Top Ten Beer Styles You Must Try This Year

Introduction

Welcome to the fizzy world of craft beer brought to you by Brewspedia! These days, beer isn’t just a drink—it’s almost a revolution. Craft breweries are popping up everywhere like mushrooms after rain, and they’re creating tons of beer styles. There’s no better time to explore the colorful world of hops, barley, and creative flavors. So, get ready as we share the top ten beer styles you must try this year.

1. IPA (India Pale Ale)

The IPA is like the rock star of the beer world. It started back in the 19th century in England and got its name because it was brewed to last on long sea voyages to India. IPAs are known for being hoppy and bitter with a high alcohol content. There are many kinds, from the piney West Coast IPAs to the juicy New England IPAs and strong Double IPAs. Try some iconic ones like Stone IPA, Lagunitas IPA, and Tree House’s Julius.

2. Stout

Stouts are dark and creamy, with flavors that remind you of coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt. You’ve probably heard of Guinness, but there’s more! Try the rich Imperial Stouts, creamy Oatmeal Stouts, and sweet Milk Stouts. Some great ones are Founders Breakfast Stout, Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout, and North Coast’s Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout.

3. Sours

Sour beers might make you pucker up like sour candy. They’re made with wild yeast and bacteria, giving them a tangy taste. Popular sour types include Berliner Weisse, Gose, and Lambic. If you’re new to sours, try Rodenbach Grand Cru, Westbrook Gose, or Cantillon Rosé de Gambrinus.

4. Pilsner

Pilsners come from Pilsen in the Czech Republic. They’re like the plain white tee of beers—classic and dependable. Pilsners can be crisp like a German Pilsner, balanced like a Czech Pilsner or bold like an American Pilsner. Try Pilsner Urquell, Victory Brewing’s Prima Pils, or Bitburger Pils.

5. Saison

Saison is a farmhouse ale full of fruity and spicy flavors. It started in the fields of Belgium and has a peppery taste. Try Saison Dupont, Ommegang Hennepin, or Boulevard’s Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale.

6. Porter

Porters have roasted malt flavors similar to stouts. They’re great for a chilly evening or anytime! Try Fuller’s London Porter, Smuttynose Robust Porter, or Sinebrychoff Porter.

7. Belgian Dubbel

Belgian Dubbels are sweet ales with flavors like dark fruits and caramel. Enjoy them by a fire with some cheese. Look for Westmalle Dubbel, Chimay Red, or Affligem Dubbel.

8. Wheat Beer

Wheat beers are smooth and refreshing, with citrusy flavors. They often have a hint of banana or clove. Check out Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, Hoegaarden White, or Bell’s Oberon Ale.

9. Barleywine

Barleywines are strong beers with high alcohol content and flavors of toffee and fruit. They’re perfect for cold nights. Try Sierra Nevada Bigfoot, Anchor Old Foghorn, or J.W. Lees Harvest Ale.

10. Amber Ale

Amber Ales balance malt and hops with a malty backbone. They offer tasty notes of caramel. Try Bell’s Amber Ale, Rogue American Amber Ale, or Kilkenny Irish Ale.

Conclusion

The world of beer is waiting for you with lots of flavors. Whether you love hoppy, dark, tangy, or smooth beers, there’s something new to try. Visit your local brewery, go to a beer festival, or have a beer tasting night at home. Before you know it, you’ll have favorites and stories to share.

Let us know what you think! Which beers are you excited to try, and which ones left you speechless?

Additional Resources

• Connect with others on Untappd and BeerAdvocate.
• Try pairing IPAs with spicy dishes, stouts with rich desserts, and sours with fresh goat cheese salads.
• Look out for local beer festivals and events like “Oktoberfest” or “The Great American Beer Festival.”

Happy sipping, beer lovers! May your glass always be full and your heart happy! 🍻