The Ultimate Guide to Morrisons Beer Value, Craft and Selection: Steer Clear of These Mistakes!
Morrisons, a cornerstone of British supermarkets, offers a surprisingly diverse and sometimes overwhelming selection of beer. From budget-friendly lagers to craft brews, navigating the beer aisle can be a minefield if you’re not careful. Many shoppers fall into common traps, resulting in disappointing purchases and missed opportunities. This guide highlights the most frequent mistakes people make when buying beer at Morrisons and provides actionable advice to ensure you always get the best value and flavor.
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Value Brands (and Overspending!)
One of the biggest errors is overlooking Morrisons’ own-brand beers. Often, these offer exceptional value for money, rivaling more expensive brands in taste and quality. Many assume that a higher price tag automatically equates to superior beer, but this isn’t always the case. Morrisons’ own-label lagers, ales, and even stouts can be surprisingly good. Taste test them! Don’t get stuck on big brands.
- The Fix: Actively seek out and try Morrisons’ own brands. Read reviews online or ask staff for recommendations. You might be surprised at what you discover.
- Pro Tip: Look for multi-buy deals on these value brands to maximize your savings.
Mistake #2: Falling for the Hype: Not Reading the Label
Craft beer marketing is a powerful force. Eye-catching labels and clever descriptions can easily sway your decision. However, don’t judge a beer solely by its cover. Many shoppers fail to read the label carefully, missing crucial information about the beer’s style, ABV (alcohol by volume), and ingredients.
- The Fix: Always read the label! Understand what you’re buying. Look for the beer style (IPA, stout, lager, etc.), ABV (affects strength and flavor), and any unusual ingredients that might influence the taste.
- Pro Tip: Use your smartphone to quickly research unfamiliar beer styles or ingredients while you’re in the store.
Mistake #3: Sticking to What You Know: Missing Out on Discovery
It’s easy to fall into a rut, always buying the same familiar beers. While comfort is nice, you’re missing out on a world of exciting flavors and styles. Morrisons regularly stocks new and seasonal beers, offering opportunities for discovery. Sticking to the same brands prevents you from expanding your palate and finding new favorites. Expand your beer horizons! You might like something new.
- The Fix: Dedicate each shopping trip to trying at least one new beer. Choose something you’ve never had before, even if it seems a little outside your comfort zone.
- Pro Tip: Start with a mixed pack if available. This allows you to sample a variety of styles without committing to a large quantity of any single beer.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Expiry Dates (and Drinking Stale Beer!)
Beer, like any other food product, has a shelf life. While it doesn’t necessarily ‘go bad’ in the same way as milk, it can become stale and lose its flavor over time. Many shoppers fail to check the expiry dates on beer bottles and cans, leading to a disappointing drinking experience.
- The Fix: Always check the ‘best before’ or ‘expiry’ date on beer packaging. Avoid buying beers that are nearing their expiration date, especially if they are heavily discounted (this could be a sign they’re not selling well because of their age).
- Pro Tip: Different beer styles have different shelf lives. Hoppy beers like IPAs tend to lose their flavor more quickly than darker beers like stouts.
Mistake #5: Not Considering Food Pairings
Beer isn’t just a beverage; it’s an accompaniment to food. Choosing the right beer can elevate your dining experience, while the wrong choice can clash and detract from the flavors. Many shoppers grab any beer without considering how it will pair with their meal.
- The Fix: Think about the food you’ll be eating and choose a beer that complements it. Lighter lagers pair well with salads and seafood, while richer ales and stouts go well with grilled meats and hearty dishes.
- Pro Tip: Many beer labels offer food pairing suggestions. You can also find plenty of resources online that provide guidance on beer and food pairings.
Mistake #6: Overlooking the Craft Beer Selection
Morrisons has significantly expanded its craft beer offerings in recent years, stocking a wide range of interesting and flavorful brews from independent breweries. However, some shoppers are unaware of this selection or intimidated by the unfamiliar names and styles. Don’t be afraid of the unknown! Craft beer is great.
