Place the beans in a large pot, and cover them with water by at least 6 inches, and soak overnight.
Cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove and reserve. Drain all but 3 tablespoons of bacon fat from pan, and add in the onions. Cook until softened. Add in the garlic and seasonings, and cook until fragrant, about a minute more.
Drain the beans, and add fresh water back to pot, covering the beans by 2 inches. Add in the bacon, onion mixture, and the beer. Cook, covered, over medium to medium-high heat until they are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 2 1/2 hours.