The Ultimate Guide to Craft Beer Styles

Craft beer has exploded in popularity over the years, offering a massive variety of styles to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of craft brews, knowing the different styles can help you find the perfect pour. Here’s a simple guide to some of the most popular craft beer styles and what makes them unique.

1. Lagers vs. Ales – The Basics

Before diving into specific styles, it helps to know the two main beer categories: lagers and ales. The difference? It all comes down to yeast and fermentation temperature. Ales are fermented at warmer temperatures, giving them more complex flavors, while lagers ferment at cooler temperatures, resulting in crisp and smooth flavors.

2. Pale Ales – The Gateway Craft Beer

Pale ales are a great starting point if you’re new to craft beer. They are well-balanced, with a mild hop presence and a slightly malty backbone. American Pale Ales (APAs) tend to have a citrusy and piney hop profile, while English Pale Ales lean more toward caramel and biscuit flavors.

3. IPAs – The Hop Lover’s Dream

If you love bold, hoppy flavors, India Pale Ales (IPAs) are for you. IPAs range from citrusy and tropical to earthy and piney, depending on the hops used.

West Coast IPAs – Bold, bitter, and piney.

New England IPAs (NEIPAs) – Juicy, hazy, and packed with tropical fruit flavors.

Session IPAs – Lower in alcohol but still packed with hoppy goodness.

4. Stouts & Porters – Dark, Rich, and Roasty

For those who enjoy deep, roasty flavors, stouts and porters are excellent choices. Stouts tend to have rich coffee and chocolate notes, while porters are slightly lighter with a balance of roasted malts and subtle sweetness. Milk stouts have a creamy, smooth body due to the addition of lactose, while imperial stouts are higher in alcohol and bolder in flavor.

5. Lagers – Crisp and Refreshing

Lagers are known for their clean, refreshing taste.

Pilsners – Light, crisp, and slightly hoppy.

Helles Lagers – A smooth, slightly malty German-style lager.

Dark Lagers – Malty and slightly sweet with caramel notes.

6. Wheat Beers – Light and Easy-Drinking

Wheat beers are smooth and refreshing, often with hints of fruit and spice.

Hefeweizen – A German wheat beer with banana and clove flavors.

Belgian Witbier – Light, citrusy, and brewed with spices like coriander and orange peel.

American Wheat Ale – Less spicy, with a mild hop character.

7. Sours – Tart and Unique

Sour beers offer a completely different experience, with tart, fruity, and funky flavors.

Gose – Light, salty, and refreshing.

Berliner Weisse – Tart and low in alcohol, often served with fruit syrups.

Lambic & Wild Ales – Fermented with wild yeast, creating complex funky flavors.

Find Your Favorite

With so many styles to explore, the best way to find your favorite is to check out our incredible selection at Boones. We have over 55 cooler doors stocked with an insanely extensive craft beer collection, ensuring you’ll always find something new to enjoy. Cheers!