If you think you don’t like beer, you’re probably right — about the beers you’ve tried so far. The fix isn’t a lecture on beer styles. The fix is ordering by flavor (crisp, juicy, smooth, tart, low bitterness) and taking small, guided steps instead of gambling on a full pint. At Garth’s Brew Bar (1726 Monroe Street), our team is Cicerone Certified Beer Server–trained, and we’re built for discovery: rotating taps, a big cooler of cans and bottles, and an “it’s totally normal to not know what you want” vibe.
Quick takeaway
If you “don’t like beer,” start with what you do like (coffee, lemonade, citrus, wine, sparkling water) and name what you want to avoid (usually bitterness or booziness). Then order a small flight that moves through one or two flavor lanes instead of four random styles. The goal isn’t to become a beer expert — it’s to find one beer you genuinely enjoy, plus one backup option you’d happily drink again.
Step 1: Decide what you’re actually reacting to
Most “I don’t like beer” statements are secretly one of these:
1) “I don’t like bitterness.”
Totally fair. Bitter beer can feel sharp, lingering, or medicinal if it’s not your thing.
2) “I don’t like heavy.”
Some beers feel thick, sweet, or filling. That’s not a character flaw — it’s preference.
3) “Everything tastes the same to me.”
That usually means you haven’t tried a wide enough range of flavors (or you tried them in a weird order).
4) “I just want something refreshing.”
Great. That’s a flavor goal, not a beer problem.
Once you know which one you are, ordering gets simple fast. The Garth’s Brew Bar team is ready to help.
Step 2: Use flavor lanes (not style names)
Here’s the only “beer knowledge” you need:
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Crisp + clean → refreshing, light, bright finish
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Juicy + bright → citrus/tropical vibes, softer bite
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Smooth + roasty → coffee/chocolate/toasty notes (not automatically heavy)
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Tart + lively → bright and tangy (only if you like that lane)
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Low bitterness → the safe lane for a lot of beginners
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Non-alcoholic → still want the bar treat? We have nitro cold brew coffee and nitro tea on tap
At Garth’s Brew Bar we have 18 taps (16 beer + 2 NA nitro options) and 95+ cans/bottles, so you can usually find a lane that fits without forcing it. And, of course, our team is ready to guide you and commit to finding you a beverage you can enjoy.
Recommendation logic: “If you like X, try Y”
Use this to order in one sentence.
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If you like sparkling water / light wine / crisp cocktails → ask for crisp + clean
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If you like orange juice / citrus candy / tropical fruit → ask for juicy + bright (and request softer bitterness)
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If you like coffee / dark chocolate / toasted flavors → ask for smooth + roasty, not heavy
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If you like lemonade / tart drinks → ask for tart + lively
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If you hate bitterness → say “low bitterness” out loud (it’s a cheat code)
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If you’re not drinking alcohol → ask for nitro coffee or nitro tea
Step 3: Ask for the “Flavor Finder” flight
If you want one go-to order that works even on your first visit:
The Flavor Finder Flight (4 pours)
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Crisp + clean (reset)
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Low bitterness (your safety lane)
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Juicy OR smooth (pick based on what you like: citrus vs coffee)
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Wildcard (only if you’re curious — otherwise repeat your favorite lane)
Step 4: Taste the right way (so you actually learn something)
You only need three quick questions:
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Do I like the first impression? (yes/no)
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What’s the finish like? It’s that experience after you swallow. (clean / bitter / sweet / tart / roasty)
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Would I want a full pint of this? (yes/no)
That’s it. Those answers let a beertender steer you to the next right pour immediately.
By the way, you’re always welcome to ask a beertender to sample anything from tap!
“But I really don’t like beer…” — cool. You still have options.
Not every night needs alcohol.
If you want the bar vibe without drinking:
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Nitro cold brew coffee on tap
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Nitro tea on tap
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THC offerings
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Additional NA options may be available depending on what’s stocked
You can still hang, play games, join trivia, and enjoy the space without forcing yourself into a drink you don’t want.
If you think you don’t like beer, start by ordering by flavor instead of beer style names. Ask for something crisp and clean if you want refreshing, something juicy and bright if you like citrus, or something smooth and roasty if you like coffee and chocolate notes—then be specific if you want low bitterness. A small guided flight (crisp → low bitterness → one new lane) helps you find a “yes” beer without gambling on a full pint. At a good craft beer bar, the staff can translate normal human preferences into the right pour in under a minute.
FAQs
What’s the best beer for someone who doesn’t like beer?
Start with crisp + clean or low bitterness options. Then branch into juicy (citrus) or smooth/roasty (coffee-like) based on what you already enjoy.
I hate bitter beer — what should I say?
Say: “Low bitterness, please.” Then name one drink you like (coffee, lemonade, wine, sparkling water).
Do I need to know beer styles to order a good flight?
No. Ordering by flavor (crisp, juicy, smooth, tart, low bitterness) is usually easier and more accurate.
What’s a good beginner flight?
Crisp + clean → low bitterness → juicy or smooth/roasty. Add a wildcard only if you’re curious.
What if I don’t want alcohol?
You can still have a great bar stop. We have nitro coffee and nitro tea on tap, plus other NA options may be available depending on what’s stocked.
Is a craft beer bar still fun if I’m picky?
Yes — “picky” just means you have preferences. That’s exactly what guided tasting is for.
How do I figure out what I like quickly?
Answer two questions after each sip: How’s the finish? and Would I drink a full pint? That’s enough to steer the next pick.
Where are you located on Monroe Street?
1726 Monroe Street, Madison WI, across from Orange Tree Imports, about a block from Trader Joe’s.
Low-pressure next step
Next time you’re in, try this exact line:
“I don’t like bitter beer. I usually like ___ — can you build me a small flight that stays in that lane?”
That’s all we need.
