So You Only Drink Light Beers?
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Posted: March 6, 2007
Categories: General, Microbrew, Macrobrew, Beer Styles, Craft Beer
Tags: Lager, Ale, Switch to Craft Beer
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Do you know someone who will only drink macrobrewery light beers? A person who no matter what the occasion or situation will choose Bud, Miller, or Coors? These folks are all over the place and there are a variety of reasons why these people may be so hesitant to take the leap and try some different beers. These reasons may include:
- These beers are cheap and one can get a large amount of beer for a small price
- They have a consistent flavor and drinkers know exactly what they are getting
- They are simple, perfect for people who simply don’t enjoy complex malt and hop flavors
For those people out there who have trouble experiencing the delights that craft beers can provide, here are a few logical tips that can guide you through the shock of your taste buds receiving good beer.
Step 1: Take it slow with lighter lagers
The first step to beginning your journey is to take it slow. If you are not familiar with complex beers, I do not suggest jumping right into a stout or a porter. The way to start your immersion into the bright new world of craft beer is to take small steps and gradually increase your pallet to detect the deliciousness present in craft beers.
The first step up from a macrobrew light lager — a microbrewery pilsner or light lager.
These beers have a light body, but will start to introduce a drinkers taste buds to slightly more flavors and aroma. Suggestions:
Step 2: Medium body lagers
The second step is a medium bodied lager. Now we get a bigger body along with more hops and malt to introduce the taste buds to the sweetness from malts and to hop bitterness. Suggestions:
Step 3: The switch to ales
The third and maybe hardest step is the switch to Ales. This is when your new microbrew will taste the full hop flavor that some beers have to offer and the bitterness is usually an immediate turn-off. It is hard for me to recommend ales that are not loaded with hops because these are my personal favorite. Suggestions:
Now some of you out there might think I am a complete idiot for recommending some of these beers, but I am merely trying to suggest a few styles of beer in these categories which will acclimate a new craft beer drinker to the scene. I realize that there are better beers out there and maybe beers that represent these vague genres more fully than those which I have listed.
Nevertheless, if you are new to the game, take it slow and remember to go through as many different styles as you can. Most beers are either ales or lagers and these are very basic examples of such. There are more varieties of beer styles than most can even imagine.
I’d suggest staying away from very dark beers until you have gone through a few simpler lagers and ales and found out what styles suit your fancy. The beers I have listed will give you some idea of flavors that are out there, but this article does not even touch the cusp of the variety of American and European beers which can tingle your taste buds and open up a whole new realm of beer enjoyment. As always, HAPPY TASTING!
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I think Prima Pils is probably too bitter and too hoppy for beginners. The standard Victory Lager seems to me to be a far better entry-level beer. It’s clean and balanced.