Issue # 10 - Step Away from the beer.

Issue # 10 - Step AWAY from the Beer.

I find that far too many men gravitate towards beer not because they love it, but because it is perceived as a manly thing to drink. Beer has for ages, been the go-to drink for men and boys alike. And why not really? It's inexpensive, convenient and really doesn't taste all that bad...depending on your beer of choice. I am a beer fan myself, although i gravitate to the micro-brewery brands, which i find to have more variety in flavour and better quality. But unless you're heading to a backyard barbecue, or somewhere else in which beer is kind of your only option, try to avoid bringing it.

 

I am not saying don't buy it for yourself at home. I am strictly speaking about when you make an appearance somewhere. If beer is not called for, try to avoid being the guy that shows up with a case of Bud Light under his arm. It screams no class...and i would hope you don't want to be THAT guy. If you're not sure what you should bring to an occasion, here's a little guide to assist you. Please keep in mind that each of the scenarios listed below are EXCLUDING SUMMER BACKYARD BBQ PARTIES.

First of all, I was raised under the etiquette that you ALWAYS bring something for the host of the party. No i didn't stutter. You bring something for the person who is having you over. It's simple. At the VERY least, you leave whatever unfinished alcohol you brought there for them. It's a sign of class and respect, and a rule i think should never go out of style.

So here's the first: Someone is having you over for a dinner party. If you've never been to one, you need to know that you should dress up somewhat, but this all depends on the type of party they are having, the people invited, etc. Use your discretion on how to dress. One thing to ALWAYS keep in mind, 3 seasons out of the year these will always be indoors, so pay special attention to your socks. You don't want to be the guy with the hole in his toe, constantly trying to hide it. Also, NO bare feet. This is a dinner party, not a beach. Dress code aside, you should ask them what is on the menu. If they choose to keep it a surprise, at least get them to tell you what type of meat they are preparing. Why is this important? Because it will tell you what type of wine to bring. You didn't think you were going to show up with a 6 pack of Heineken and get away with it, did you?

Generally the host will/should have wine and other beverages available for you, but you should still bring a minimum of one bottle of wine to the party, and whether it is drank or not, LEAVE it there for the host. Trust me when i say gentlemen, that nothing is tackier than leaving with the bottle you brought.

Not sure what wine to bring? Here's an overly simple guide to help you: (I will have a full issue dedicated to this in the near future): White wine for pork or chicken, Red wine for Beef. If you are unable to remember this, i will break it down so even the simplest minded of beer guzzling men can understand it: White wine for White meat. Red wine for Red meat. Got it? Good. Moving on.

Casual Get Together: These are far less strict in both dress code and beverage, but there are still some things you need to know. Generally at these type of gatherings, the host has one main bar set up where everyone can mix their own drinks, etc. Generally no one stays with just their own contribution, and will try something someone else brought if they desire. This is normal and does not require you getting angry that someone is drinking what you brought. Expect that it will be drank. What does this mean? It means don't spend $80 on a bottle of high end vodka if you want to keep it for yourself. It is important you keep in mind that other people will be drinking your choice, so choose something that is universally liked, ie/ vodka, rye, gin, rum, and also choose something in a reasonable price range. This way you're not out a bunch of money, but you're also not bringing gas station liquor to a party. $25 is a safe minimum i would say. Wine is acceptable, and you can be a little looser with the choice on it, since there may only be finger foods or snacks for everyone. To cover the bases you can bring a bottle of each red and white and still stay within the $25 range.

If you DO plan on bringing beer, keep in mind that your hosts' fridge may be limited in space, and lugging a big cooler into their house is neither efficient or classy by any means. Stick to a 6 pack, and don't get something super cheap. Remember, someone may grab 1 or 2 of these things, so keep it a brand that is universally liked, and also says you have a little bit of class. (This is especially true if there are people you have never met at this party....and even MORE true if there are women you haven't met.) Corona or Heineken are always suitable for this, As is Steamwhistle, and even Alexander Keith's to a certain extent. What i am saying men, is even if you love them, stay away from Bud, Bud Light, Blue, Blue Light and Coors Light. Tell people you have class, not that you choose the easy choice.

That's pretty much it guys. It's extremely simple, and after doing this a few times you will realize that it's not unmanly to drink something other than beer. It's actually quite the opposite. What screams confidence more than a man drinking a glass of wine or a martini? in my opinion, nothing. So to recap, here's a quick checklist to help you out:

- Find out the type of party


- Assess the party, decide on proper choice of beverage to bring

- Be thoughtful of other guests and hosts' fridge space

- When in doubt, wine ALWAYS works.

- White wine for White meat, Red wine for Red meat.

- ALWAYS bring something for the host

- NEVER leave with what you brought. EVER.

That's it for today guys, if you take the above to heart, you will never be THAT guy at the party, and who knows, you might learn a thing or 2 along the way. If you want to know more about wine selection, stay tuned, there will be a full issue on it in the next couple of weeks!

Cheers,

S.G.