Little Rooster Liquors is pleased to offer patrons a wide selection of the world's beers. We stock the big six brands, of course, but we're also constantly bringing in new brews from every corner of the globe. If you've encountered a favorite in your travels, please let us know and we'll try to stock it. We also have a variety of kegs on hand and can special order others.


According to The Beer Lover's Rating Guide, in 1873 there were more than 4,000 different breweries in the United States, the most ever. One hundred years ago, there were about 2,000. By a decade or so ago, six major brewers dominated the U.S. beer scene. The big guys still dominate, but beer drinkers need not despair - the birth of microbreweries and imports has ensured that more brands and varieties of beer are readily available to aficionados in America than at any time in our history.

What is beer? The short answer is water, malt, hops and yeast, all natural ingredients that combine magically to create a beverage that's been around since at least 6000 BC. The different properties of the ingredients and the proportions and ways they are combined yield distinctions among beers. Temperatures during processing, techniques of filtering, storing and shipping all contribute to the taste a particular brew achieves.

Beer and food The answer is yes. Let your taste buds be your guide. Unlike wine ("white with fish and poultry"), beer imposes no rules of thumb on diners. The only rule that's universally observed seems to be "experiment and enjoy."

Ales — Ales tend to contain more alcohol than lagers, and their taste is often heavier than lagers. There are eight or nine subcategories of ales, including pale ales, brown ales, golden ales and bitters. Ales are "top fermented," made with yeast that's sprinkled on top of the brew, while lagers are "bottom fermented."

Microbrews — In order for a beer to be considered a microbrew, the brewery may only produce up to 15,000 barrels or 465,000 gallons a year. Microbrews are known for their unique taste. They also tend to use fewer preservatives.

We carry a number of microbrews, many made right here in Connecticut. Hammer and Nail, Shipyard, Gritty's, Sierra Nevada, Anchor Steam, Long Trail, Buzzard's Bay, Catamount, Pete's Wicked, Sam Adams, Saranac, Magic Hat, Old Brown Dog, New Amsterdam, Hop Devil, and more are always available.

Lager — Lagers are aged much longer than ales, usually six to eight weeks. They are usually lighter in color and taste than ales and are drunk colder, about 40 to 45 degrees, compared to ales at 50 to 55 degrees. Pilsners, bocks and ambers all are members of the lager family.

Specialty beer — Brewers love to experiment. They add everything from chili peppers to smoke or honey to their brews. The success of these experiments depends on one's individual taste buds. The Little Rooster stocks single cans of many different specialty beers, enabling our friends to try something entirely new at a very modest cost.

Kegs – in stock, in both 1/4 and 1/2 barrels, and occasionally in 1/6 barrels (logs). We specialize in helping to plan your parties and can special order almost any keg. We also always have tubs, taps, and ice available.

Links –
www.allaboutbeer.com
www.beeradvocate.com

 Beer do's and don'ts
Clean glasses only. Soap residue or other contamination can spoil the taste of any beer.
Pour down the side of the glass. Who wants a mouthful of foam and flat tasting beer?

 

With thanks to The Beer Lover's Rating Guide, a collection of more than 1,200 listings from around the world.