V-Day Date Beers

Happy Valentine's Day! As this saccharine-sweet holiday (or Singles Appreciation Day, if you prefer) rears its head, couples are clamoring for romantic plans while singles and casual daters are simply trying to let the day pass without a hitch. Why stress? It's just a day. So to give you a little peace of mind on this hectic day of love, we offer a few V-Day dating scenarios and their perfect beer remedies.

1. The Situation: Strictly Business
   The Solution: Kuhnhenn 4th Dementia Ale

   13.5% ABV

   Let's be honest: you and your date just met recently, and you're not looking for anything serious... but you also don't want to be alone on Valentine's Day. Why not ease the small talk and awkward early-relationship moments with a strong ale? Kuhnhenn's 4th Dementia has a warm toffee/toasted marshmallow aroma and sweet caramel malt flavor to liven the mood - plus a 13.5% ABV to get rid of all those pesky inhibitions.

2. The Situation: Candlelit Dinner
   The Solution: Jester King Brewery - Le Petit Prince Farmhouse Table Beer

   @jesterkingbeer | 2.8% ABV

   So the candles are lit, a three-course meal is all set to go, and you're spending a romantic evening with the person you love. However, wine, the usual key player in a romantic evening, is not a requirement. Table beer is designed for just that: drinking at the table. With a low ABV and light flavor, you can enjoy Jester King's table beer with a nice meal without feeling full and drunk before the entrees come around. The floral notes make this a great pairing for lighter meats, like fish and chicken.

3. The Situation: Sporting Event
   The Solution: Broughton Ales - Old Jock

   6.7% ABV

   When you and your loved one are both sports fans and your favorite team is playing out of town, buy a bunch of snacks and watch it on TV! The setting's more intimate, and the beer and food are definitely cheaper than any arena fare. Broughton actually named this robust ale after Scottish soldiers, but its strong body and bitterness are great add-ons to your cheer squad.

4. The Situation: Wingman Worries
   The Solution: Skookum Brewing - Amber's Hot Friend

   5.1% ABV

   So your best friend and his girlfriend have a friend in town, and she doesn't want to be the third wheel. As blind dates tend to go, this could turn out to be a match made in heaven or a stage in hookup hell. Let's hope the date's as good as the beer, a fiery amber ale with a voluptuous malt body.

5. The Situation: Longtime Lovers
   The Solution: Murray's Craft Brewing Co. - Anniversary Ale

   @murraysbrewing | 15% ABV

   Cliche as it may be, thousands of couples seal the deal on Cupid's big day. Murray's Anniversary Ale recipe changes a little every year but, like your love, only gets better with age. Treated to extensive oak barrel aging and packaged in champagne bottles, it combines 5 different Belgian yeast strains for a distinctive taste that can be stored for 5-10 years. Besides, it has a 15% ABV - perfect for the couple that likes to spend every anniversary pretending it's the first date.

6. The Situation: Evening Stroll
   The Solution: Hawai'i Nui Brewing - Sunset Amber Ale

   @hawaiinuibrew | 5.45% ABV

   Maybe you couldn't go on vacation this holiday. Maybe you already live in a vacation spot, so the beach is nearby. Either way, nothing compares to a long stroll at sunset, whether along the sand or imagined while viewing said sunset from a well-positioned window. Medium-bodied and slightly sweet, the Sunset ale will give you a clambake/beach party feeling - even if you're just having barbecue takeout in your apartment.

What's your dating situation this year?