Who says you have to go out to get that perfect beer? If you have a beer bar at home, you can easily enjoy craft brews, lagers, stouts, and everything in between without even crossing the threshold of your house.

Not sure where to start? Our guide has got you covered.

1. Start With the Essentials: A Well-Planned Bar Area

We know you probably want to dive into the specifics of glassware and taps, and that’s great! But before you get started, you need an area where you can set up your beer bar. If you already have a space in mind, then you’re halfway there. But if you have no idea where to start, we’ve got a few tips to help make it work:

1. Pick the Right Location: You need a spot that you can get to easily but isn’t in the way. Great example locations can include a small section of your kitchen, a part of your dining room, or even a corner of your living room, if you can make it work!
2. Don’t Forget About Counter Space: You’ll need enough room to prepare your beer and set up your bar tools. You probably have your eye on a countertop, but a bar cart can work just as well. The main thing is to work with your existing space. A bar that takes up half your living room might not go down well with the rest of the household.
3. Seating for the Bar: Want to create a space that’s inviting? You need comfortable chairs to make it work. Choose bar tools that complement your space’s design. This bit’s up to you. You can go for something cool and modern, or maybe vintage is more your vibe.

Looking for more space or a different setup? You might need a different living location! It’s easy to find rooms for rent or roommates on SpareRoom who share your appreciation for beer.

2. Decide on the Glassware You Plan to Use

You’re a beer lover, so you probably already know the difference that glassware can make to your beer experience. Different types of beer need different glasses for a truly authentic experience, so this is something you definitely need to give a lot of thought to.

• Pint Glasses: These are probably the most common types you can get. Use them for everyday beers like lagers, pale ales, and IPAs. They can usually hold up to 16 ounces of the good stuff, but you’ll still need a high-quality glass that feels like it belongs in your hand.
• Tulip Glasses: We love these glasses for stronger beers like IPAs, stouts, and Belgian ales. Their style is in the name: a beautiful curve that concentrates the beer’s aroma, making it taste all the better.
• Weizenbier Glasses: Are you a wheat beer drinker, like Hefeweizens? Then you’ll likely need a tall, curvy glass. This type of glassware is designed to keep the bubbles intact.
• Steins: If you’re a fan of German lagers, you’ll want a traditional beer stein in your bar. They’re thick, heavy, and often made of ceramic for serious beer holding. They can hold up to a liter of beer and are perfect for any Oktoberfest-style gathering.

Here’s a tip: Once you’ve washed your glasses, store them upside down to stop the inside from getting dusty.

3. You Need a High-Quality Beer Fridge

You need to store your beer properly if you want to preserve the flavor of your brews. We recommend investing in a good beer fridge, especially if you plan on keeping a variety of craft beers that you need to store at a specific temperature.

• Temperature Control: Need a guide? We recommend storing most beers between 45-55°F (7-13°C). If you own a fridge that has an adjustable temperature setting, then that’s even better! You can adjust it depending on which type of beer you’re storing.
• Size and Layout: How much beer do you actually plan to store? If you’re a serious beer collector or you like to host large gatherings and parties, we recommend a full-size fridge. But if you have a smaller collection, you’ll likely only need a compact beer fridge. Whatever your choice, you need a fridge with plenty of shelf space to separate your beers by type.

4. Set Up a Beer Tap System

If you want to make your home bar feel truly authentic, the perfect addition is a tap. Marvel in the wonder of pouring fresh beer right from your keg. Not sure where to start? Here’s what you need to know:

• Start By Choosing Your System: There are two main types of beer tap systems: kegerators and draft towers. Kegerators are types of beer fridges with a tap system, which means you can store and pour from kegs. But if you’re looking for a more traditional setup, you may want a draft tower instead. With this, you can install taps on your bar or countertop.
• Kegs: You can get kegs in a range of different sizes, but the most common are 5-gallon (half-barrel) and 2.5-gallon (quarter-barrel).
• CO2 Tank: This pressurizes the kegs and dispenses beer from the tap.
• Beer Line and Faucet: The beer line carries beer from the keg to the faucet. The higher the quality of the faucet, the smoother and more consistent the pours.

5. Stock Your Bar

The best home bars will reflect your love for variety. Stock your bar with a wide range of beers – especially the ones you love most. Here’s how to build the perfect collection:

• Craft Beers: Local craft breweries or exotic brews from around the world will make your beer bar so much more interesting.
• Popular Styles: Pale ales, IPAs, stouts, and lagers never go out of style. These are must-haves if you plan to host beer parties.
• Seasonal Beers: We’re talking pumpkin ales in the fall or summer lagers.
• Ageable Beers: Beers like barrel-aged stouts and Belgian ales only get better as they age. We recommend setting aside a few bottles that you can open in the future on a special occasion.

6. Keep Your Bar Clean

An organized bar looks clean and professional. Get creative! Make use of shelving and racks to keep your beer collection neat and easy to access. Make sure to wipe down your surfaces regularly and clean your glassware so everything is ready to go when you’re in need of a beer.

Conclusion

If you’re a beer lover, you can easily build your own home bar. It gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy a glass of beautifully brewed beer on an evening or host a party of fellow beer lovers. We’ve broken everything down in our guide above, giving you the perfect starting place. You’ll be kicking back and relaxing with a cold glass of beer in no time!