A Guide to Popular Craft Ales

Popular craft beer styles include India Pale Ales (IPAs), known for their hoppy bitterness; Stouts, which are dark, rich, and often have coffee or chocolate notes; and Sours, which are tart and refreshing. Other common styles are Pale Ales, which offer a more balanced hop and malt flavour than IPAs, and various lagers like Kolsch and Blonde ales which are crisp and clean.

 Pale Ales

• Pale Ale: Often seen as the quintessential craft beer, it's hoppy but balanced with malt, providing a clean finish. It's a great starting point for those new to craft beer.

• American Pale Ale: A foundational style that helped popularise the craft brewing movement in the US.

Hoppy Ales

• India Pale Ale (IPA): Characterised by a pronounced hop flavour that can be bitter and citrusy, spicy, or tropical.

• New England IPA (NEIPA): Hazy, less bitter, and often has a juicy, fruity character.

• Imperial/Double IPA: An even more aggressive and high-alcohol version of an IPA. 

Dark Ales

• Stout: A dark, roasted beer with robust flavours of coffee or chocolate and a creamy mouthfeel.

• Porter: Historically popular in England, this is a warming, full-bodied, and dark ale. 

Crisp and Refreshing Ales

• Kolsch: Crisp, clean, and easy-drinking styles that originated in Germany.

• Farmhouse: A Belgian-style ale that is often spicy, fruity, and refreshing. 

Other styles to try

• Sour Ale: A category of beers that are intentionally tart and funky.

• Barrel-Aged: Beers aged in wooden barrels (like bourbon or wine barrels) for added complexity and a stronger alcohol kick.

• Amber/Red Ale: Smooth and easy-to-drink, with a balance of malt and hops. 

How to Choose

• Consider the brewery: Research breweries that have a good reputation for consistent quality.

• Start simple: Begin with lighter-bodied styles like a Blonde or Pale Ale before moving on to more intense options like IPAs or Stouts.

• Try different styles: Don't be afraid to sample a variety to find what you like best.