Beer Archives | Short Brews

Beer vs Seltzer: Which Is Healthier?

Thomas Short — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 16:38:29 +0000

Neither beer nor seltzer is healthy, but if you’re trying to make a healthier decision, it’s worth knowing what specifically makes beer and seltzer different. Seltzer tends to be viewed as the “healthy” option, but it’s really not that simple. Just because seltzers might be marketed as lower in calories and sugar doesn’t mean that it’s healthy, or healthier than beer. What Beer and Seltzer Are Made From The reason why beer and seltzer are unhealthy (and how they differ from each other) comes down to how they’re made. What Is Beer Made From? Beer is made from five main ingredients: But anyone who has had beer knows that there’s a wide range of styles, with some being healthier than others. Low-calorie beers tend to use a mix of ingredients that lead to lighter beers, while other beers avoid malted barley to be gluten-free or gluten-reduced. However, most beer is going to be well over 100 calories a can, and you’d be hard-pressed to find actual gluten-free beer. What Is Seltzer Made From? The process of making seltzer isn’t so far off from beer. Like beer, seltzer needs yeast to break sugars down to create alcohol. But while beer gets its sugars from the malt, seltzers just use lots and lots of sugar. For most seltzers, the ingredients look like this: Because seltzers don’t use malt, you won’t find any gluten in a hard seltzer. Also, most seltzers tend to be around 100 calories, so that’s an improvement over most beer, along with fewer carbs. But seltzers do have residual sugar from the fermenting process, so if you want to go as sugar-free as possible, beer might be a better option; again, it depends on the seltzer and the beer. Regardless, seltzer isn’t a healthy drink by any stretch, but it can be a healthier option than beer. Beer vs Seltzer: Calories, Carbs, and Sugar Because the health of beer and seltzer depends entirely on the type of beer and seltzer, here are a few common styles compared to each other, with average ranges based on some of the more widely available options for that style. Calories (12 oz) Carbs (g) Sugar (g) ABV Light Beer 90–110 3–6 0–1 3.5–4.5% Standard Beer 140–170 10–15 0–2 4.5–5.5% Craft/IPA 180–250+ 15–25 0–3 6–8%+ Standard Seltzer 90–110 1–2 0–1 4.5–5% Higher-ABV Seltzer 140–170 2–4 0–2 7–8% So, pretty much any IPA you drink will be high in calories, and any beer you choose will have more carbs than hard seltzer. Again, these are just ranges, so check the calories, carbs, and sugar content of your beer or seltzer before jumping to conclusions. Beer vs Seltzer: Which Should You Drink? If you’re comparing the general health benefits of beer and seltzer, then seltzer is definitely the “healthier” choice, though it’s worth repeating that neither option is healthy. That being said, you should… Honestly, if you’re just having one or two drinks, you’re not making a huge difference by choosing seltzer over beer (unless your goal is to avoid gluten). Light beers and seltzers have similar calories, but beer will have more carbs while seltzer has more sugar. FAQ: Beer vs Seltzer Health

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Best Beer for Football: What to Drink While Watching the Game

Thomas Short — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 16:41:22 +0000

Football might make you think about Coors Light, Bud Light, or any other light beer that has no has little to no flavor and is best served ice-cold so you can’t taste anything. Fortunately, there are plenty of beers that are sessionable, tasty, and easy to drink, perfect for watching football on Sunday or sipping during a Saturday tailgate. Here are some of the best beers to drink for football. 11 Best Football Beers 1. Pacifico Clara Pacifico is my favorite Mexican beer, since it strikes the perfect balance of light, drinkable beer (it’s just 4.4% ABV) while also having enough flavor that it can easily be enjoyed without a lime. It also comes in both cans and bottles, so you can avoid glass if you are tailgating for the game. Pacifico is the perfect beer to enjoy in the sun or with chips and salsa. The beer was practically made to drink for football. 2. Golden Road Mango Cart Kind of a sleeper pick, Golden Road’s Mango Cart is flavorful without feeling heavy. Made with real mangos, Mango Cart is a 4% ABV wheat beer, so you should be able to enjoy a few without losing focus on the game. This is the only fruit-forward beer I chose for this list, and it’s a great change-of-pace from more generic lagers and IPAs. 3. Firestone Walker Pivo Pils Firestone Walker consistently brews great beer, and the Pivo Pils is one of the best lagers you can buy nationwide. It’s 5.3% ABV and pulls inspiration from both German and Italian pilsners, so it’s crisp, just a little bready, and has nice citrus notes. Firestone also dry-hops the Pivo Pils, so it has just a little more hop flavor than you might expect from a pilsner, but it gives this beer the perfect balance of hops and malt. 4. Elysian Space Dust IPA IPAs never go out of style, and Elysian Space Dust IPA is a classic. It’s an 8.2% ABV West Coast IPA, which means yes, it’s very hoppy and yes, it is bitter. I don’t expect that you’ll be opening this during the morning window of NFL games (West Coaster here), but on a colder day when you’re watching some afternoon football with friends, something about Space Dust just hits the spot. 5. Michelob Ultra Normally, I only like Michelob Ultra when it’s paired with something “athletic” (like hiking or golf). But when it comes to tailgating, you need something that you can sip on over a few hours while preparing to then watch a game for three hours. This requires pacing, and Michelob Ultra is the perfect pacing beer. Make sure somebody at the tailgate has this beer, and you can thank me later. 6. Fat Tire Fat Tire Ale is brewed by New Belgium and, after a recipe change in 2023, it switched from amber ale to blonde ale, which I think makes it more approachable for warm weather. This is a 5.2% ale that’s bright and balanced, making it pretty easy to drink. This beer has been around for over 30 years, so you’ve probably tried the amber version, and I encourage you to give the newer ale a try. 7. Miller High Life Not all of my picks for best football beers are craft beers. Miller High Life is the ultimate late-night lager, post-work lager, and watching-football-with-your-friends lager. It’s just 4.6% ABV and probably the cheapest option on this list, and it does a surprisingly good job of being light and accessible while still retaining actual beer flavor. It’s always worth having a six-pack on hand in case someone is coming over to watch the game. 8. Athletic Run Wild IPA If you’re looking to avoid alcohol but still enjoy beer, Athletic’s Run Wild IPA is my personal favorite NA beer. It’s really incredible how Athletic Brewing was able to completely nail the flavor of an IPA while still keeping the brew non-alcoholic. NA beers have been exploding in popularity, and I’m expecting to see a few non-alcoholic beer commercials during football this year. So, my pick for best non-alcoholic football beer goes to Run Wild IPA. 9. Modelo Especial Maybe it’s the marketing getting to me (I swear these commercials come up during every game), but Modelo Especial is another great Mexican beer that pairs perfectly with football. Modelo is fresh and balanced, and it comes in those iconic bottles with the foil on top. Commercials will tell you to add a lime, but I like Modelo Especial on its own, or added into a michelada. 10. Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing Hazy IPAs continue to be popular, mostly because they have a tasty, juicy flavor and are easy to drink. Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing feels like the best sports-related hazy IPA to me (probably because they serve it in stadiums across the West Coast). This is a 6.7% ABV IPA that hits all the juicy notes. I recommend avoiding the stadium prices and buying a six-pack to enjoy with friends while watching college football all day Saturday. 11. Modern Times Orderville I’m not sure how accessible this beer is nationwide, but Modern Times Orderville became my go-to beer late during the football season last year. Orderville is a 7.2% hazy IPA, which kind of feels like the opposite of what goes well with football. But as the leaves fall and the weather cools, a stiffer beer starts to sound better and better. Give Orderville, or any local IPA from a brewery you trust, a try come October or November. How I Chose These Beers This list might feel a little bit all over the place, but that’s by design. When picking the best beer for football, I took into consideration: FAQ

