As a college kid, I notice a lot of people turning down beer because they hate the flavor (probably because it is usually cheap beer). It really kills me when people decide to completely disregard beer completely because of one or a couple of bad experiences. I am a firm believer that there is a beer (or cider) out there for everyone. My biggest advice is to not be afraid to try anything. In one of my other posts, I talked about B. Nektar’s Zombie Killer cider. This would be a great option for those who do not prefer drinking beer. This may open up a whole new world to ciders for you. It is an apple/cherry cider with notes of honey, and it is very crisp like a cider actually should be. It’s not overly sweet like some ciders, and it has the right amount of carbonation.

For those who have not completely give up on beer, I recommend fruit beers. My favorites are: Blue Moon Belgian White, Shock Top Lemon Shandy, Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat, and New Glarus Belgian Red. All are tasty in their own way, Blue Moon has orange flavors, Shock Top has the lemon element, Lost Coast has tangerine, and New Glarus is a cherry flavored beer. For those that do not like fruit beers, I suggest something traditional like ales and lagers. My current favorite is Kona Brewing Company’s Big Wave Golden Ale. It is a little different take on the traditional ales that are drunk here in United States. Another great company is New Belgium Brewing. They have a multitude of different beers ranging from IPA’s and ales to seasonal beers that go great with the all the times of the year.

Continuing, do not just rely on the store to have beer to try. There are breweries popping up all over the United States each year. Some of the smallest breweries may have the beer for you. Do a little Google search and find some that are close to you and give them a visit! Most of them are at least a cool place to visit on a boring Saturday. I recommend buying a growler if you are going to do this tactic. Most breweries will fill up your growler if you already have one. I have been to probably six different breweries in my day, and I have had a good time at every one. If you do not want a whole growler of beer, most breweries will do flights of beer with as many samples as you want. This is a great way to taste everything they have. If you like one in particular, go ahead and get a whole growler.

I have also found how beer is a great ingredient for cooking, too. If you still do not like drinking beer, at least give it a shot in your food. There are some complex (and simple) beers that can take your dishes to the next level. From simple foods like beer cheese dip and beer brats to more complex soups, sauces, batters, and even desserts, beer can be a great ingredient. Once again, do a little Google search or go to foodnetwork.com and simply type in beer. I just went to Food Network and there were 214 pages related to beer. Surely there will be something that seems somewhat appetizing.

Concluding, do not be afraid to get out there and try beer (or cider). It is a very versatile product. It comes in many forms and flavors that can be enjoyed in many ways. If you really do not like to drink beer, at least give ciders a shot or try cooking with beer. I there’s still a little hope for beer in you try going to a local brewery sometime. You may find that they have something you like. I also recommend starting with more refreshing beers like fruit beers. They are not crazy bitter like some pale ales or crazy complex like some other heavy beers.