Category: Craft Beer Reviews

What are the best craft beers to try in the United States?

The best craft beers in the United States vary by style and region, but some consistently stand out for their flavor and quality. Exploring local breweries and popular styles can lead to discovering unique and highly-rated options that suit your palate.

Top-rated IPAs

India Pale Ales (IPAs) are among the most popular craft beer styles due to their hoppy flavors and aromas. Some highly regarded IPAs include Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing and Heady Topper from The Alchemist. When selecting an IPA, consider the balance of bitterness and aroma, as well as the alcohol content, which often ranges from 6% to 8% ABV.
Many breweries offer seasonal or limited-release IPAs, so keep an eye out for local favorites. Tasting flights can help you compare different IPAs and find your preferred style, whether you enjoy West Coast, New England, or Double IPAs.

Popular stouts

Stouts are rich, dark beers known for their roasted malt flavors and creamy textures. Notable examples include Guinness Draught and Founders Breakfast Stout, which showcase the variety within this style. When trying stouts, look for variations like oatmeal stouts or imperial stouts, which can offer different flavor profiles and alcohol levels, typically between 4% and 12% ABV.
Pairing stouts with desserts or hearty meals can enhance the tasting experience. Consider trying a chocolate stout with a rich dessert or a coffee stout alongside breakfast dishes for a delightful combination.

Unique sours

Sour beers are gaining popularity for their tart flavors and refreshing qualities. Styles like Berliner Weisse and Gose are excellent introductions to sour beers, while more adventurous options include barrel-aged sours. Notable breweries producing unique sours include Cantillon and The Bruery, known for their complex flavors and innovative brewing techniques.
When exploring sours, pay attention to the acidity and fruit additions, as these can significantly impact the taste. Many breweries offer tasting rooms where you can sample a variety of sours, making it easier to find one that suits your taste preferences.

How to choose craft beer for different occasions?

Choosing craft beer for different occasions involves considering the setting, food pairings, and the preferences of your guests. Light, refreshing beers work well for casual gatherings, while richer, more robust options suit colder months and festive events.

Beers for summer barbecues

For summer barbecues, opt for light and refreshing craft beers that complement grilled foods. Styles like pale ales, wheat beers, and lagers are popular choices, as they are easy to drink and pair well with burgers and hot dogs.
Consider beers with citrus or fruity notes, as they enhance the outdoor experience. A few examples include American wheat beers or session IPAs, which typically have lower alcohol content, making them perfect for warm weather enjoyment.

Beers for winter gatherings

During winter gatherings, richer and heartier craft beers are ideal. Look for stouts, porters, and Belgian ales that provide warmth and depth, pairing well with hearty dishes like stews and roasts.
Spiced or flavored beers can also add a festive touch, with options like winter ales featuring cinnamon or nutmeg. These beers not only complement the seasonal fare but also create a cozy atmosphere for your guests.

What are the flavor profiles of popular craft beers?

Popular craft beers exhibit a variety of flavor profiles that can be broadly categorized into distinct groups. Understanding these profiles helps consumers choose beers that match their taste preferences.

Citrusy and hoppy

Citrusy and hoppy flavors are often found in India Pale Ales (IPAs) and pale ales. These beers typically feature prominent hop varieties that impart bright, zesty notes of citrus fruits like grapefruit, orange, and lemon.
When selecting a citrusy and hoppy beer, look for terms like “West Coast IPA” or “New England IPA,” as these styles emphasize hop-forward characteristics. The bitterness from hops can range from moderate to intense, so consider your tolerance for bitterness when making a choice.

Malty and sweet

Malty and sweet flavors are common in styles such as stouts, porters, and amber ales. These beers often have rich, caramel, and toffee notes, resulting from the use of specialty malts during brewing.
When exploring malty and sweet options, consider beers labeled as “milk stout” or “brown ale,” which typically have a smoother, sweeter finish. The sweetness can balance out bitterness, making these beers approachable for those new to craft beer.

How does craft beer compare to mass-produced beer?

Craft beer typically emphasizes quality, flavor, and traditional brewing methods, while mass-produced beer often prioritizes consistency and cost-efficiency. This leads to distinct differences in taste, ingredients, and overall experience.