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Crowler vs Growler: Which One Should You Take Home?

Thomas Short — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:59:16 +0000

Some brewery menus offer their beers in pours of 16oz (a pint), but also 32oz or 64oz. These larger options are for crowlers and growlers. A crowler a 32oz aluminum can that’s filled and sealed at the bar. A growler is a 32oz or 64oz reusable container, usually made of glass or stainless steel. Both are great options for taking beer home, but they come with distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on what your plans are. What Is a Crowler? A crowler is basically a giant can of beer. When you order a crowler, the bartender takes an empty 32oz can of beer, purges the oxygen, and fills it straight from the tap. Next, they seal it with a tabletop machine, and now you have a giant beer that’s ready to go! Ordering crowlers is pretty quick, and the beer is ready to drink immediately. What Is a Growler? A growler is basically a giant beer jug, with most growlers holding 64oz of beer (though smaller 32oz are available). You can find glass and stainless steel growlers, but I would recommend using a stainless steel container to block out light and help keep the beer fresher for longer. Unlike crowlers, growlers are reusable, so once you’re done with your beer, you can bring it back into your favorite brewery for a refill. Most breweries will clean your growler for you, too. Crowler vs Growler: Quick Comparison Crowler Growler Sizes available 32oz 32oz or 64oz Freshness once sealed Weeks, if properly stored A few days Freshness once opened Best finished same day Can be recapped to last another day or two Reusability Single-use, but recyclable Reusable Cost per fill Flat price for each fill Pay for the growler once, then pay for the beer Where you can take it Beaches, parks, trails, most places glass is banned (but alcohol is permitted) Pretty much just your home or a friend’s home Freshness & Shelf Life After Getting Sealed Crowlers keep beer fresher for longer than growlers. The crowler canning process removes oxygen, which slows the degradation of the beer. Also, crowlers are aluminum cans, so all light is blocked, which prevents skunking. A growler, even when well-sealed, starts losing its carbonation and flavor after just a few days. In my experience, stainless steel growlers kept in the fridge tend to keep beer freshest, but the best time to enjoy a growler is the same day it’s filled. After Getting Opened As with a 12oz can of beer, opening a crowler means that the beer will be enjoyed best within a few hours. There’s really no good way to reseal a crowler, so plan on finishing the entire thing in one sitting. A growler can be resealed, whether that be with a swing-top or screw cap, and you can put it back in the fridge and enjoy it again later. However, you’ll still want to finish the growler within the next few days. Taste If you’re looking for the best beer flavor, I find that crowlers are the best option. Crowlers capture that fresh-out-the-tap flavor way better than growlers do, and they last longer in the fridge (assuming you haven’t opened the can). However, the difference in flavor between a fresh crowler and growler is really subtle, and you might not notice a smaller difference with stouts than you would with IPAs. Value and Cost Per Fill In terms of value, growlers are consistently a better deal. Breweries tend to lower the cost per volume as you order more volume. For example, a half pour might cost $5 while a full pour costs $8. It’s half the beer, but not half the price. Filling a growler will consistently come with a better value on the beer. Of course, there are a few caveats to note: So, if you frequent the same brewery and enjoy getting four pints of the same beer, getting and using a growler is no-brainer. Practicality and Where You Can Bring Them It’s no surprise that most public places don’t allow alcohol, but the few that do rarely allow glass containers. So, crowlers are more practical in this sense. Also, crowlers are smaller than growlers, meaning they’re easier to bring places. Of course, you’ll probably be bringing the crowler or growler to your home or a friend’s home, in which case they’re both equally practical. Sustainability Reusing is more sustainable than recycling, so growlers are a more sustainable option than crowlers. When to Choose a Crowler vs a Growler If you need help picking between a growler and crowler, here’s how I approach it: Choose a Crowler If… Choose a Growler If… Crowler vs Growler FAQ

