As the wedding planning draws to an end (the wedding is in June), we are left with the details to deal with. This post is for anyone who knows something about beer I guess. The reception location offers the following for beer:
- Bud
- Bud Light
- Heineken
- Corona
- Sam Adams (I assume Boston Lager)
After meeting with the guy from our reception location, he said he would get anything I wanted. So I began thinking and came up with this plan for beer we’ll offer:
- Narragansett
- Narragansett Light
- Narragansett Bock
- Corona
- Sam Adams Boston Lager
- Trinity IPA
- Newport Storm Blueberry Ale
I would effectively replace all the macro lagers with local equivalents (though Narragansett is brewed in Rochester, NY, it’s a local company and the money is kept in RI). Corona would be left because I know too many people who actually enjoy it (I can’t understand why, though to cut down on the number of beers offered, I might remove that). Bud and Bud Light would be replaced with better equivalents (’Gansett and ‘Gansett Light are the same styles as Bud and Bud Light, respectively). Heineken would be replaced with the Bock (which is a Spring beer anyway, and since the wedding is in Spring… you get the idea). Trinity IPA and Newport Storm Blueberry would be added (though better IPA’s exist, we’re going with a local theme here, and I like Trinity’s IPA just fine, though Stone IPA or Great Divide Titan IPA would also be nice, and I suppose Harpoon IPA would be a more familiar one).
The only thing I’d be missing is a dark beer, like a stout. Given that the meal will be a 4 course meal, I doubt anyone will want to drink a stout anyway. Those looking for the roasted flavors can drink the Bock. This plan is dependent on me being able to do this. I have no idea what they’ll say. Since it’s open bar all night, I’m not worried about people paying for something they didn’t really want. It’s free, get over it. My worry is people wouldn’t be happy because they’d be offered beer that is unfamiliar. To deal with that, I’d have the bartenders instructed to tell the guests what the equivalent beer would be.
I’m curious what my readers think. Leave your thoughts in the comments. I’ll reply when necessary.
At my wedding, I wanted to have good beer, too. Of course, what the venue offered was the standard (crappy) stuff. Because my wife had a professional relationship with the woman who was taking care of us*, we were able to get whatever we wanted.
Rather than go nuts, we just requested Guinness (on tap) in addition to the “normal” beers they offered. We did this because we knew that most of the people there would either not be familiar with microbrews, or be the types that actually think microbrews are pretentious. So, we had one “good” beer available that we knew a number of the people there would actually drink and enjoy, and the standard stuff for everyone else.
I would suggest doing something similar - leave the standard fare for the people who drink that, and add two or three “good” beers to that for the people who will actually enjoy them.
*My wife now actually has her job now, and one of the things she’s done is upgraded their bar packages (not just the beer).
I’m not sure how familiar you are with Narragansett, but it’s cheap beer, similar to Bud, but tastes a whole lot better (but still just as accessible for those who like Bud). None of what I’m thinking about adding is serious microbrews. Trinity is a brewpub that had their flagship IPA bottled (the bottled version is contract brewed at a small brewery in SE CT). Newport Storm is the only actual brewery in RI and their blueberry beer is pretty light and accessible as well. That’s why I’m thinking about outright replacing the offerings with the local stuff. I don’t even know if I’d be able to do that or if I can only add a beer or 2 to the list.
Something I should have added, which I didn’t, is that we’re paying for an open bar. Our guests will be drinking for free. I imagine this will make it less of an issue to not be offering the regular crap. If I can’t replace anything, I’d just add the IPA and the Blueberry beer.
Most free beers are good beers.
A dark porter or stout would be great but I don’t think most guests would generally order one at a bar, so they would not order it at your reception.
However, don’t forget about the bride and groom. Calling the reception organized chaos maybe too optimistic. You may want a stout for yourself. Lots of family and friends and the random cousin interrupting you and the bride when you are trying to scarf down your meal. A good stout may give you the “meal” you need. (”Guiness: Ensure for the beer generation.”)
The moral: get few dark ones (qty of bottles, not qty of variations), empower the best man to be responsible for “hiding” the inventory behind a bar and letting the bartender know that those for special request only. Then when your hunger pains are kicking in and your meal is cold and unappealing, your private stock will take care of you.
Oh, believe me… I’m eating my entire meal and I’m going to enjoy it (I am paying for it after all).
I don’t know if the Biltmore will allow a private stock or not. I really need to talk to the guy there. I sent him an email asking about my possible beer lineup. I’m waiting to see what he says.
I know this is not a popular comment with you, and many true beer drinkers, so I’ll whisper…. I like a corona with lime. But you know me; I can always find something else to quench my thirst!