Navigating any brewery menu can be intimidating if you don't know what to look for. With so many beer options already, plus all the new types being released every day, it's easy to get overwhelmed! Fortunately, there are a few brewery menu tips you can use to make the experience easier.

1. Know the Basics

Before you even start looking at brewery menus, it's a good idea to become familiar with some of the beer basics. There are several styles of beer and each brewery may offer different varieties. Knowing the differences between ales, lagers, wheat beers, and porters can help you narrow your choices. Some brewery menus will include descriptions of the different types of beers, so you can get a better understanding of what's available.

2. Do Your Research

It also helps to do a bit of research before visiting a brewery. Find out which breweries are nearby and what types of beer they specialize in. It'll help you decide which spot to visit and what beers to try when you get there. You can also look for menus online so that you know what's available before you even arrive.

3. Ask for Recommendations

If you're still feeling lost over brewery menus, don't hesitate to ask for help. Most employees are very knowledgeable about the beer they offer. Staff can recommend something that matches your tastes. They may even suggest something new that you haven't tried before!

4. Taste Before You Commit

Most brewery menus will include a selection of samples. If you're still unsure what to order, it's a good idea to try the samples first. After all, no one wants to commit to a whole pint if they don't like the taste! Sampling is also a great way to find out what you like and don't like to make more informed decisions in the future.

5. Do a Beer Flight

Speaking of sampling, one of the best ways to do so is with beer flights. These are usually four-ounce samples of four different beers. It's a great way to try new beers and find your favorites without committing to full pints. Beer flights can also be fun when you're with a group of people. You can chat about the differences between each beer as you taste them! It's even more fun when you pair them with food.

6. Think of Similarities to Wine

If you're more familiar with wine than beer, brewery menus may be even more daunting. However, the two have similarities that can help you make decisions. Just like wine, beers can have different levels of sweetness and bitterness. Pay attention to these notes on brewery menus to find something that appeals to your palate.

7. Consider ABVs and IBUs

ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume, while IBU stands for International Bittering Units. Both figures can give you a better idea of what the beer tastes like before you even try it. Generally speaking, higher ABVs mean boozier beers, while higher IBUs are associated with more bitter beers. Brewery menus will often have both figures listed, so use them to decide what to order.

8. Start Light and Work Your Way Up

Beer menus can be intimidating for even the most experienced beer drinkers. A good strategy is to start with lighter beers and work your way up. It'll help you develop a better understanding of how different styles taste. You can also gauge how strong the drink is. Then you can decide if that's the beer you'd like to order. FYI, you may want to save the stouts for last!

9. Don't Forget About Non-Alcoholic Options

It's easy to overlook brew menus if you don't drink alcohol. Fortunately, most brewery menus also have non-alcoholic options. These options could include anything from cocktails to specialty soda to hard seltzer. Even if you don't drink alcohol, brewery menus can be a great way to find something delicious and refreshing.

Navigating brewery menus should be fun, not intimidating. With these tips in mind, you should be able to find something you like. Beer is the favorite of 41% of those who drink alcohol, according to USA Today, so brewery menus have plenty to offer. You just need to know where to look! Visit Two Frays Brewery and try as many of our beers as you like.