The amount of beer needed for a BBQ or garden party can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of guests, the duration of the event, and how much beer each person is likely to consume.
As a general rule of thumb, you should estimate about two drinks per person for the first hour of the event, and one additional drink for each subsequent hour.
If you know that your guests get very thirsty, you may want to plan for more beer than this. Similarly, if you expect a lot of non-drinkers or underage guests, you may not need as much. A good starting point is to assume that each adult guest will consume around 2-3 beers over the course of the event.
It's always a good idea to err on the side of caution and buy a little extra beer, just in case. You should also provide non-alcoholic options for those who do not drink or want to alternate their beers with a soft drink or water.
The type of beer you should buy for a BBQ depends on personal preference and the food you'll be serving. Here are some general guidelines that may help:
1. Consider the weather: If it's hot outside, you may want to choose lighter beers that are refreshing and easy to drink. Pilsners, lagers, and wheat beers are good choices. We call them fridge friendly
2. Pair with the food: Think about the types of food you'll be serving and try to choose beers that will complement them. For example, if you're grilling burgers and hot dogs, a classic American lager may be a good choice. If you're serving spicy food, an IPA with hoppy bitterness can balance the flavours. If you're serving BBQ ribs or smoked meats, a brown ale or porter can be a good choice to complement the rich flavours.
3. Variety: It's always a good idea to offer a variety of beer styles to cater to different tastes. Consider offering a mix of light and dark beers, hoppy and malty beers, and different brands and breweries. Our Craft beer variety pack is perfect for this as you'll have something for everyone
4. Quantity: As mentioned earlier, you'll want to estimate how much beer you need based on the number of guests and the duration of the event. It's better to have a little extra than to run out of beer during the party.
Ultimately, the type of beer you choose for your BBQ will depend on your personal preference and the preferences of your guests. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things and consider asking your guests to bring their favourite beers to share.
