# I don't drink beer - what kind should I buy for company? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** beer\ **Created:** [May 8, 2019, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667 "2019-05-08T16:06:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/21 "2019-05-09T12:27:33Z")
Buy a variety case from a brewer like Lagunitas. Better yet, buy from a local startup brewer. ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/22 "2019-05-09T12:32:42Z")
Sheesh, my definition of hell is being on a trans pacific flight with only Bud. Actually, this is really a great question. Is there one beer that covers a broad spectrum of beer drinkers? Or even one variety case? This is difficult. Hardcore “lite” drinkers won’t go too far the other way, micro brew folks can’t stand watery beer, hop heads don’t like anything without overpowering hop, not all like the wheat beer “clove” overtones, etc. I would posit there are plenty of beer drinkers that think “lite” beer is nasty and vile. Commercially available low alcohol beers are nasty and vile. American IPA are nasty and vile. Guinness (aka elixir of the gods) is nasty and vile. Wheat beer is nasty and vile. Rise lather repeat. Cream ales might be a cross-over but I can’t think of a nationally available brand. Maybe Sam Adams? Beer snobs could choke it down, and Lite drinkers maybe hold their nose? I would never buy Sam Adams but would take that as a drowning person grabbing a life preserver versus a mainstream lager like Miller. ---
**Author:** ![Royal\_Nonesutch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ecb155/32.png) [@Royal\_Nonesutch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Royal_Nonesutch)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/23 "2019-05-09T12:53:35Z")
I grew up in Salt Lake City, happily drinking 3.2% Rainier, Old Style, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Schmidt, Hamm’s, Old Milwaukee, Buckhorn and any number of the awfulest, most low-down and common brews known to the decent people, but Bud Light is worse than anything that the most vile, unrepentant perverts of Provo could dream up in their most debauched fantasies. A plain old bottle of traditional, classic Budweiser? A perfectly fine lager for summertime drinking. ---
**Author:** ![Horatio\_Hellpop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/24 "2019-05-09T13:00:03Z")
Maryland? Get a couple six-packs of National Bohemian! Or for a couple bucks more, Michelob or Heineken. Really, Budweiser’s fine. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/25 "2019-05-09T13:01:27Z")
I did a little searching and near as I can tell, there are a few brewpubs in this general area. But it looks like they brew for in-house customers rather than bottling. In any event, there are a lot of good suggestions here - thanks! I think I can make a couple of decent pics for the event. For all I know, the best kind of beer is FREE!! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/26 "2019-05-09T13:04:06Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > But it looks like they brew for in-house customers rather than bottling. Canning. No brewpubs bottle nowadays, it’s all cans, growlers, and crowlers. ---
**Author:** ![Tapiotar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3be4f8/32.png) [@Tapiotar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapiotar)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/27 "2019-05-09T13:07:24Z")
If the young guys who work with you are getting the leftovers, ask them what they like or would recommend. If they don’t have extreme tastes, they might be the best source of info. They’ll not only know what’s available, they will also probably know where to get the best prices, too. In another thread, someone recommended Scrimshaw. I found some at the local Total Wine, tried it, and liked it. It would probably appeal to a broad spectrum of beer drinkers. If it is available in your area, you might try looking for it. Otherwise, something generic, like Yuengling might work. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/28 "2019-05-09T13:12:56Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > …In any event, there are a lot of good suggestions here - thanks! I think I can make a couple of decent pics for the event. For all I know, the best kind of beer is FREE!! 😃 Well, you got a lot of variety in these responses. I hope you let us know later what you went with, and how it went over! ---
**Author:** ![Royal\_Nonesutch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ecb155/32.png) [@Royal\_Nonesutch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Royal_Nonesutch)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/29 "2019-05-09T13:17:26Z")
> [@Tapiotar](#): > > If the young guys who work with you are getting the leftovers, ask them what they like or would recommend. If they don’t have extreme tastes, they might be the best source of info. They’ll not only know what’s available, they will also probably know where to get the best prices, too. Either that or you could always ask Justice Kavanaugh, Timmy, PJ and Squi. They’ll tell you all you need to know about the “Skis” ---
**Author:** ![DrCube](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/30 "2019-05-09T13:52:57Z")
Unfortunately Bud Light is the most popular beer in the US. So get some of that. But for those of us who actually like to taste beer, _please_ get some non-light beer, too. Even just Budweiser is infinitely better than Bud Light, to my taste buds. Or Hamm’s, Stag, PBR, or other cheap, but full flavored beer. Some nicer craft beers would be nice, too, but I don’t know your budget. Budweiser is the same price as Bud Light, and Hamm’s is even cheaper. ---
