Don’t worry about feeling overwhelmed by the variety of beer options available; we’ll guide you through it! In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 10 beer styles for beginners. These selections will introduce you to a range of flavours and help you find your new favourite brew.
Beer Styles for Beginners
1. Pale Ale
Pale Ale is a great starting point for beginners. It offers a balanced taste with a moderate hop flavour and a slightly malty backbone. It’s not too bitter, making it a pleasant choice for those new to beer tasting. Pale Ale is often fruity and refreshing, perfect for a casual drink.
2. Lager
Lager is one of the most popular beer styles for beginners. It’s crisp, clean, and refreshing. With a light body and mild flavour, lagers are easy to drink and widely available. Brands like Budweiser and Heineken fall into this category, making it an accessible choice.
3. Wheat Beer
It’s often hazy in appearance and has a smooth mouthfeel. The flavours of banana and clove are common in wheat beers, making them unique and enjoyable. They are perfect for those who prefer a softer taste.
4. Amber Ale
It has a rich, malty flavour with a hint of caramel and a balanced hop profile. The colour is darker than a Pale Ale but not as intense as a stout. Amber Ales are smooth and flavorful, ideal for someone exploring different beer styles.
5. Pilsner
Pilsner is a type of lager that originated in the Czech Republic. Pilsners have a slightly higher hop bitterness compared to regular lagers but remain easy to drink. They are perfect for hot summer days or pairing with a meal.
6. Blonde Ale
Blonde Ale is another excellent beer style for beginners. It’s light, easy-drinking, and has a subtle malt sweetness. The hop bitterness is low, making it a smooth and approachable beer.
7. Brown Ale
Brown Ale is a darker beer with a rich, nutty flavour. It’s not too heavy or bitter, making it an accessible choice for those new to darker beers. The maltiness and hints of caramel and chocolate provide a delightful taste experience. Brown Ales are great for a cozy evening drink.
8. Porter
Porter is a dark beer with a robust flavour profile. It has notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel, making it a treat for the taste buds. While it may seem intense, Porters are often smooth and not overly bitter. They are a great introduction to the world of dark beers.
9. Belgian Dubbel
Belgian Dubbel is a rich, dark beer with complex flavours. It has a sweet malt base with notes of dark fruit, such as plum and raisin. The carbonation is high, giving it a lively feel. Belgian Dubbels are a bit stronger in alcohol content but remain smooth and enjoyable for beginners.
10. Kölsch
This beer is light and crisp like a lager but has the subtle fruitiness typically found in ales, due to its warm fermentation and cold conditioning process. Kölsch is often pale in color and has a delicate hop bitterness that doesn’t overpower the taste. It’s refreshing and easy to drink, making it a fantastic choice for someone new to beer. With a slightly dry finish and a hint of malt sweetness, Kölsch pairs wonderfully with light dishes such as salads, seafood, and chicken.
Conclusion
Exploring different beer styles for beginners can be a fun and rewarding experience. By starting with these top 10 options, you’ll get a taste of the diverse world of beer without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, everyone’s palate is different, so try a few and see which ones you enjoy the most. Cheers to your beer journey!