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High beer versus high wine: which suits you?
More and more often, groups of friends, colleagues and couples opt for a cosy high beer or high wine. Both arrangements combine drinks with a selection of matching snacks, but the atmosphere and experience differ. What best suits your preferences and occasion?
What is a high beer?
With a high beer, everything revolves around speciality beers. You are often served three to five different beers, from light blondes to dark stouts, combined with hearty savoury snacks. Think sliders, bitterballen, artisanal cheeses, cured sausage or even pulled pork nachos. The high beer is ideal for anyone who enjoys a more robust taste experience and an informal setting.
The atmosphere is usually more relaxed than with a high wine. Beer lovers among themselves are happy to exchange opinions about hop varieties, the finish or the alcohol percentage. The setting is often a pub, brewery or cosy restaurant with a no-nonsense character.
Want to try a nice venue? Then take a look at a high beer in Amersfoort for a pleasant afternoon with friends.
What is a high wine?
The high wine offers a more refined experience. Here it is all about three to four carefully selected wines – red, white, rosé or sparkling – which are paired with luxurious nibbles. Think bruschetta with truffle tapenade, carpaccio, goat’s cheese with honey or a selection of charcuterie and olives.
The atmosphere is usually a little more chic. Ideal for an afternoon catching up with girlfriends, a romantic date or a birthday surprise. The ambience is often a bit more elegant, think of a wine bar, hotel or bistro with stylish service and an eye for detail.
A high wine is also perfect for people who want to learn more about wine and food pairings, but in an accessible way.
When should you choose high beer?
A high beer is a great fit for people who like to experiment with new beers or enjoy a drink with character. It is the ideal choice for a birthday with friends, a hen or stag party or a team outing. People who are not really into wine will also feel more at home with a high beer.
In addition, it is often just a little more affordable than a high wine and therefore attractive for anyone looking for a relaxed outing without the formal setting.
When should you choose high wine?
A high wine is perfect if you are looking for a refined, peaceful afternoon. For example, with your mother, sister or friend on a Saturday afternoon. Romantic dates also lend themselves perfectly to a high wine: atmospheric, full of flavour and with plenty of room for personal conversations.
If you are curious about different types of wine or enjoy discovering new flavours without having to order an entire bottle straight away, this arrangement is an excellent choice.
Tips for choosing
- Know your group: Is it a trip with beer lovers or people who enjoy a glass of chardonnay on a terrace?
- Consider the time of day: A high wine often feels better in the afternoon or early evening, while a high beer also works perfectly later in the evening.
- Pay attention to the venue: Some places offer both. You can even decide on the spot whether you go for wine or beer.
- Check the menu in advance: Some high beers or high wines are fixed, others change per season or venue. Always ask about the current selection.
- Try something new: Are you used to wine? Go for a high beer with surprising beers for once. The same applies the other way round.
Where can you find the best venues?
The Netherlands has more and more places where you can go for a high beer or high wine. The choice is huge: from urban hotspots to atmospheric village cafés. You will find an overview of cosy high beer venues in all parts of the country, so there is always something nearby.
Whether you are team beer or team wine, one thing is certain: with both arrangements you get the most out of an afternoon of enjoyment.