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11 Best IPAs Available at Stores Near You

Thomas Short — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:13:44 +0000

IPAs continue to be one of the most popular beer styles available, currently making up half of all craft beer sales. This means that beer drinkers have plenty of options available, from local microbreweries to widely available IPAs from giant brewers. I love accessibility, so this list will look at the best IPAs that I’m almost 100% positive are available at a store near you. How I Picked the Beers I’ve tried every beer on this list (more than once, to be honest). Specifically, I wanted to pick: Keep in mind that if you have a favorite IPA that’s not on this list, that means it didn’t meet one of the criteria above. But if you like it, then keep on drinking it! 11 Best Grocery Store IPAs Ballast Point Sculpin ABV: 7% | Price: ~$11–13 per 6-packSculpin IPA is brewed by one of my favorite San Diego breweries. It’s a classic West Coast IPA that strikes a nice balance between citrus and pine while bringing just enough bitterness on the finish. If you can, also give one of the variants, like the Hazy Sculpin or Grapefruit Sculpin, a try. Elysian Space Dust ABV: 8.2% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-packI used to drink Space Dust back when Elysian was just a small(ish) Seattle brewery. Nowadays, you can find Space Dust on pretty much any shelf. It’s a strong IPA (8.2% ABV) that packs a lot of flavor, but it’s still enjoyable to drink. This is a great pick if you want something stronger than a standard American IPA. Firestone Walker Union Jack ABV: 7.5% | Price: ~$11–13 per 6-pack I’m a huge fan of Firestone Walker, and Union Jack is just another great beer they brew that’s available nationwide. Union Jack is a malt-forward IPA, so you won’t get crazy bitter or juicy notes. It’s really well balanced and approachable, perfect for anyone who likes beer but isn’t super into strong IPAs. Lagunitas IPA ABV: 6.2% | Price: ~$9–11 per 6-pack Lagunitas IPA has the simplest packaging and name, but everyone knows the exact beer and logo. This is an easy-drinking IPA that’s pretty affordable, especially compared to other beers on this list. If you’re going to a party and bring Lagunitas IPA, I doubt anyone will complain. Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing ABV: 6.7% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-pack One of the earlier widely distributed hazy IPAs, Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing is soft and juicy, exactly what you expect from a New England style IPA. If you’re getting into craft beer, Hazy Little Thing is probably the most approachable beer on this list, and still a personal favorite of mine to drink at ballgames. Bear Republic Racer 5 ABV: 7.5% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-pack Racer 5 is that kind of old-school West Coast IPA that smacks you in the face with hop flavor. It’s sort of a relic, since many more modern IPAs aim to be more balanced and accessible. Nope, not Racer 5. Expect bitter flavor (without being too bitter) and a little bit of malt flavor. Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA ABV: 7.2% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-pack Torpedo Extra IPA by Sierra Nevada is dry-hopped, meaning more hops are added later in the brew to boost the hop flavor without pumping up the ABV. Sierra Nevada has been brewing hop-forward IPAs for a long time, and Torpedo is full of pine and citrus flavors. Athletic Run Wild IPA ABV: 0.5% | Price: ~$12–15 per 6-pack Yes, Athletic Run Wild IPA is a non-alcoholic beer (and one of the best non-alcoholic beers at that), but the flavor is undeniable. Athletic Brewing nailed the IPA flavor with this beer, with the only difference between this and a West Coast IPA being the thinner finish. It’s a great beer for anyone wanting to cut calories or alcohol from their diet. New Belgium Voodoo Ranger IPA ABV: 7% | Price: ~$9–11 per 6-pack I think this beer was a meme a few years back, but New Belgium Voodoo Ranger IPA is a pretty good beer. It’s essentially replaced Fat Tire on the shelves, and instead of malt, it brings a nice hop balance. It’s pretty much designed to appeal to as many beer drinkers as possible, which it achieves. Founders All Day IPA ABV: 4.7% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-pack Founders All Day IPA doesn’t bring the flavor that other IPAs on this list do, but that’s because it’s a Session IPA, so it’s brewed to have a lower ABV. It’s light-bodied without surrendering all the hop flavor you’d expect from an IPA, making it a perfect change of pace from most of the options on this list. Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA ABV: 6.4% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-pack You can never go wrong with Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA. I served this beer at my wedding! Fresh Squeezed has a juicy flavor, and (true to its name) it gets the most out of its hops. It’s crushable, delicious, and an all-around fantastic beer. Are These Really the Best IPAs? If you’re at your grocery store and looking for an IPA, any of these picks will be great. No, this list doesn’t include obvious picks like Pliny the Elder, but last time I checked, I can’t get Pliny at Total Wine. My goal was to pick solid beers that anyone can buy, and if you think I missed any, let me know.

