What Is the Best Beer Style?

Beer snobs – well we prefer beer aficionados or beer connoisseurs, maybe even beer enthusiasts – are a tight-knit group and you will find few better ways to make a fast friend in one than by talking about the last great beer you had over a pint at your local pub. 

But inevitably, the question always comes up – what is your favorite beer style – which will inevitably become a “discussion” on what is the BEST beer style. Imagine grown men and women at a pub vociferously debating different beer styles and their pros and cons, shouting over the music, until it is decided that you are right and everyone else is wrong. I like to picture Billy Madison and his logical, albeit elementary shampoo versus conditioner debate in the bathtub. Besides, we all know shampoo is better.

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What Are the Different Styles of Beer?

Maybe the most beautiful thing about beer is that there are so many options and there really is something for everyone. I cannot count the number of times that someone has told me – I just don’t like beer. My response is always – no, you just haven’t found the right beer. No matter what kind of flavors you like, from fruits and spices to hops and smoky flavors, there is a beer for you out there somewhere. But where should you start?

Beers are divided into a duo of basic styles – ales and lagers – that much like Simon and Garfunkel or Hall and Oates, each delivers a different, yet similarly delicious alcoholic experience at the same party. Ales and lagers are defined by the type of yeast they use and the time and temperature at which they ferment. According to an article by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, some of the more common and popular beer styles you will find include – India Pale Ale (IPA), New England IPA, Imperial IPA, Pale Ale, Stout, Sour, Hefeweizen, Lager, Pilsener and Vienna Lager – and that is just the tip of the iceberg with more than 100 styles of beer, mead and cider available across the globe. Isn’t it a great time to be alive?

If you are new to the beer scene or just getting your beak wet, you are probably reeling from the amount of beer-related words that have just been injected into your brain tank. You’re welcome and don’t worry – we have all been there. Here is a quick summary of some of the most popular beer styles you will find and if you want more, here is a link to the Brewers Association Style Guidelines.

And the Winner Is…

After much deliberation and some thought – while I have a beer of course – I have decided that the next time someone asks me what the best style of beer is, I will stick with my standard answer. The wet kind. 

I love them all. And really, who gives a shit. From a good clean pilsener to a dark caramel stout, you really cannot go wrong. When it comes to beer, it is subjective and you love what you love and you drink what you want to drink – there is something for everyone in the beer world.

With that said – be prepared to defend your favorite beer style (possibly to the death) in your next barroom debate with friends and family – but bottom line, enjoy those beers together with friends and family. That’s the point. 

Until next time – Slainté from Hops and Thoughts!

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