Few drinks are as deeply woven into human culture as beer. From ancient Mesopotamians crafting crude homebrews to today’s thriving craft beer scene, the golden brew has remained a social staple. Whether you’re hitting the casino floor or hosting a poker night at home, choosing the right beer can elevate the experience.
With endless styles to explore, from crisp lagers to robust stouts, there’s a perfect match for every hand you’re dealt. And for those who enjoy a personal touch, homebrewing lets you craft a beer as unique as your strategy at the tables. Let’s now explore the best options for your lucky night.
History of Beer
Beer is part of the social fabric of society, with every part of the world having its traditions, styles, and tastes. Ales (such as brown ales, India pale ales, sour ales, or pale ales) and lagers (such as pilsners) are the two primary varieties of Beer. Stouts, fruit beers, wheat, porters, and blonde ales are other types of Beer. Nearly 400 billion liters are consumed worldwide, with the Czech Republic taking the first prize as the country that drinks most of the golden nectar at a whopping 128 liters per capita per year, rounds out at roughly 387 cans!
When it comes to social gatherings, only one alcoholic drink reigns supreme: the golden liquid created from wheat, barley, and hops. With the number of varieties of Beer available, it can get daunting, but here is a cheat sheet that will help you identify which one you will like best.
Every Beer is either a Lager or an Ale
The type of yeast employed and the fermentation temperature distinguish an ale from a lager. Ales can be ready in ten days and ferment at a higher temperature, typically between 68- and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Lagers, meanwhile, might take weeks or months to mature despite fermenting at a lower temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ales
Amber Ale
The hoppy, medium-bodied American amber ale is a contemporary craft beer style developed in the 1980s as a version of the pale ale.
India Pale Ale (IPA)
The once-bright, clear Beer with a dry, harsh flavor has changed into a hazy, mineral-driven drink with fruity and sweet notes.
Stouts And Porters
Full-bodied beers such as stouts and porters are prepared from roasted malts, which are roasted similarly to coffee and chocolate.
Lagers
Pilsner, the pilsner is the most popular Beer in the United States. It began in 1842 in Pilsen, a little Bohemian town in the present-day Czech Republic. Pilsner Urquell is a blend of barley, Saaz hops, and the gentle water of Pilsen. While many pilsners in the United States are lighter and more straightforward, such as Budweiser or Coors Lite, the traditional European varieties are full of taste and bitter.
Most Popular Beers in the USA
The American taste tends to gravitate towards a larger style of Beer with a refreshing taste and slight bitterness. Next are the beers that are consumed the most, according to the numbers in the latest survey.
- Modelo Especial: This Mexican pilsner-style lager has surged in popularity, becoming the top-selling Beer in the U.S. as of May 2023, surpassing Bud Light.
- Bud Light: A light lager brewed by Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light has been a long-time favorite in the U.S. market. Despite recent challenges, it remains a top-selling beer.
- Coors Light – Molson Coors produces Coors Light as the “Silver Bullet” which provides beer drinkers in America with a light-tasting beer they can easily drink.
- Michelob Ultra – Anheuser-Busch produces Michelob Ultra which serves health-conscious consumers through its low-calorie and low-carb beer option. The beer claimed the position of top-selling tap beer in the United States starting in November 2024 while surpassing Bud Light.
- Corona Extra – People across the U.S. drink Corona Extra primarily because it comes from Mexico as a pale lager which they commonly pair with lime. The Mexican brand stands among the top choices of imported beers that Americans buy frequently. Corona has different sponsorships with industry leaders, so it often offers promotions at the best casino sites.
The most consumed Lager is the famous Dry Stout from Ireland Guinness, which has an almost 250-year history. In 2022 Guinness reached $171 million in dollar sales to place it among the major beer brands at the top of the market. Among all Beer varieties, Guinness holds the position as the preferred selection among US consumers.
Casino Beverages & Homebrewing: Enjoy with Moderation
Casinos worldwide offer an impressive selection of refreshing beers, from bold, hoppy IPAs to crisp, light lagers like Coors Light and Michelob Ultra. For those who prefer a personalized touch, homebrewing allows you to craft unique flavors that match your taste. Both casino-made beverages and homemade beers require moderation to avoid negative consequences during your experience.