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Märzen vs Festbier: Differences Between Oktoberfest Beers

Thomas Short — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:38:59 +0000

Every fall the beer aisle fills up with seasonal cans sporting the Bavarian flag and Gothic fonts. This is how you know it’s time for Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest, the annual fall festival held in Munich, is famous worldwide for its lederhosen, giant tents, and beer. Well, mostly the beer. For Oktoberfest fans in the United States, this is the time when we start seeing Märzens and Festbiers line the shelves and fill taproom lists. So, what’s the difference between the Märzen and Festbier? For starters, Märzen hasn’t been served at the Munich Oktoberfest since the 1970s, and the official beer today is the Festbier. The Festbier is a light, pale lager that you may have never tried, even if you’ve been drinking Oktoberfest beers for years. But both options fall under Reinheitsgebot, the 500-year-old German beer purity law, meaning they’re both brewed with just water, barley, hops, and yeast. Here’s how the Märzen and Festbier differ, how to tell them apart, and which to drink. What Is a Märzen? Märzen is what a lot of people think of as the “classic” German beer. Amber in color, malty with a little bit of sweetness in flavor, the Märzen is a tasty lager that’s usually around 5.5-6.5% ABV. The name comes from März, the German word for March, which is when the beer is brewed. By starting in March, brewers can make sure the perfect Märzen is ready for fall drinking, which lines up perfectly with Oktoberfest. I love a good Märzen, and they’re pretty easy to find across the US in September and October. I’ll share some of my favorite Märzen picks in a bit, but you can expect a lot of local craft breweries to riff off this style starting in mid-September. What Is a Festbier? If you’re going to Oktoberfest in Munich, you’ll almost certainly be drinking Festbier. Festbier (literally “fest” and “beer”) is gold in color, lighter than a Märzen, but still malty enough to carry a nice flavor. While the ABV range is similar to Märzens (usually 5.5%-6% ABV), they’re more sessionable than their amber-colored brethren. Back in the 1970s, the Big Six breweries of Munich (Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten) switched from the Märzen to Festbier as the official beer of Oktoberfest. Fortunately, these same breweries distribute their Festbier every year, so you can get an authentic taste of Oktoberfest beer without traveling all the way to Munich. Best US Märzen and Festbiers to Try As always, I recommend checking out your favorite craft brewery to see what Oktoberfest beers they’re brewing. But if you want some direction on beers that have great flavor, here are my recommendations: Märzen Picks Samuel Adams OctoberFest: This is probably the most widely distributed Oktoberfest beer brewed in the US, so it’s easy to find and the flavor is pretty good. Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest: You’ve probably seen this at your grocery store before. Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest beer is traditional Märzen, though I don’t think it matches the flavor of the Munich beers as well as Sam Adams does. Wallenpaupack Oktoberfest: This is a regional pick that you should try if you live in or near Pennsylvania. Wallenpaupack’s Oktoberfest is a German-style Märzen with a decoction mash and prominent toasted malt character, and I think it fits the bill really well. Festbier Picks There aren’t many great Festbiers brewed in the United States, but you can often find Festbiers from breweries like Hofbräu, Paulaner, Spaten, and the like at beer halls and taphouses. However, I would still recommend: Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest: Sierra Nevada partners with a different German brewery every year, and recent versions have leaned into Festbier rather than the old-school amber Märzen. This year’s partner is Hoppebräu, and the brew is billed as a modern Festbier. Märzen vs Festbier: Which Is Best? Style Color Malt Character Typical ABV Märzen Amber to copper Toasted bread, caramel, richer body 5.5-6.5% Festbier Pale gold Bready, lighter, cleaner finish 5.5-6% If you’re looking for an authentic Oktoberfest experience, Festbier is the best option. If you’re looking for the best Bavarian beer to drink, it comes down to the brewer more than the style. Both options are built off hundreds of years of brewing history, and both taste great out of a 1L stein. If you can’t find anything from the Big Six of Munich, you should trust whatever’s being served at your favorite watering hold.

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Best Tasting Low-Calorie Beers For 2026

