Beer Suggestions for Wine Drinking Women (and Men)

The "gentlemen prefer blondes" ideology long been rendered obsolete, and one of our missions here at Dames on Draft is to do the same to the notion that women prefer wine. We recognize that the pinot over pint stereotype is likely true for females today, but we also believe that this is largely due to many women having yet to give beer a chance. Most haven't tried enough beer styles to find one they like enough to become more open-minded about this presumably more masculine beverage. Of course, with the craft beer movement at its height, there are so many different types of beer available, it's difficult for these women to know where to start. In this article, we attempt to give them some assistance by matching favorite styles of wine to corresponding styles of beer.

If you like Chardonnay, try a Witbier: These two citrusy favorites are crisp and refreshing. A dry finish makes them taste tart at times, but they are still notably easy to drink. Both may have notes of vanilla and honey, and project a character of smooth elegance. Some wine drinkers might be quite surprised to find how much a Witbier resembles their favorite Chardonnay more than the Bud Lite beer they're used to.

If you like Merlot, try a Chocolate Stout: Both of these styles are full-bodied crowd pleasers--who doesn't like chocolate, after all? And for the skeptics who liken beer to keg stands and tailgating, trust us when we say that a chocolate stout is for sipping, not chugging. Mocha can be tasted in some types of Merlot, while many Chocolate Stouts (also referred to as Milk Stouts) exhibit notes of dark fruit. Both have silky mouthfeels and well-blended complexity.

If you like Riesling, try a Hefeweizen: Rieslings and Hefeweizens are notoriously sweet, with fruity flavors and aromas that are more sugary than citrusy. Rieslings remind drinkers of pineapple and apricot, while Hefeweizens are known for their banana and bubblegum qualities. Both are light and bright beverages for those with not only a sweet tooth, but also a preference for more delicate concoctions

If you like Syrah, try an Oud Bruin: Oud Bruins, also referred to as Flanders Brown Ales, resemble Syrahs in that they are bold, complex, and dramatic. Their strong flavor and aroma profiles mirror those of a Syrah, encompassing a cornucopia of dark, juicy fruits; a cabinet of mysterious spices; and a dose of oak and smoke.

If you like Sauvignon Blanc, try a Belgian Golden Strong: Golden Strongs are meant to be sipped--they pack quite a punch when it comes to alcohol content. They also, however, pack a plethora of tasty flavors, many of which can also be found in Sauvingnon Blancs. Belgian Golden Strongs evoke fruit found in orchards such as peaches and pears, as well as peppery spices and herbs. Like Sauvignon Blancs, they are sweet upfront, but typically have a very dry finish.

If you like Cabernet Sauvignon, try a Russian Imperial Stout: Both of these beverages are rich and velvety on the tongue, with an opulent collection of dark tastes and smells. Chocolate, plum, and currant characters are balanced by peppers and herbs in Cabernet, and roasted malt in the Imperial Stout. In both instances, these characteristics create a bittersweet blend.