No matter which of the 2,700 beers you try at the Great American Beer Festival, rest assured that your taste buds will be in for one hell of a ride. GABF is a three-day symphony: earthy tones will harmonize with floral flavors, spicy hops will mix with subtle fruits, velvety bodies will dance with layered malts.

Delicious, sure, but a weekend of appreciating fine art and music can be exhausting. Sometimes you’d rather put on a “Call Me Maybe” than a Tchaikovsky masterpiece. The same goes for beer. We've all got our favorites go-tos that may be slightly embarrassing to show to our craft-beer friends. 

Geoff Van Dyke, Deputy Editor 

What: Pabst Blue Ribbon When: After a couple of Dale's, Avery IPAs or Odell Reds. Why? Grab it on sale when it is $18 for a 30-pack (to ensure you’re never in danger of running out).

Natasha Gardner, Senior Editor/Digital Editor

What: Red Stripe When: In the middle of winter when it’s especially cold outside. Why: It’s like a Jamaican vacation in a bottle, but it hard to say if the brew is good or if I'm just nostalgic for the Caribbean.

Lindsey B. Koehler, Features Editor

What: Heineken When: At creepy little dive bars. Why: It’s skunky and tastes a little like old socks, but a bottle of it is perfect when you are at a place where you don’t trust what’s coming out of the tap. 

Lindsey R. McKissick, Editorial Assistant

What: Coors Banquet When: Sporting events, especially Rockies games. Why: It is better than most light beer options. 

Chris Outcalt, Assistant Editor

What: Genesee Cream Ale When: The need for a cheap yellow beer arises. Why: It is a hometown favorite back in upstate New York.

Jeff Panis, Systems Administrator

What: Bud Light Lime When: Summertime. Why: Because the wife drinks it.

Sean Parsons, Art & Photo Assistant

What: PBR When: Summertime, but not with guests over. Why: Beer is beer, right?

Daliah Singer, Assistant Editor

What: Keystone Light When: Looking for cheap beer at the store. Why: College was only three years ago!

Those are the beers we like to drink when no one’s looking. What are yours? Sound off in the comments below. 

—Image courtesy of Shutterstock