Thomas Short — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:51:49 +0000

As far as drinks go, beer tends to be one of the highest-calorie options you can choose. But it doesn’t have to be that way, since many breweries have made a bigger effort to create low-calorie beers that are both big in flavor and better for your waistline. Before I continue, keep in mind that all beer has calories. If you’re trying to lose weight, I suggest switching to something with fewer calories. But if you want to make healthier choices without entirely cutting beer from your diet, there are plenty of options available. Here are the best-tasting low-calorie beers (and yes, I’ve tried them all). 10 Best Lo-Cal Beers for 2026 Firestone Walker Flyjack Hazy IPA: 96 Calories The folks at Firestone Walker have done it again! Previous iterations of this list have included brews from Firestone Walker, but Flyjack Hazy IPA makes the list this year. At just 96 calories, this sessionable hazy is a cool 4% ABV, making it a nice balance of drinkability and flavor with under 100 calories per can. Best for: Any type of water activity Heineken Silver: 95 Calories Heineken Silver is one of the only big-name brands that ranks in my favorite low-calorie beers (and best light beers). It only has 95 calories and 3.2 grams of carbs. It’s so light that it basically doesn’t count, and it manages to do so without being devoid of all beer flavor. Of all the light (or lite) beers you find, this is my go-to. Best for: Golfing Deschutes Da Shootz! Pilsner: 99 Calories Doubling as an effort to help people correctly pronounce the brewery name, Da Shootz! from Deschutes Brewing is the perfect sunny day beer. While Da Shootz! comes in at just 4% ABV, drinkers can rejoice that they’re sipping on a beer under 100 calories. Oh, and the artwork is phenomenal, A+ work. Best for: Enjoying indoors Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA: 95 Calories Slightly Mighty is the best description for this low-cal beer from Dogfish Head. Heck, Lo-Cal is even in the name! I’m pretty sure this is basically a Session IPA, making it one of several on this list. But it’s 4% ABV and has just 3.6 grams of carbs, making it worth drinking if you want a low-calorie option. Best for: Taproom drinking (where available) Shiner Light Blonde: 99 Calories Just sneaking in under 100 calories, Shiner Light Blonde is 4.2% ABV with just 3.4g of carbs per bottle. This is a super light blonde ale that almost drinks like a lager. If you love Shiner Bock and want to cut down on calories, this is an easy beer to sub in. Best for: Daytime social gatherings Guinness: 125 Calories You didn’t think you’d see Guinness on this list, did you? With only 125 calories, Guinness is a surprisingly low-cal beer, and it’s easily accessible, pretty much everywhere you can buy beer. While stouts aren’t the best in the sun, they sure do taste good in a pub at night! Best for: Pubs Lagunitas DayTime IPA: 98 Calories Not only is the Lagunitas Day Time IPA a nice low-cal option, but it actually tastes pretty good. The 4% ABV is well below most of Lagunitas’ normal beers (for reference, they have a 6% ABV pils), and it’s honestly a nice change of pace. Best for: Watching baseball Ballast Point Even Keel IPA: 114 Calories Ballast Point beer is routinely good, though most people probably only recognize the Sculpin IPA. Well, Even Keel is a bit different. It’s got plenty of mango flavor, especially as it warms up a little bit after opening. At 3.8% ABV, this low-calorie beer is perfect for a nice, summery day. If you’re ever visiting San Diego, I highly recommend making a visit to Ballast Point and trying this out. Best for: Drinking while grilling food Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA: 90 Calories Many beer drinkers are privy to non-alcoholic beers, and some might have even tried Athletic Brewing’s Run Wild IPA. What this 90-calorie beer lacks in alcohol (it is 0% ABV), it makes up for in pure quality. Seriously, you would never know you’re not drinking an alcoholic IPA with this beer. It’s 100% worth trying, and easily the healthiest option on this list. Best for: Post-workout relaxation Michelob Ultra I don’t have to push Michelob Ultra on anyone since it’s the best-selling beer in the country. But it sells so well for good reason. At just 95 calories and 2.6g of carbs, Michelob Ultra does a good job of balancing flavor and lightness, something that most light beers struggle with (or ignore trying to do entirely). Michelob markets itself as a beer for athletes, and that’s honeslty what it’s best for. Best for: Athletic things Other Low-Calorie Beer Questions

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Can You Put Ice in Beer?

Thomas Short — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 02:58:53 +0000

For some beer drinkers, putting ice in beer is sacrilegious and an unforgivable offense. For others, it’s the go-to way to enjoy a beer on a hot afternoon. So, can you put ice in your beer? Sure, but it should depend entirely on the beer you’re drinking. Let’s take a look at beers that work well with ice and those that should never under any circumstances be mixed with ice. Why Ice Works for Some Beers and Ruins Others It’s scientifically proven that cold beer tastes better than warm beer, even if it doesn’t actually improve the quality of what you’re drinking. So, it’s fair to assume that putting ice in beer would make it taste better by keeping it cold. However, any seasoned whisky drinkers already know the main problem with adding ice to alcohol: dilution. The ice chills the beer as it melts, but it also waters it down, thinning out the brew. For light beers, this isn’t a big issue since the flavor is already…well, light. But for more complex beers, like an IPA or stout, ice can ruin the flavor that the brewer intended. Beers That Actually Hold Up on Ice If you’ve ever enjoyed a beer with ice and liked it, then you probably already know what works well: light beers with subtle flavors. Mexican lagers can be fine when paired with ice. I know this because I always put ice in my Micheladas, and they’re delicious. If you do mix Mexican lagers and ice, you’ll want to stick with the lightest options like Pacifico, Corona, or Modelo. I’ve also seen people pour American light lagers over ice, which should affect the quality of cheaper beers. I personally don’t love cheaper light lagers over ice, but it’s mostly because I don’t like a lot of those cheaper light lagers on their own. Beers You Should Never Put Ice In Most beers should never have ice added. Anything hoppy, hazy, bitter, sour, malty, and so on will only suffer if you add ice. Diluting the beer is only going to weaken the flavors, and the end result is rarely going to be better than the original brew. With thicker beers like stouts and porters, dilution can thin the mouthfeel, which completely ruins the experience. So, if you’re paying craft beer prices for something, don’t add ice. Ice in Beer Around the World A lot of people are surprised to learn that places around the world regularly serve beer with ice. It’s most common in hot and humid places in the United States and Southeast Asia, though you can find people doing this anywhere there’s beer. If you’re traveling and you’re offered beer with ice, give it a try. Odds are that it’s a lighter lager, and that extra ice could be pretty refreshing on an incredibly hot day. In any other instance, I think you should avoid putting ice in beer. FAQ

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What Is a DIPA?

