Beer Selection

From college parties to a beer enthusiast’s after-dinner drink, beer is an all-time favorite of drinkers from all across the globe. Whether you prefer tall pint of lager or a full-bodied stout, Liquor Mart of Holyoke and Springfield is here to help you find it! Not sure what to drink? Ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff for a recommendation. We look forward to helping you.

We encourage bulk buying—just be sure someone else is driving.

Beer Basics

Beer and food pairings are an up and coming trend in the beer industry.

We want to help you select your favorite beer!

Ales

Ales are brewed using a “top fermentation” process, where yeast cells rise to the top of the brewing tank, to be skimmed off when fermentation is complete. Ales were among the first beers ever made. They generally have a more robust taste and a more pronounced aroma than lagers including a variety of fruit and malt. Ales come in many varieties including Bitters, Milds, Pale Ales, Amber Ale, Nut Brown, etc. Think of Ales as red wine and match these with fuller-bodied meals such as steak, pork and lamb.

Amber Ale

Amber Ale ranges in color from light copper to dark brown and presents a richer flavor than pale ale with hints of caramel. These beers stand well on their own, or pair well with rich foods such as steak, chicken, most cheeses and burgers.

Lagers

Lagers are the most popular beers in the world! Lagers are traditionally a bottom –fermented beer where the yeast settles at the bottom of the tanks, producing a clear, crisp beer. Most lagers are of the “pils” type – a brewing style that originated in the Czech Republic in the 1800s.

Lagers are typically lightly colored and less aromatic than ales, best consumed at cooler temperatures than ales. For food pairing, think of lagers as the white wine of beer – white meat such as chicken, turkey, game and mild-flavored seafoods such as mussels, scallops and halibut are a great accompaniment to lagers.

Light Beer

Breweries have taken note of consumer desires for less alcoholic beer with the same great qualities of premium lagers. Light beer is extremely light in color, mild in flavor with less calories and lower alcohol content. Pair your favorite light beer with spicy Mexican or Italian dishes or a light meal like salad or sushi.

Stout

Stouts are very flavorful with rich malt and caramel, coffee and chocolate flavors ranging from sweet to bitter. There are numerous types of stout ranging from Irish Stout to Porter. It is a unique complement to shellfish, hearty stews and wild game.

Wheat Beer

These beers are built on wheat which provides a soft character beer, sometimes hazy in color but easy to drink with little or no after taste. Wheat beers make a great pairing with any fish, spicier meals, salmon and salads.

Specialty/Craft Beers

Specialty beers, often using ‘hand-crafted” techniques, include more defined flavors such as fruit or honey. Increased malt, hops or yeast create a complex and distinctive beer. These beers typically range in alcohol content between 5 and 9%. Specialty beers can be a great complement to many meals. Try honey beers with chicken or ham, fruit beers with dessert and strong beers as an after-dinner drink on their own.

Whether you’re enjoying a cool refreshing brew at the beginning of the day or the end, we have options you we are sure you’ll love from wherever you choose to enjoy them!