**Author:** ![ThisSpaceForRent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisspaceforrent/32/345_2.png) [@ThisSpaceForRent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisSpaceForRent)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/31 "2019-05-09T16:36:32Z")
Well **FCM** , there is an off the wall chance that **silenus** , \*\*Kayaker \*\*and I may crash your party… I would lay in with a sixth barrel of _Waldo’s Special Ale_ (Lauganitus) and a 1/4 barrel of\* KBS\* (Founders). Just for insurance you may want to procure a 750ml of Laphroig 1/4 cask. We will bring the party favors. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/32 "2019-05-09T16:41:59Z")
Duff beer for me Duff beer for you You have a Duff I’ll have one too ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/33 "2019-05-09T16:42:57Z")
> [@ThisSpaceForRent](#): > > Well **FCM** , there is an off the wall chance that **silenus** , \*\*Kayaker \*\*and I may crash your party… > > I would lay in with a sixth barrel of _Waldo’s Special Ale_ (Lauganitus) and a 1/4 barrel of\* KBS\* (Founders). Just for insurance you may want to procure a 750ml of Laphroig 1/4 cask. > > We will bring the party favors. I’m in. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/34 "2019-05-09T17:37:20Z")
WooHooooo!!! Pizza and beer @FCM’s place!! ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/35 "2019-05-09T18:25:05Z")
Based on your part of the county I’d grab and non-IPA Dogfish Head. They’re as crafty as any one could ask for and yet should be widely available in your area. Seriously don’t get Bud lots of people won’t drink it. I’ve always found Miller to be the compromise beer between the Bud and Coors folks plenty hate either one but everyone seems to rank Miller in the middle of the mega brews. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/36 "2019-05-09T18:57:16Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I live in St. Mary’s county in southern Maryland. I’m aware of several wineries around here, but breweries, not so much. Here are some ideas for breweries from Maryland: > **[2 Maryland Beers Named Among Very Best In America](https://patch.com/maryland/baltimore/2-maryland-beers-named-among-very-best-america)** > > Two Maryland beers are among the very best in America, a new analysis says. (though a Gose and a Porter may not be good styles for everyone) > **[The 11 Most Maryland Beers You Can Buy](https://www.thrillist.com/drink/washington-dc/11-most-maryland-craft-beers)** > > The number of these beers you’ve tried directly correlates to how “Maryland” you are. > **[Maryland’s 20 best beers](https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/10/17/marylands-20-best-beers/)** > > Rating the state’s top 20 bottled and canned brews of 2012. — By Sam Sessa, Jordan Bartel and Wesley Case I’ve had some beers from Flying Dog and Heavy Seas. Both are pretty good breweries. The Loose Cannon from Heavy Seas and the Doggie Style Pale Ale from Flying Dog should be relatively easy to find in your neck of the woods. ---
**Author:** ![BeeGee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5a626/32.png) [@BeeGee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeeGee)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/37 "2019-05-09T19:30:57Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > How long are you expecting people to stay? If people might show up at 2 pm and stay til 10 pm then sure assume 3 beers. But I think that would be on the extreme end unless everyone is a college student. > > I would get a 12 pack of something like Bud or Miller Lite and either 2 sixpacks of something slightly nicer like Blue Moon or Leinenkugels or an equivalent sampler pack. Three beers in 8 hours is extreme? Not coming to your party… ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/38 "2019-05-09T20:06:15Z")
I’d get Miller Lite or Bud Light, Blue Moon or similar not-too-hoppy medium market domestic and a mass market import like Heineken or maybe Corona. A cite is proving hard to find but I’ve heard that fully half of the Chicago beer market is split between Bud Light and Miller Lite. I prefer the latter, tastes great, less filling. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/39 "2019-05-09T21:12:52Z")
> [@Oredigger77](#): > > Based on your part of the county I’d grab and non-IPA Dogfish Head. They’re as crafty as any one could ask for and yet should be widely available in your area. > > Seriously don’t get Bud lots of people won’t drink it. I’ve always found Miller to be the compromise beer between the Bud and Coors folks plenty hate either one but everyone seems to rank Miller in the middle of the mega brews. Around here, another beer I use to fill that Bud and Miller space is either one of the Polish lagers (Zywiec, Okocim, Tyskie) or a Mexican one (Modelo, Pacifico, Tecate, Bohemia.) If somebody likes BudMillCoors, they should be fine with any of those beers. They’re common everyday beers (at least here), but slightly upmarket from the American Light Lagers, so also should be acceptable for the more discriminating beer drinkers. That said, I’m always happy is somebody’s got some Old Styles around. (But I will drink something else if it’s Busch or Miller Lite, unless I’m just trying to get buzzed. Still, if there are other alcohol options, I will choose those instead.) ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2019, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667/40 "2019-05-09T21:29:40Z")
My go-to is Yuengling. It tastes generic enough that most people will like it but it’s not so ubiquitous where people are going to snark on it too much. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-drink-beer-what-kind-should-i-buy-for-company/833667.md?page=3)