Thomas Short — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:36:03 +0000

There are a lot of acronyms in beer, ranging from common terms like IPA and ABV to less well-known ones like IBU and DDH. DIPA (sometimes stylized as IIPA) falls somewhere in the middle, since most people visiting a brewery can surmise that it’s a type of IPA, which is correct. DIPA stands for Double IPA, but if you already knew that, then you’re probably wondering what makes a DIPA different from an IPA. A DIPA is essentially just a bigger, stronger version of a standard IPA, with more hops, more flavor, and more alcohol. You can expect a DIPA to hit around 8-9% ABV, whereas a standard IPA is usually closer to 6-7% ABV. A Double IPA is more or less just “double.” How Is a DIPA Different from an IPA? While a DIPA is essentially just an IPA with more everything, there is a little more nuance to what makes it unique. I actually wrote a full breakdown of IPA vs DIPA if you want to check it out, but here’s the short version. An IPA is a hop-forward beer. DIPAs leverage that same hop intensity and push it further, but that also means that more malt is needed to reach higher ABVs while keeping the beer balanced. As a result, a DIPA is often thicker, chewier, and more complex than a regular IPA. The best DIPAs are great at hiding just how boozy they are, since the balance of hops and malt should dominate the flavor. The worst DIPAs taste like a hot, hoppy soup with a boozy burn. Balance is at the center of everything a DIPA is trying to do. IPA DIPA ABV 5–7% 7.5–10% IBU 40–70 60–100+ Hop intensity Moderate to high High to aggressive Malt presence Low to moderate Moderate (to support higher ABV) Body Medium Medium to full Best for Session drinking, nice hop flavor Slow sipping, strong hop flavor West Coast DIPA vs Hazy DIPA The IPA has famous substyles, and so does the DIPA. Here are some of the main differences between the classic West Coast and Hazy/East Coast DIPA. West Coast DIPA People tend to associate DIPA with the West Coast style, likely because the first mainstream DIPAs were produced on the West Coast. A WC DIPA is clear in color, bitter, and leans into the piney, citrusy flavors of hops. While there’s plenty of malt in a WC DIPA, it’s just there to support the ABV and hop flavor. Pliny the Elder is the textbook example of a West Coast DIPA done well: balanced, crisp, and 8% ABV. If you know and love West Coast IPAs, think of a West Coast DIPA as the same thing, just dialed up a bit. Hazy / New England DIPA A hazy DIPA, sometimes called a New England DIPA, NE DIPA, or East Coast DIPA, is completely different from its West Coast kin. Where West Coast DIPAs are bitter and dry, hazy DIPAs are soft, juicy, and creamy. You’d be forgiven for mistaking a DIPA for orange juice, both in the way it looks and its mouthfeel. The NE DIPA style has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and a well-made hazy DIPA from somewhere like Tree House or Other Half is one of the best drinking experiences in craft beer. The trade-off is that they’re best when they’re fresh, since the hop aromatics fade quickly. This means that finding a high-quality NE DIPA can be tricky, especially if you don’t live on the East Coast. If you’ve been loving East Coast IPAs, hazy DIPAs are the next step up in intensity. Imperial IPA vs DIPA: Is There a Difference? Another beer style you might see is Imperial IPA. Just to be clear, Imperial IPA, DIPA, Double IPA, and IIPA all refer to the same style. One reason the same style of beer can have so many names is that breweries, beer apps, style guides, and blogs like this all use different terms. BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) lists the style as “Double IPA,” while plenty of breweries call them “Imperial.” So, while you could make an argument that there’s an official term for the style, breweries will continue to name beers how they please. What Does a DIPA Taste Like? The flavors you can expect from a DIPA depend entirely on the substyle you drink, but in general, expect: DIPAs Worth Trying If you’re looking for a DIPA to try, the only real recommendation I can make is Pliny the Elder. The original DIPA, Pliny the Elder is perfectly balanced, complex, and deceptively smooth for 8% ABV. If you can find it, buy it. Outside of Pliny, the best DIPA you can try is whatever your local craft brewery is offering. Remember that DIPAs rely on strong hop flavor, and that hop flavor starts to vanish pretty quickly. Freshness is everything with a good DIPA, and your local crat brewery will serve it freshest. DIPA FAQs

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Does Beer Age Like Wine?

Thomas Short — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:21:34 +0000

Yes, beer can age like wine, but only some of it can, depending on the style. Most beer, from your lagers to your IPAs, is brewed to be enjoyed fresh, or as close to fresh as possible. Many flavors in beer break down over time, so older beer loses its balance of flavor and carbonation. But a few styles, mostly the boozy and funky ones, can actually improve in quality over several years, assuming they’re kept in the right conditions. Quick Reference: Beers that Age Like Wine (and Beers that Don’t) Style Ages Well? Why? Ideal Drinking Window Barleywines Yes High ABV and residual sugars keep it going 2–10 years Imperial Stouts Yes Alcohol and malt preserve the beer, while oxidation adds sherry and toffee notes 1–5 years Belgian Strong Ales and Quads Yes Malt-forward, low hop bitterness, so it holds up well 1–5 years Sours and Lambics Yes Brett and Lacto yeasts keep working in the bottle 1–10+ years IPAs and Hazy IPAs No Hop aroma fades within weeks Drink fresh Pilsners and Light Lagers No These are delicate, and they don’t preserve well Drink fresh Wheat Beers No Yeast-driven aromatics fade fast Drink fresh Why Some Beers Age Well Beers age well for different reasons, but the main factor is alcohol and sugar. Alcohol and sugar act as preservatives, and hops don’t. High-ABV beers and those with a lot of residual sugar have more substance for slow oxidation to gradually work with over time. Over the years, something with a bready, malty character can transform into something nuttier, then toffee-like, then eventually sherry-like. This is due to a slow chemical process that requires alcohol and sugar to work. Beers with active Brettanomyces or Lactobacillus (found in most sours and lambics) also age well, but for a different reason. Brett and Lacto are still active in the bottle after packaging, and they continue to change, and often improve, the flavor of the beer. Hops don’t work that way. The aromatic compounds found in hops are volatile and break down over a few weeks or months. If you want the most flavorful IPA, you should pick the freshest option. Beer Styles Worth Cellaring If you want to sit on a beer for a while, these styles tend to improve the most. I say “tend to” because quality is a huge factor, with lower-quality beers aging the wrong way. How to Cellar Beer If you have bottles that you want to age, here are a few tips: Does Cellaring Beer Actually Work? Yes, cellaring beer actually works. I have anywhere from 10-20 beers cellared at any time, and most of them are great once opened. However, not all beer ages well. If a beer wasn’t bottle-conditioned correctly, or if there was something off with the brew, an aged beer can go from ok to terrible.

