A Starter's Selection of Craft Beer Styles

You go to a liquor store or a brewery, and you see the different types of craft beer they sell, you think of trying one but stop yourself because you heard from someone how a beer is really bitter or how a hard drink would be better. But while the world of beer may look daunting with options like Lagers, Pale Ales, Saisons, Sours, etc., I am bringing five craft beer styles for beginners. India is just starting to see a boom in craft beer but there are still a lot of people who are new to the scene. Let me help you make better decisions:

WHEAT BEER

The first beer I recommend is a Wheat beer. Wheat beers are typically low in bitterness and have a lot of flavor. They can be either German, Belgian, or American. German Wheat beers are known for their banana and clove flavors, while Belgian wheat beers have orange and coriander notes. American wheat beers are a bit more neutral in flavor, but they still have a nice character.

AMBER ALE or RED ALE

The second beer I recommend is an Amber ale or a Red ale. These beers are maltier than wheat beers and have a slightly sweet flavor. They're not super bitter, but they do have some caramel notes. Amber ales are typically made with caramel malts, while red ales are made with some roasted malts, which gives them a darker color and a more complex flavor profile.

BLONDE ALE

The third beer I recommend is a blonde ale. Blonde ales are the most neutral of the beers on this list. They have a slight hop character and a subtle flavor. They're a great choice for a hot summer day or for someone who is new to craft beer and wants to try something that's not too overwhelming.

BELGIAN SAISON

The fourth beer I recommend is a Belgian Saison. Saisons are known for their fruity, spicy, and peppery flavors. They're also typically low in bitterness. The color of a saison can range from straw yellow to dark brown, and each variation has its own unique flavor profile.

SESSION IPA or SESSION PALE ALE

The fifth and final beer I recommend is a session IPA or session Pale Ale. These beers are lower in alcohol content than regular IPAs or pale ales, but they still have a lot of hop flavor. The hops are what give IPAs and pale ales their aroma and bitterness, so a session IPA or pale ale is a great way to experience the hoppy flavor of these beers without being overwhelmed by the alcohol content and the bitterness.

These are just a few of the many great styles of craft beers out there. If you're new to craft beer, I encourage you to try a few of these beers and see which ones you like the best. Once you get started, do try the different styles unique at the place you visit, you'll be amazed at the variety of flavors and styles that are available.

Share this list with your friends to help them make an informed choice the next time they visit a brewery or are just confused on what to start with. Let me know in the comments which style of beer you loved and where? Cheers!