are examples of popular lagers, which are not very good beers, but are consumed in American in huge volume.

For beer drinkers with more discriminating taste, who usually drink ales, they'll be offended if the beer is served too cold. Good beer has a lot of flavor, which the drinker wants to enjoy and appreciate. The beer should be cool, but not cold. It can be stored cold, but needs a chance to lose its chill before serving. Red ales, pale ales, and copper ales are popular beers for those who appreciate beer, good beer, and it should be served at about fifty to sixty degrees.

Stouts and porters should be served slightly cool, at about sixty degrees. They have lots of body and taste, and are quite filling.

A good host will have a variety of different beers to satisfy the various tastes of their guests. Food should be served to compliment the beer. Salty foods are what most think of when drinking beer, like pizza, or nachos.

Coasters are a nice touch, but not napkins. Napkins stick to the beer glass or container. Beer in cans is easy to chill, but not very gracious. I serve Heineken in bottles at my barbecues, and don't worry about coasters, since we're outside and leaving wet rings on the outdoor furniture is not a problem. I consider Heineken, which is good enough for more discriminating beer drinkers and enough like Budweiser or Coors for less discriminating guzzlers.

College frat beer consumers play drinking games. If you want to be a good host, never play beer drinking games, never encourage anyone to over consume alcohol, and always have designated drivers available. When I have a party with lots of beer, I hire a professional driver from a limousine company to make sure everyone gets home safe. I don't hire the limo, however. After all, it's just beer.

Learn more about this author, Will Kester.
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