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What Exactly Is a Pint of Beer?

Thomas Short — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 02:21:00 +0000

You’re out at a bar or brewery, and you order a pint. But, depending on where you are, you might not get the amount of beer that you were expecting. The bartender may even pour less than you’re used to. Don’t worry, they aren’t skimping on your pint of beer (probably). A pint of beer is a 16-ounce pour in the United States, or 20 ounces in the UK (called an imperial pint). However, not all beers are 16 or 20 ounces when served as a full pour, and your bartender may assume that asking for a pint means a full pour. How Many Ounces Is a Pint of Beer? In the United States, a pint is a 16-oz pour of beer, which is four ounces more than a standard 12-oz bottle or can. It’s pretty much the universal go-to size at any bar or brewery for lagers and ales. Pint Type Size US Pint 16 oz Imperial Pint (UK/Ireland) 20 oz Half Pint 8 oz An imperial pint is a 20oz pour. If you order a pint in the UK or Ireland, expect to get an imperial pint, since over there, a pint is closer to 20 ounces. Some bars in the US offer imperial pints on certain beers, too, so it’s worth knowing the difference before you assume you’re getting a deal. Then there are airport bars, which sell 22-oz beers. That’s not officially a pint, but I would call a 22-oz beer an “airport pint” if given the naming rights. The “Cheater Pint” Problem Just because you order a pint of beer in the US doesn’t mean you’re getting 16 ounces, because some bars use what’s called a “cheater pint.” The cheater pint is a pint glass that’s supposed to look normal-sized but actually holds just 14 ounces of beer. You’ve maybe noticed out at the bar that some pint glasses are bigger than others, and this could be the culprit. If you do get a full-priced beer in a 14-oz glass, I encourage you to stop frequenting the bar that did that. When a Pint Isn’t 16 or 20 Ounces At a craft brewery, you might order a “pint” of beer, but only get a full-poured 12-oz glass. This is because some beers, like triple IPAs or sours, might have a full pour of just 12 ounces. Don’t blame your bartender, though; it’s pretty common to exchange the terms “full pour” and “pint,” the same as we might interchange “half pour” and “half pint.” Types of Pint Glasses (And Why They’re Different) Depending on where you go, your beer might show up in a glass that looks like it belongs at a wine bar. These are probably chalices, goblets, or tulips, which are designed to hold 12–14oz, though some do hold a full 16oz just to keep things interesting. Why use a specialty glass instead of just marking “12oz” on a standard pint? Because glassware actually affects the beer. Depending on the shape, a glass can bring out more aroma, control how fast bubbles rise, affect the size of the foam head, and change how the beer tastes. It’s not just aesthetics. There are even more niche types of glassware out there, with my personal favorite being the Teku glass. Glassware is a rabbit hole worth going down. How Much Beer Do Steins Hold? Everyone knows that a stein is the big beer mug with a handle, the one you picture at Oktoberfest. Steins can hold anywhere from 16–32oz. A full Oktoberfest-size stein holds nearly 34oz, which is exactly 1 liter for anyone keeping metric score. Knowing your glass sizes matters for a couple of reasons. First, you’ll know how much you’re actually drinking, which helps you pace yourself. Second, the glass tells you something about the beer. Nobody’s pouring PBR into a chalice, and you won’t be drinking a Belgian tripel out of an Oktoberfest stein.

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Best Tasting Non-Alcoholic Beers For 2026

Thomas Short — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:17:59 +0000

I’m a big fan of the non-alcoholic beer trend, from making taprooms more accessible to non-drinkers to giving beer fans something healthier to enjoy. As this trend continues, breweries are creating better and better NA beer options, with some passing up the quality of their boozy alternatives (in my opinion). Whether you’re looking to cut back on alcohol, choose a healthier drinking option, or just try something new, here are the best tasting non-alcoholic beers (that I’ve tried this year). Best Non Alcoholic IPAs Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA For those who don’t know about Athletic Brewing, they’re a San Diego brewery that only brews non-alcoholic beer, and the Free Wave Hazy IPA is my personal favorite. It has that juicy flavor you expect from a hazy IPA, which is pretty impressive considering how thin so many NA beers are. Fremont Brewing Non-Alcoholic IPA I love Fremont Brewing. It’s one of my favorite breweries in Seattle, and their Non-Alcoholic IPA is so good that I have to recommend it, especially if you live in Seattle or plan on visiting soon. Even if an IPA isn’t to your taste, they regularly carry several non-alcoholic options at their taproom, though I haven’t had the pleasure to visit and try them in a while. Sierra Nevada Trail Pass IPA Yet another non-alcoholic IPA to make the list, the Trail Pass IPA from Sierra Nevada is full of flavor, giving a tropical and citrusy vibe. As one of the largest craft breweries in the country, Sierra Nevada has a wide reach in distribution, so give Trail Pass a try if you come across any cans. Athletic Run Wild IPA Every beer I’ve tried from Athletic Brewing is good, including their Run Wild IPA. Unlike the Free Wave Hazy, Run Wild is more of a West Coast-style IPA, so it has a more bitter flavor that people often associate with IPAs. However, the bitterness isn’t overpowering, and the finish is neat, so it’s tough to get overwhelmed by the flavor (even if you don’t like IPAs). Best Non Alcoholic Lagers Heineken Zero I have to admit that I’m a sucker for Heineken. Heineken is among my favorite import beers, but Heineken Zero makes my list for a few reasons. First, it’s drinkable, which is fantastic. Second, it’s incredibly accessible and easy to find, whereas other options on this list are not. I could easily only recommend great NA craft beers, but I want to include options that should be available no matter where you live, and for those mass-produced non-alcoholic beers, my pick is Heineken Zero. Shiner Bock Non-Alcoholic It makes perfect sense that brewers looking to expand into non alcoholic beers would simply take a tried-and-true recipe and make it without alcohol. That’s pretty much what Shiner has done with Shiner Bock Non-Alcoholic. If you like Shiner Bock flavor (which I do), the NA version captures the same roasted malty flavors that you’d expect from a Bock. Best Day Kolsch Best Day is another California-based non-alcoholic brewery, but like Athletic, you can find their beer pretty much anywhere. The best beer that Best Day brews is hands-down the Kolsch, a light, crisp lager that’s great for spending time outside. It’s a really accessible option that perfectly toes the line between “regular beer” and “lots of flavor.” Best Non Alcoholic Stout Guinness 0.0 Guinness 0.0 is the only non alcoholic stout that makes this list because, so far, it’s the only non alcoholic stout I’ve tried that I’ve genuinely enjoyed. Guinness itself is already a pretty light beer despite its dark color, so you really don’t lose much flavor with the NA version. It’s also easy to find, which is a big plus. Other Great Non Alcoholic Brews Clausthaler Non-Alcoholic Grapefruit The fine folks of Clausthaler sent me a few non-alcoholic beers to try a few years back, and they’re all pretty good. But my favorite of the bunch is the Clausthaler Non-Alcoholic Grapefruit beer, which gives a grapefruit raddler sort of flavor and leans more into the juicy notes of fruit. The runner-up is the Clausthaler Holiday Brew, which tastes akin to a non-alcoholic mulled wine (in a good way). Hop Water Ok, hop water isn’t a specific type of brew, but it’s a great drink you can find at some craft breweries. Hop water is essentially a non-alcoholic seltzer, so a bubbly water, but with the addition of hop flavor. It’s a great non alcoholic option if you’re out at a brewery and see it on the menu, and genuinely worth trying if you’re into seltzer waters. Non-Alcoholic Beer Questions

