There are plenty of different options when it comes to beer styles and brewing. From light to dark and everything in between. Plenty of people don’t consider themselves beer lovers, or even beer drinkers. However, the truth is, if you really invest in trying different brews— you might just find a new favorite beverage. Take it from a reformed non-beer drinker… there is something out there for most. So, let’s take a tour of beer styles, your options, and good starting places for those few in your group which steer you away from the breweries every weekend.
Beer Styles: Reforming Non-Beer Drinkers Worldwide
Starting Light…
Lagers and Pilsners
When it comes to the ‘most manageable’ and easy drinking brews, most people turn to a lager or pilsner. Pilsners in particular are the kinds of beers you probably started on a didn’t realize it. For example, Bud Light is still the leading brand when it comes to beer sales, honing in on 15.4% of all 2017 beer sales across the market. That’s quite a lot when you consider just how many beer styles there are out there. In short, pilsners are the go-to for many. Some light lagers are Heineken, Budweiser, and Sapporo. Popular pilsners are Bud Light, Coors Light, and Victory Prima Pils if you wanna go a little more ‘craft’.
Ales
Ales are some of the most popular beer styles because they’re so versatile. From India pale ales, brown ales, pale ales, winter ales, summer ales, blonde ales, amber ales… There are so many different options when it comes to picking an ale. Furthermore, they really do go with any type of food; any type of weather. If you want a light, easy drinking ale for summer— Anchor Brewing blood orange blonde has been getting a lot of notoriety and 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon wheat ale has been a summer favorite for years now.
IPA’s
IPA’s seem to babe the dividing factor for many beer lovers and haters alike. No matter which side of the spectrum you fall on, you likely have your opinions about IPA’s. Some people revere them as ‘hipster beers that taste like dish soap’ and others go into bars and restaurants actively searching for the ‘hoppiest brew ya got on tap’. Hops have a bitter taste, and people tend to either love or hate them without there being an in between. For those who don’t love the idea of an IPA, but want to give them a try, check out Sweetwater IPA, Sierra Nevada tropical IPA, or anything really that offers a fruit of some sort in the name. If you’re looking for a hop explosion, check out Bell’s Two-Hearted, Stone Enjoy By IPA.
For the Non-Believer
I’ll admit, at one point I found myself well within this category. Quite honestly, the best starting point for me was in sour beers and Gose’s. These types of beer are brewed similar to a kombucha and tout some of the same cultures and bacterias. Very similar to IPA’s, many people fall on one side of the spectrum or the other. You either love them or hate them. But either way, you have an opinion. Check out Sam Adam’s raspberry lemon gose, westbrook rose (they have multiple variations to choose from), and Anderson Valley brine melon gose.
In short, there are so many types of beer out there in the world. Why avoid them altogether?
Whether you’re a beer lover or hater, I challenge you to try something new this weekend (in a safe space and with a designated driver). You never know, you might just find that one of these beer styles will become your go-to beverage. Because let’s face it… sometimes a gin and tonic doesn’t really hit the spot when enjoyed with your burger.