I had always heard growing up that being an adult was hard, and that never seemed the case, until I grew older (Not up). Now I can see the wear and tear of losing the battle of anxiety, sleep deprivation, financial angst, and the not-so-typical “midlife crisis” that each of us experiences differently. It would be nice if someone could break down the leisure portions of our lives to pair with the perfect beer. Sit tight! I have a small list for you, in the very little free time you have.
Montucky Cold Snacks- The Summer activity beer
As a co-owner of Shakespeare’s Pub in downtown Kalamazoo, MI, you may be surprised to know I have rarely in my adult life finished even 1 pint of beer over the last 2 decades (a win as a business owner), but then I came across this “Hipster-esque” beer which is so simple, and so plain, but yet, so perfect, that I had my first full can on July 4th, 2022 in over 8 years. Montucky Cold Snacks reminds me of the times when I have forgotten to bring a cooler while fishing or kayaking, so I created a line drag to keep the beer cold from the cold waters of the Pine River. It’s crisp, and easy to drink, and although I hate the term, it is absolutely a “session” beer if there ever was one. If you’re planning a day on a pontoon, or just have a lawn to mow, grab a case (or less) of this. It’s everything you wish Bud Light and Miller Lite were but so much more.
Bell’s Special Double Cream Stout- The Ice Cream beer
I have had my fair share of ice cream. I love Ben & Jerry’s, but recently discovered Milk Bar Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow which is impossible to put down and I wind up finishing the pint every time I get one. Locally to Michigan, I am a huge fan of Lafayette Creamery Habanero Carmel, but I have never had a bad flavor from here, ever. If there is a perfect beer to pair with Ice cream, style-wise, it’s a stout. Dark, chocolatey, with notes of coffee. The best one I have found for ice cream though, is Bell’s Brewing’s Special Double Cream Stout. It seems like with such a name, it is going to be made with lactose (milk sugar) but it is completely dairy-free. It is named so because of its smooth, velvety texture with notes of espresso, cocoa, and mocha-like malt flavors. A perfect compliment to any ice cream pint you shouldn’t finish in one sitting, but I’m not here to judge you.
Brewery Ommegang Hennepin- The Charcuterie Board beer
Hennepin is an enigma to me. It’s style is a Belgian based Farmhouse Saison which has never been my favorite flavor profile with coriander and spice. Also, “Farmhouse” is in reference to what a lot of brewer’s refer to as “funk” and if that description isn’t a turn off, I am not sure what is. However, if I had to rank beers, Hennepin would easily be in my top 10. It matches so well with meats like Genoa salami, Prosciutto, and Sopressata and artisan cheeses like gouda, bleu cheese, and sharp cheddars. If you’re in the market for a great cheese, Beemster XO is in my opinion the world’s best for charcuterie boards and you can get it locally at The Cheese Lady.
Pabst Blue Ribbon- The Beer Olympics beer
If you haven’t seen the movie, “Beerfest” this is a good indication of a beer-drinking related competition. Although the beer would make sense to be German-beer based, how can I not side with the ‘Merica equivalent to a drunkenly bad idea that is too much fun not to try? Pabst Blue Ribbon says it all! It even has a “Blue Ribbon” which indicates “Winner”! Events such as Beer Pong, Beerio Kart, Dizzy Bat, Spoons (my wife’s favorite), and Case Race. Lower in alcohol, not as hoppy as most craft beer choices, and that will help when you are down to the final event, Das Boot!
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale- The Jack Box Games/Cards Against Humanity beer
I have often said to anyone that asks, if I had to name a “Desert Island beer” without question, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is that beer. It’s hoppy, but not overly filling. It’s smooth and crisp, but with a hearty backbone. It also can bring out the intellectual you are trying to be as a “Out of the Box” thinker when it comes to comedic improv! You are gonna need it for adult games like Jackbox games Drawful, Quiplash, Fibbage, and Murder Mystery party! Plus, who can forget Cards Against Humanity? Just don’t play that one with your mother.
Sprecher Root Beer- The Games to Play with your Kids “beer”.
Have a sit down for Monopoly jr., Don’t Wake Daddy?, or Candyland? Sit back and pop one open of this fire-brewed, vanilla based soda fountain classic that you can share with your grade-schooler. Not everything needs to have alcohol. Don’t be a monster!
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