- The Fix: Explore the craft beer section and be open to trying new things. Start with styles you’re already familiar with (e.g., if you like lagers, try a craft pilsner).
- Pro Tip: Look for beers from local breweries. This is a great way to support local businesses and discover unique flavors.
Mistake #7: Buying Based on Price Alone
While value is important, choosing beer solely based on price can be a mistake. The cheapest beer isn’t always the best option. Sometimes, it’s worth spending a little more to get a better-quality beer that you’ll truly enjoy. There’s a balance between cost and quality, find it!
- The Fix: Consider the overall value proposition, not just the price. Think about the beer’s flavor, quality, and how much you’ll enjoy drinking it.
- Pro Tip: Set a budget for your beer purchases and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending while still allowing you to explore different options.
Mistake #8: Not Checking for Deals and Promotions
Morrisons frequently runs deals and promotions on beer, offering significant discounts on selected brands and styles. Many shoppers miss out on these opportunities simply because they don’t bother to check. Promotions are your friend, seek them out.
- The Fix: Before you start shopping, check the Morrisons website or app for current deals and promotions. Look for signs in the beer aisle indicating special offers.
- Pro Tip: Sign up for the Morrisons More card to receive personalized offers and discounts on your favorite beers.
Mistake #9: Improper Storage After Purchase
How you store your beer after buying it can significantly impact its flavor. Leaving beer in a warm environment or exposing it to direct sunlight can cause it to skunk or develop off-flavors. Store your beer properly or risk a bad taste.
- The Fix: Store beer in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Refrigerate it for at least a few hours before drinking to chill it to the optimal temperature.
- Pro Tip: Different beer styles have different optimal serving temperatures. Lighter lagers are best served very cold, while darker ales and stouts are best enjoyed slightly warmer.
Mistake #10: Forgetting to Read Reviews
In today’s world, information is at our fingertips. Before purchasing a beer you have never tried, a quick search online can reveal reviews and ratings from other beer drinkers. This can save you from buying something you ultimately dislike. Reviews are golden, read them!
- The Fix: Before buying a new or unfamiliar beer, quickly search online for reviews on websites like BeerAdvocate or Untappd.
- Pro Tip: Pay attention to the reviewer’s tasting notes and compare them to your own preferences.
Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the best that Morrisons’ beer aisle has to offer. Remember to explore, read labels, consider food pairings, and take advantage of deals and promotions. Happy beer hunting!
For more in-depth information, you can, for example, read more here: The Ultimate Guide To Morrisons Beer Value Craft And Selection.
| Mistake | Solution | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ignoring Value Brands | Try Morrisons’ own brands | Save money without sacrificing quality |
| Not Reading Labels | Always read the label carefully | Understand the beer’s style, ABV, and ingredients |
| Sticking to What You Know | Try a new beer each shopping trip | Expand your palate and discover new favorites |
| Ignoring Expiry Dates | Check the ‘best before’ date | Avoid drinking stale beer |
| Not Considering Food Pairings | Choose beers that complement your meal | Enhance your dining experience |
| Overlooking Craft Beer | Explore the craft beer section | Discover interesting and flavorful brews |
| Buying Based on Price Alone | Consider overall value, not just price | Get better-quality beer that you’ll enjoy |
| Not Checking for Deals | Check Morrisons’ website/app | Save money on your beer purchases |
| Improper Storage | Store beer in a cool, dark place | Preserve the beer’s flavor |
| Forgetting to Read Reviews | Read online reviews before buying | Avoid buying beers you won’t like |
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if a beer is past its prime?
A: Check the ‘best before’ or ‘expiry’ date on the packaging. If the date has passed, the beer may have lost some of its flavor. Also, look for signs of oxidation, such as a cardboard-like taste or a loss of carbonation.
Q: What’s the best way to store beer at home?
A: Store beer in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. A basement or refrigerator is ideal. Avoid storing beer near heat sources, such as ovens or radiators.
Q: Are Morrisons’ own-brand beers any good?
A: Many of Morrisons’ own-brand beers offer excellent value for money and can be surprisingly good. It’s worth trying them to see if you like them. Read online reviews for specific recommendations.