Quality and ingredients

Craft beer is usually made with high-quality ingredients, such as malted barley, hops, yeast, and water, often sourced locally. In contrast, mass-produced beer may use adjuncts like corn or rice to reduce costs and increase production efficiency.
Many craft breweries adhere to strict brewing standards, focusing on small-batch production, which allows for greater control over the brewing process. This results in a fresher product with fewer preservatives compared to mass-produced options.

Flavor diversity

Craft beer offers a wide range of flavors, styles, and aromas, reflecting the creativity of individual brewers. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, craft beers can showcase unique ingredients and brewing techniques that create distinct taste profiles.
Mass-produced beers, on the other hand, tend to have a more uniform flavor, often characterized by light, crisp profiles that appeal to a broader audience. This lack of variety can make them less exciting for those seeking new and adventurous tastes.

What are the best craft beer subscription services?

The best craft beer subscription services offer a curated selection of unique and high-quality beers delivered to your door. These services typically provide options for different tastes and preferences, allowing you to explore a variety of styles from local and international breweries.

Craft Beer Club

Craft Beer Club is a popular subscription service that focuses on delivering a selection of hard-to-find craft beers from small breweries across the United States. Each month, subscribers receive a box containing 12 beers, which includes a mix of styles like IPAs, stouts, and lagers.
When considering Craft Beer Club, note that they emphasize quality and variety, often featuring limited releases and seasonal brews. The subscription can be paused or canceled at any time, making it flexible for users who want to manage their beer intake.

Beer Advocate

Beer Advocate is not just a subscription service but also a community-driven platform that offers a variety of beer-related content, including reviews and ratings. Their subscription service allows members to receive curated selections based on their personal preferences and past ratings.
One of the advantages of Beer Advocate is its strong community aspect, where users can engage with other beer enthusiasts and share their experiences. This service often includes educational materials about beer styles and brewing processes, enhancing the overall experience for subscribers.

How to pair craft beer with food?

Pairing craft beer with food enhances both the flavors of the beer and the dish. Consider the beer’s profile—its bitterness, sweetness, and aroma—when selecting complementary foods.

Beer and cheese pairings

When pairing beer with cheese, focus on matching intensity and flavor profiles. For example, a hoppy IPA pairs well with sharp cheddar, while a rich stout complements creamy blue cheese. Experiment with different styles to find your favorite combinations.
Common pairings include a Belgian Dubbel with aged Gouda or a wheat beer with fresh mozzarella. Consider serving a flight of beers alongside a cheese platter to explore various tastes.

Beer and barbecue pairings

Barbecue dishes often feature bold flavors, making them ideal for pairing with craft beer. A smoky porter can enhance the taste of grilled meats, while a crisp lager cuts through the richness of barbecue sauce. Choose beers that balance or contrast the flavors of your meal.
For example, a pale ale works well with spicy ribs, while a fruity amber ale complements sweet barbecue chicken. Always consider the cooking method and seasoning when selecting your beer to create a harmonious dining experience.

What are the latest trends in craft beer?

The latest trends in craft beer highlight a growing focus on local breweries and innovative brewing techniques. These trends reflect consumer preferences for unique flavors and community engagement, shaping the craft beer landscape significantly.

Rise of local breweries

Local breweries are experiencing a surge in popularity as consumers increasingly seek out unique, regionally produced beers. This trend is driven by a desire to support local economies and enjoy fresh, distinctive flavors that reflect local ingredients.
Many craft beer enthusiasts appreciate the personal touch that local breweries offer, often featuring limited-edition brews and seasonal offerings. This connection to the community fosters loyalty and encourages breweries to experiment with new styles and flavors.

Innovative brewing techniques

Innovative brewing techniques are transforming the craft beer industry, with brewers adopting methods such as barrel-aging, dry hopping, and using unconventional ingredients. These techniques allow for a diverse range of flavors and aromas, appealing to adventurous drinkers.
For example, barrel-aging can impart complex flavors from the wood, while dry hopping enhances aroma without adding bitterness. Breweries are also experimenting with ingredients like fruit, spices, and even coffee, creating unique blends that stand out in a crowded market.