Whether you’re new to craft beer, or you’re an experienced beer connoisseur on the lookout for new flavors, this craft beer tasting guide will help you explore a broad range of beer styles and flavors. From English Bitter and India Pale Ale, to Fruit Beer and Belgian Ale, these styles and their flavor profiles will expand your knowledge, and maybe even spark interest in something new. Read on for a comprehensive guide to craft beer styles and the tasting notes to accompany them.
Discovering Delicious Craft Beers – Beginner’s Guide
Craft beer has exploded in recent years, offering flavoursome and innovative new sips perfect for every palate. Understandably, a newbie craft beer enthusiast can feel overwhelmed by the seemingly endless options. Whether you’re just starting your craft beer journey, or you’re just looking to try something new, here’s a beginner’s guide guaranteed to lead you to discovery.
The first step to discovering craft beer is to understand the different styles that exist. At the most basic level, you have your lagers and your ales. Lagers are made with bottom-fermenting yeasts, which create a crisp, light-coloured, low-alcohol beer. Ales, on the other hand, are made with top-fermenting yeasts, producing a more complex, flavourful, and higher-alcohol beer.
Diving further into the different styles, you’ll find a whole host of options, both classic and new. Here are some of the most popular craft beer styles:
- India Pale Ale (IPA)
- Sour Ale
- Saison
- Pilsner
- Pale Ale
- Stout
- Belgian Lager
- Wheat Beer
When exploring the world of craft beer, there are several elements to consider, helping ensure you find something you’ll enjoy. Firstly, look for the ABV content. Beers that are higher in ABV tend to be more robust in flavour, so if you gravitate towards strong flavours, look for options with an ABV of 6% or higher. Consider the colour, too. Multi-coloured or extremely dark beers often pack more of a flavour punch.
Finally, pay attention to the brewing process. Single-hopped craft beers are great for beginner drinkers since they only include one hop variety. Meanwhile, double-hopped beers contain two or more hop varieties, creating a complex blend of flavours.
Taste testing is hands-down the best way to explore the craft beer world. Whether you share a few samples with friends or join a local beer tasting group, you’re sure to discover something that will tickle your taste buds. With so many amazing craft beers to choose from, the possibilities are endless.
Q&A
Q: What should I look for in a craft beer tasting?
A: A good craft beer tasting should involve a careful examination of the beer’s appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. Take time to savor each sip, and make sure to take notes about what elements stand out.
Q: Is there a specific order I should follow when tasting a beer?
A: It can be helpful to start with lighter beers and work your way up to more intense styles. This helps you better appreciate the nuances of each style without overwhelming your palate.
Q: What are some common beer styles I should try?
A: Popular beer styles include India Pale Ale (IPA), Pale Ale, Stout, Pilsner, Lager, and Hefeweizen. Each style has its own unique flavor profile, making it important to take your time and really explore them.
Q: Is there a standard way to evaluate a beer’s quality?
A: Beer judges use specific criteria to evaluate a beer’s quality, including its clarity, balance, and overall character. Beer lovers can also use these categories as a way to appreciate the nuanced flavors of craft beer.
Learning about different styles of craft beer is an enjoyable exploration of the many flavors and aromas of beer. Whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur, there’s something interesting waiting to be discovered. With this craft beer tasting guide as your starting point, you can experience the captivating world of craft beer for yourself!
