When you’re out at a bar or a liquor store, picking out a beer can be overwhelming. There are so many different types, brands, and flavors of beer, how do you know which one to choose? One way to make the process a little easier is to learn how to read beer labels. This guide will teach you the basics of understanding beer labels so that you can choose the best brew for your taste buds.
The first thing you’ll notice on a beer label is the name of the beer. This can be anything from a simple description of the beer’s flavor to a clever marketing gimmick. For instance, you might see a beer labeled as “IPA” or “Pale Ale.” These are simply different styles of beer. Other beers might be named for their place of origin, like “Budweiser” or “Coors.” Still, others might have more whimsical names, like “Fat Tire” or “Hang Ten.”
The next thing you’ll see on a beer label is the alcohol content. This is expressed as a percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). For example, a beer with an ABV of 5% is 5% alcohol by volume. The higher the ABV, the more alcoholic the beer will be. Keep in mind that alcohol content can vary widely between different types of beer. For instance, a light beer might have an ABV of 3%, while a strong beer could have an ABV of 8% or more.
You’ll also see the beer brewing information on the label. This will tell you where the beer was brewed and by whom. For example, you might see “Brewed in Milwaukee, WI by MillerCoors.” This is simply telling you the location of the brewery and the company that owns it.
Finally, you’ll see the beer’s expiration date on the label. This is important to pay attention to, as a beer can go bad if it’s allowed to sit for too long. The expiration date will tell you how long the beer will stay fresh. For example, a beer with an expiration date of “Jan 1, 2020” will be good until January 1st, 2020. After that, the beer will start to go bad and it’s best to throw it out.
Now that you know how to read beer labels, you can make better choices when you’re out buying beer. Pay attention to the different styles of beer, the alcohol content, and the expiration date when making your selection. And don’t forget to enjoy your beer!