10 Essential Microbrew Styles You Need to Try This Year
Are you a beer lover looking to explore the fantastic world of microbrews? Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your craft beer journey, there’s no better time than now to dive into unique and flavorful microbrew styles. In this post, we’ll cover 10 essential microbrew styles you need to try this year, giving you the insights and recommendations to enhance your tasting experience.
What Are Microbrews?
Before diving into the different styles, let’s clarify what microbrews are. Microbreweries are small, independent breweries that focus on crafting unique and high-quality beers. They often emphasize experimental flavors and techniques, which sets them apart from larger, mass-produced beer brands. With that in mind, let’s explore our top ten essential microbrew styles!
1. India Pale Ale (IPA)
Unique Flavors and Hoppy Bliss
India Pale Ales (IPAs) are perhaps the most popular microbrew style. Known for their hoppy bitterness and vibrant flavor profiles, IPAs often feature fruity and citrusy notes. This style comes in various sub-styles like New England IPAs, which are known for their juicy and hazy appearance. If you’re exploring microbrews this year, try a local IPA to experience the rush of hops paired beautifully with a hint of sweetness.
2. Stout
Rich and Roasty Goodness
Stouts are dark beers with rich flavors, often featuring notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. The most famous stout is probably the Irish Dry Stout, but microbreweries often offer a range of options, from Imperial Stouts to Milk Stouts, each with its own unique twist. A good stout is perfect for colder months, providing a comforting drink that warms you up.
3. Pale Ale
Balanced and Approachable
Pale Ales are a classic style that balances malt sweetness with hop bitterness. They are versatile and easy to drink, making them a great starting point for anyone new to microbrews. Pale Ales often showcase floral and citrus aromas, which make each sip enjoyable. Many microbreweries offer their versions of this beloved style, so don’t hesitate to sample a few!
4. Wheat Beer
Refreshing and Light
Wheat beers stand out for their light, refreshing qualities and often hazy appearance. Styles like Hefeweizen and Witbier use wheat as a significant part of their grain bill, contributing to their smooth mouthfeel. These beers often include fruity and spicy notes, making them perfect for warm weather. When you’re looking for a thirst-quencher, a wheat beer is a must-try.
5. Sour Ale
Tart and Intriguing
Sour ales are gaining popularity among craft beer enthusiasts for their unique taste and refreshing tartness. Microbreweries use various fermentation techniques to create these beers, leading to complex flavors that can range from fruity to funky. Look for Berliner Weisse or Gose for lighter options, or an Oud Bruin if you prefer something richer. Trying a sour ale can be a fun adventure for your taste buds!
6. Saison
Farmhouse Style Delight
Saison, also known as farmhouse ale, is a Belgian style characterized by its complex aromas and dry finish. Traditionally brewed in the winter months and consumed in summer, Saisons offer fruity, spicy, and herbal notes, often with a hint of funkiness. This microbrew style is perfect for warm summer nights, making it a fantastic choice when you want to savor something special.
7. Amber Ale
A Sweet, Malty Experience
Amber Ales are known for their malty backbone and balanced flavors, often bringing caramel sweetness to the forefront. They can include a moderate amount of hops, giving them a pleasing bitterness that complements the malt. If you appreciate a well-rounded beer that isn’t too heavy or too hoppy, then amber ales are one of the 10 essential microbrew styles you need to try this year.
8. Barleywine
Bold and Intense
Barleywines are strong ales that pack a punch—both in alcohol content and flavor. They are rich, malty, and often sweet, showcasing notes of toffee and dark fruit. While they can be enjoyed fresh, aging them for a few months allows the flavors to develop further. A barleywine makes for a perfect sipping beer, especially as a dessert pairing with rich chocolate or dark fruit dishes.
9. Porter
Smooth and Supple
Porters are dark, rich beers that offer flavors of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee. They’re often considered a bridge between stouts and lighter beers. With various families within this style, such as Baltic Porters and Robust Porters, there’s enough variety to keep you intrigued. If you love a smooth, satisfying beer, porters are definitely worth adding to your list.
10. Cream Ale
Easy-Drinking and Creamy
Cream ales are light, smooth, and often made with a combination of ale and lager yeast. This style is clean and refreshing, making it an excellent choice for those new to the craft beer scene. If you’re looking for a microbrew to enjoy on a sunny day, consider grabbing a cream ale. Its easy-drinking nature can appeal to many, making it a great introduction to microbrews.
Conclusion
Exploring the world of craft beer can be an exciting adventure, especially when you know the 10 essential microbrew styles you need to try this year. With a mix of bold flavors, refreshing tones, and unique profiles, these styles provide an excellent foundation for both new and experienced beer drinkers. So, head to your local microbrewery, chat with the staff, and don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. Cheers to delicious discoveries ahead!