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What Are Fresh Hop Beers?

Thomas Short — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:14:35 +0000

Fresh hop beers are brewed with the freshest hops brewers can get their hands on, and they’re only available during late summer when hops ripen and are first ready for harvesting. The resulting brew is a hop-loaded delight with flavors that you can only get once a year. Fresh hop season is one of my favorite times of year for beer, since brewers have the chance to make their most popular beers with the best hops available. It’s crazy how much the freshness of one beer ingredient can completely change the flavor of a brew. So, let’s explore fresh hop beers and what makes them so special. What Are Fresh Hops? Fresh hops are hops that are harvested and delivered to the brewer in less than 24 hours. Typically, harvesters reap hop cones from the vines, process them, and prepare them for shipping. To give the hops longevity, brewers dry the hops and form them into pellets, which are then stored in a freezer. While this process helps keep hops fresher for longer, we lose a lot of the natural hop flavor along the way. When hop growers take brand-new hops fresh off the vine and then immediately ship them for brewing, we essentially get the “freshest” hop flavor. Related: Mosaic Hops, Citra Hops, and Simcoe Hops Fresh Hop vs Wet Hop vs Dry Hop: What’s the Difference? Brewery frequenters might notice that some breweries have fresh hops while others have wet hops or dry hops. Here’s a breakdown of what those terms mean. Fresh hops are hops that are as fresh from the vine as possible, harvested when hops mature during fresh hop season. Wet hops are the exact same thing as fresh hops, just with another name. The only reason brewers use the term wet hop is that the hop hasn’t been dried out in preparation for a longer life. Dry hopping is a technique used in brewing where hops are added after the boil to introduce more hop flavor. Dry hops aren’t a type of hop, so a dry-hopped beer could feasibly use fresh hops (though this is not recommended). Some brewers also use the term “green hop” interchangeably with fresh hop and wet hop, so that’s another term to look out for during the season. What Do Fresh Hop Beers Taste Like? Fresh hop beers should taste pretty similar to the original brew, but with a much stronger hop presence. One combination of flavor you’ll get with fresh hops and not other hops is a green, earthy flavor. The literal freshness of the plant comes through in the final brew, which also adds to the heaviness of the beer. Fresh hops can also accentuate the regular flavors you’d get from a hop. For example, a fresh-hopped beer with Citra might have stronger citrus and juicy flavors than a more traditional single-hopped Citra ale. I will say that not all fresh hop flavor is an improvement. Anecdotally, I’ve had a fresh hop Italian Pilsner which was so vegetal and hoppy that it made me sick. Aside from that beer, I’ve always experienced great fresh hop flavors in pale ales and IPAs. When Is Fresh Hop Season? Fresh hop season begins when hop vines ripen, so there’s no set date every year. However, hop vines tend to start ripening in mid to late August, with fresh hop season ending in late September. But fresh hop beers can last on taps for much longer, since they take time to brew and sometimes even longer to sell. So, you should be able to find fresh hop beers going into October. Where Do You Find Fresh Hop Beers? The closer you are to hop vines, the easier it is to find fresh hop beers. If you’re looking for a full-on fresh hop experience, consider visiting the Pacific Northwest. Over 90% of craft beer hops are grown in Central Washington, with major breweries in Washington and Oregon becoming the primary beneficiaries of the fresh hop season. Regarldess of where you live, your best bet for finding a fresh hop beer is a local craft brewer. Large breweries won’t waste the effort and energy to get fresh hops and use them (most of them brew lighter lagers anyway). Some fresh hop beers might get canned and distributed, so be on the lookout for that as well.

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