A GUIDE TO PICKING THE BEST BEER FOR YOU
By Hilton Head Monthly
From lagers, to IPAs to pale ales, the variety of beers can be overwhelming. No fear. Here’s a handy guide to determine which suds are best for your taste.
Lager
Among the most popular beers for new drinkers, lagers are brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast. Lagers taste light and smooth and are not as bitter as some beers.
Brown Ale
Best known for its malty and slight hoppy flavor, brown ales have a dark color and are often chocolate and caramel flavored.
Pale Ale
A hoppy beer, pale ales can have a malty and bitter taste, with American ales tending to be more bitter than English pale ales. The history dates back to the 1700s.
IPA
There are many types of IPAs which are known for their hops and fruity flavor. A refreshing drink, IPAs vary in bitterness and citrus or fruit flavors.
Pilsner
Pilsner varieties include American, Belgian, Czech and German. Tastes range from sweet, bitter or light and smooth.
Wheat beer
Wheat beers use wheat as the main ingredient which leads to a light feel. Often paired with fruits such as oranges or limes.
Stout beer
Dark, stouts vary in flavor. Sweeter stouts low in bitterness are often from Ireland and England; American stouts have high malt flavors, with a coffee taste.
Porters
Porters are dark beers known for their dark malts. Generally similar to stouts, but porters are usually heartier and thicker.
Sour beer
Sour beers have a tart and acidic taste. Add fruits like cherry or raspberry. Pairs well with spicy foods.
