So I'm running a beer seminar...

[Stevorino]

I've actually been to two parties like this (one as a guest, one as a host) and they were both fun as hell. Be sure to make sure everyone can get home safe though...people get drunk faster than you'd anticipate.

To throw some of my experiences out there:
1) Going from light to dark styles is a must (as it looks like you are accomodating that fairly well).
2) Anchor Steam & Sam Smith's Lager were the big favorites last time
3) When we do it, everyone just brings 6 different bottles of beer of their choosing (1 of each)-- usually you can find a store (Like 'Total Wine') that sells beer bottles individually. Although, I like pitching in money just as much cause you can use your expertise to make sure you don't get any crappy beers that people pick for a funny name or label.

Enjoy-- the first party I went to like this is what started my love for beer and eventually homebrewing!

 

[srm775]

Wit ... you'd have to go with the classic hoegarrden. although I think the seasonal for two brothers is a wit (monastery white), but I'm not sure.

do you have an alt or kolsch? One of those would be good, since alt beer is the most dominent beer in Germany.

 

[leghorn]

Given you're in Illinois, you should be able to get Bell's beers, right? I would recommend the Two Hearted Ale as an IPA - it's midwestern and a great representation of the balance of malt and hops for an IPA style.

Everytime I compare it to another American IPA, it wins hands down for me and my friends.

 

[Sir Humpsalot]

Given you're in Illinois, you should be able to get Bell's beers, right? I would recommend the Two Hearted Ale as an IPA - it's midwestern and a great representation of the balance of malt and hops for an IPA style.

Everytime I compare it to another American IPA, it wins hands down for me and my friends.

Bell's had a falling out with their illinois distributor. They will be distributing again under the Kalamazoo Brewery(?) label, but as of yet, I have not had a sighting of any such thing.

 

[srm775]

Bell's had a falling out with their illinois distributor. They will be distributing again under the Kalamazoo Brewery(?) label, but as of yet, I have not had a sighting of any such thing.

I know you can get it on tap at John's Buffet and Chef Paul's ... not sure about in bottles though.

 

[cclloyd]

Looks like a great line up and I like the idea - if it's available in your area another American IPA that is really good is Mojo from Boulder Brewing.

 

[chthonik]

You need a Wit for the Belgians!

Oh, I see now someone beat me to it.

Hoegaarden is the obvious candidate, Blanche de Bruxelles is good...

 

[Sir Humpsalot]

Woohoo... wow. Haven't had a night like that in awhile. It was fun. I also learned a few lessons.

We got a late start due a few factors that were out of my control. We made it through well more than half the beers which was pretty good though by the end it was getting difficult to taste much of anything. When I saw the goal would not be reached, I started picking and choosing from the shelves of beer, selecting things that had more flavor, that might cut through the buzz.

It was cool, everybody had a good time, and there's still some beers left for another night, so I'm thinking folks will be invited back over.

If I had to do it over again, I'd limit the beers to one country or one group of styles (i.e., "Summer Beers"). Then, if folks want more than that, they can select from a couple of micros or HB...