Good beer to contrast with Heiniken

[yamalam]

Throwing a party and looking for a good beer to offer alongside Heiniken(SO's favorite)...buying from a distributor so need something not too obscure. Menu will be pork loin and tri tips. Thanks in advance and hope this isn't too basic of a question for you guys!

[ted]

Heineken's pretty classic for being skunked. Kinda yucky once you realize it.

If you wanted to go lager, I've been on a big Oktoberfest kick for a while now. Ayinger (my first choice), Paulaner, or Spaten would be pretty readily available options, even though we're a bit past the "season" now. Just make sure you get the O'fest and not the basic yellow lager. They often look similar in terms of labeling.

[yankeefan]

If your going roasted, there are several great smoked ales out there that are worth a try: Stone and Rogue make nice ones. If you want to stick to something that is easily found and will run across the board tastes, you may want to try your typical brown ale.

Some have suggested Newcastle which is widely available and you may want to also consider Sam Smiths, Abita, Dogfish Head or Brooklyn versions of brown ales. All quite good.

[HPLsauce]

Pabst Blue Ribbon.

[Chinon00]

How exactly does PBR contrast Heineken?

Thanks!

[number6]

Cost :) Otherwise, the same.

[bkhuna]

PBR is less skunky than Heinekin!

[brentk]

Well with the Heinekin, you are getting a lager that is going to have a sulfuric taste. I guess some folks like that but it is not my cup of tea, so to speak.

I presume that you are going to be roasting or grilling the meat, so I would recommend something with a good roasted aspect. That calls for a dark beer such as a brown ale, a stout or a porter. I don't know much about what is available in Arizona, but the Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar is widely available and pretty middle of the road, but still quite good.

[yamalam]

Thanks! Sounds perfect. I'll check on Monday. I think they had Newcastle and Sierra Nevada Brown Ale too.

[brentk]

I thought about recommending Newcastle. It's not a beer I much care for but if you have a crowd coming that may not appreciate bigger flavors in their beer, it would be a safe choice. I haven't tasted the Sierra Nevada Brown but their Porter is very good.